We are pleased to announce that Dr. Herrmann GmbH & Co. KG will become part of the IFO / QUBUS Group in July 2026. This merger will allow us to pool our expertise and strengthen our joint service portfolio in surface technology – with real added value for our customers and partners. 

For Dr. Herrmann's customers, everything will remain as they know it: familiar contact persons, proven quality, and the independent working methods of the laboratory will be retained in full. The traditional powder symposium will also continue – from 2027 under the leadership of the IFO / QUBUS Group. We look forward to further developing this established event together and continuing its success story. 

The merger is a clear signal of continuity, reliability, and sustainability in an industry characterised by technological development and a high focus on quality. 

We are delighted to have been officially awarded the BSFZ seal for research-active companies. The BSFZ thus confirms that IFO GmbH implements eligible development projects, thereby strengthening its research and development expertise. 

As the central testing agency in Germany for research allowances, the BSFZ audits companies within the framework of the Research Allowance Act. The award underscores our commitment to progress and quality in Germany, to actively promoting technological innovations, and to developing forward-looking solutions. 

Since June 2023, the BSFZ seal has been open to companies and offers partner and customers transparent guidance on a company's innovative strength and research activities.

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our IAS certification renewal. 

Along with the renewal, we were able to extend our scope with the following nine new test methods for our laboratory in Dubai: 

1. ASTM E112 – Standard Test Method for Determination of Average Grain Size 
2. ASTM G69 – Standard Method for Measurement of Corrosion Potentials of Aluminium Alloys
3. ISO 2178 – Non-Magnetic Coatings on Magnetic Substrates 
4. ISO 6270-1 – Part 1: Single Side Condensation
5. ISO 12944-6 – Part 6: Corrosion Protection of Steel Structures by Protective Paint Systems 
6. ISO 12944-9 – Part 9: Protective Paint Systems for Offshore and Related Structures 
7. ISO 16474-3 – Accelerated Weathering of Paints 
8. ISO 2808 Method 6A – Determination of Film Thickness 
9. Wet Adhesion Test – As per QCT 

In addition to our ISO 17025 accreditation, the IAS (International Accreditation Service) accreditation confirms our laboratory as an independent and internationally recognized testing laboratory. 

Mr. Azeem Khan, a highly valued member of our company, has been appointed as the General Manager of our Dubai branch. Over the years, Mr. Khan has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise, leadership, and dedication, significantly contributing to the growth and success of our organization. "I am confident that he will continue to drive the success of our Dubai branch and take it to new heights in this exciting new role." said Marc Holz Management Director of IFO Germany at the appointment in Dubai. We look forward to achieving great things together on this journey ahead.

The testing laboratory of the IFO Institut für Oberflächentechnik in Dubai/UAE successfully passed the audit procedure of the International Accreditation Service (IAS) in November this year and is now officially IAS-certified.

In addition to the ISO 17025 accreditation, this certification confirms our laboratory as an independent and internationally recognized testing laboratory.

IAS certification ensures the accuracy and reliability of measurement and test results and promotes the development of new measurement technologies and methods as well as the standardization of measurement and test procedures.

Please find further information in the press release.

Highway bridge closed! - The closure of a highway bridge can have far-reaching consequences: longer travel times and considerable economic damage. Numerous steel structures are system-relevant and require regular inspections in order to detect damage at an early stage and prevent total failure.

These inspections are carried out by certified specialists who have been tested in accordance with FROSIO, NACE and DINCertco standards. The requirements for professional suitability are also regulated by the emerging ISO 24959.

We are delighted that our colleagues, Oliver Bögler and Stefan Merger, have successfully completed their training as FROSIO inspectors at SLV Duisburg and, thanks to their professional experience, have directly achieved Expert Level III. Congratulations! Both now complete our international team of qualified inspectors according to NACE, FROSIO and DINCertco.

We were recently awarded at the first-ever Emirates Labour Market participation Award in the Establishments Category which was granted to entities that stood out for implementing best practices in human resources, across all award criteria.

Last Friday, the IFO team invited to the opening ceremony of the testing laboratory in Dubai. Despite the heat, numerous guests came to the celebration to see the newly designed laboratory premises. The customers present were impressed by the testing options that are now available on site. The new testing centre, which is easily accessible for customers in the Middle East, not only offers a wide range of laboratory tests, but also expert knowledge. Our engineers help in cases of damage, support in troubleshooting and accompany in remediation methods.

IFO offers expert knowledge and services around surface technology in Germany, the Netherlands, China and now also in the UAE.