What started as a bold step in a single-family home has grown into a leading technology company in sensor integration. On October 11, 2025, Sentech will celebrate its 25th anniversary. A milestone that not only makes us proud but also grateful, because it began with one decision that truly made a difference for customers. And we continue to do so today.
In 2000, Marcel worked for a sensor supplier that sold two product lines to a competitor. The competitor immediately declared the products obsolete and replaced them with their own sensors. Customers had to adapt their machines, which led to great frustration. Marcel thought: this needs to be different; customers shouldn't have to suffer for this. He arranged direct delivery from the original manufacturers and let customers know they could come to him for their trusted sensors. Together with his wife Birgit, he started Sentech, from their home.
This building made way for an office building in ‘s-Hertogenbosch in 2001. In the following years, there were four more moves, to different locations in Nieuwkuijk.
Sensor integration as a specialization
Soon, the demand arose for more than just delivering sensors. Customers wanted customizations: a different connector, better integration into their machine, advice on integration. This is where Sentech's DNA was formed: we solve sensor challenges that cannot be solved with a standard sensor. With our knowledge of sensor technology and the application, we develop a suitable solution, often plug-and-play, that precisely meets the customer's requirements. We have since grown into a one-stop-shop, even taking responsibility for the entire supply chain. This way, we unburden our customers from start to finish.
From certification to more complex sensor solutions
Our perception of quality underwent significant development. In 2001, we obtained ISO 9001 certification. In 2008, we followed this with IATF 16949 certification, a stringent standard for the automotive sector. Thanks to this standard, we can also solve the most complex sensor challenges.
Our approach grew with technological advancements. In 2016, Sentech established its own Engineering department, allowing us to develop proprietary sensor solutions that are not yet on the market. This includes chip integration or applying radar technology in agricultural applications.
In early 2024, we moved into our new premises at Klompenmaker in Nieuwkuijk, right off the A59. A great step, as it significantly increased our space: 400 m² of production space and a high-end 240 m² cleanroom.
On to the future
After 25 years, our passion for technology is as strong as it was on day one. And just like then, we believe in building long-term relationships. With clients, partners, and colleagues.
We are broadening our foundation now. At Sentech, we are working on a larger plan where we will integrate motion and control solutions alongside sensors. We are doing this together with our sister company Zilvertron, with whom we are joining forces to offer customers even more complete solutions.
Without the trust, commitment, and collaboration of everyone around us, our growth would not have been possible. We are truly grateful for that. Here's to the next 25 years of smart innovations, strong collaborations, and technology that makes a difference.
Timeline: View Sentech's Milestones
Elias van Wijk has started as CEO of Sentech. With his international experience and strong focus on growth, we are ready for a new chapter in our development.
Elias brings a proven track record in achieving growth and leading technological organizations both domestically and internationally. His background in successful mergers and acquisitions aligns well with our ambitions.
Elias van Wijk is looking forward to his new role and sees plenty of opportunities to further strengthen Sentech: “Together with the team, I want to set the course towards a leading position in integrated sensor solutions in Northwestern Europe. Customer value, technological progress, and sustainable relationships will be central to this. I am convinced that with this focus, we can make a long-term impact.”
Part of the Techwell Group
With this change, we are also taking steps at the group level. Sentech is part of the Techwell Group, which also includes Zilvertron. Within this group, we focus on integrated sensor, motion, and control solutions for OEMs in sectors such as medical & robotics, defense & heavy vehicles, semicon, agrotechnology & aquahorticulture, and intralogistics. Elias van Wijk is also appointed as CEO of the Techwell Group.
After many years of successful collaboration, sensor specialist Sentech and drive technology expert Zilvertron are making their business relationship official on May 1, 2024. Together, they will continue to build on their shared goal: to offer customers a total solution.
Synergy is the keyword in the strategic collaboration between Sentech and Zilvertron: both strongly believe in the 1+1=3 principle of their collaboration. Together, they can serve their customers more broadly in motion solutions, and that is precisely the question Marco Leeggangers, Sentech's Chief Business Development Officer, increasingly hears from the market: ’But then you don't want to collaborate with just anyone. It has to be a company with the same vision.' That's why the search for suitable partners began a few years ago. Smile Invest stepped in as a financially strong partner and offers significant added value with its expertise in (international) growth for Sentech's ambitions.
Same standards and values
Now Zilvertron is joining, a specialized supplier of drive technology with engineering capabilities, who, like Sentech, puts the customer first. And, like Sentech, goes the extra mile in serving its customers, for example, when a new product is introduced at their facility. Leeggangers: ‘We sit at the table with our clients and brainstorm solutions with them. We are not a distributor who pushes a box to the customer, but we integrate the necessary technology ourselves with our own engineering department for seamless implementation. Zilvertron has the same way of working. That's why this is such a good match.’
It's not just the visions that meet: the expertise of Sentech and Zilvertron, sensors and drive technology respectively, are both needed for a good motion solution. In their new form, they will offer their customers totally integrated motion solutions.
No big changes
With both Sentech and Zilvertron, the customer has always come first. From this perspective, the optimal details of this collaboration naturally fall into place, explains René Jansen, director at Zilvertron: ‘No new contracts, so no new logos, names, or contact persons, no hassle. But even more possibilities.’ The companies will retain their own identities and will form a group as of May 1st through the acquisition of all Zilvertron shares.
Future plans
So, no major changes on the horizon for the newly-techs for now. But when it comes to the long-term vision, there are indeed big dreams: together, they want to continue growing into a total technology provider. A journey that, if it's up to them, will take them abroad.
If you want to work according to high quality standards, ISO 9001 is sometimes not sufficient. That is why the automotive industry developed IATF 16949. With this quality standard, you develop a reliable and durable end product.
Automotive companies like to work with manufacturers that comply with IATF standards. For example, in 2009, the collaboration with DAF prompted Sentech to obtain an IATF certificate.
Certification
In 2021, IATF introduced changes to the standard. As a result, Sentech decided to continue working according to the standard, but not renew the certification.
Therefore, after twelve years, our IATF certification will expire on July 9, 2021. If customers require IATF certification again, we will discuss the possibility of recertifying.
Maintain quality with high quality standards
The core tools and processes – originating from IATF certification – have been interwoven for twelve years our method. In 5 phases, we identify risks in a timely manner and make them manageable. This is how we guarantee the quality of the end product. After not renewing the certification, we will continue to work according to these high quality standards.
Continuously developing and optimizing our processes, as well as developing our employees, remains an important theme. We do this in addition to our ISO 9001 certification, which remains in effect.
What does working according to IATF 16949 standards look like?
For industries like automotive, ISO 9001 is not sufficient. They go a step further and work with IATF 16949.
This high-quality standard also ensures a reliable and durable end product in your market. In addition, you can fully adapt the process to your quality needs.
Discover what IATF means and how you can applied on your project.