BDO guides ABN Cleanroom Technology with international growth trajectory

The name ABN Cleanroom Technology probably doesn’t ring a bell. But that’s normal, as this company from Munsterbilzen in Limburg operates in a niche sector with a core business of developing and constructing cleanrooms. Various life science and high-tech companies - from hospitals to microelectronics manufacturers - rely on ABN Cleanroom Technology's expertise and solutions.

The company was founded in 1996 by Rosaline Wijnen and Jo Nelissen. Over the past few years, the founders and their team have had many prestigious projects. Foreign customers also easily find their way to Munsterbilzen By means of example: almost 80% of ABN Cleanroom Technology's turnover is realised outside our national borders. Rosaline and Jo explain how BDO supports them on their way to international business success.

Cleanroom: what's in a name?

“A cleanroom is a sterile, dust-free room with the perfect temperature and humidity to make extremely critical products,” Jo explains. “For example for the production of vaccines, computer chips, micro-electronics or medicines. With ABN Cleanroom Technology, we build a box in an existing environment. Flooring, building ceilings, walls, close pumps, ventilators and filters… with the aim of achieving the desired climate. In this environment, our customers can safely place their research or production equipment.”

Creating ecosystems

Rosaline and Jo’s goal is to make these complex high-tech products as accessible as possible. “One way we do this is by offering pre-designed cleanroom solutions, complemented by a Cleanroom-as-a-Service approach,” says Rosaline. “At the same time, we are constantly looking for new partners to create more awareness about our sector. After all, by thinking in ecosystems, we can join forces and make better investments pay. For example for the application of cleanrooms for Industry 4.0 and even already 5.0."

Expert support

When the entrepreneurial duo wanted to take over a Dutch sector peer in 2017, this was the starting signal for a collaboration with Hasselt's BDO Belgium team. “Through our network in Limburg, we knew Hans Wilmots, the previous CEO of the consultancy company,” says Jo. “During this acquisition, we received excellent guidance from the BDO experts. A structured approach with fixed contact persons ensured that certain sensitivities and bottlenecks during the acquisition were always addressed quickly. We became very well attuned to each other.”

Versatile experts

Today, Rosaline and Jo continue to expand their business internationally. “The fact that BDO is active in so many different countries is a major plus point. This cross-border expertise offers us a lot of added value, especially when you combine it with the multidisciplinary approach for which the consultancy is known. From tax advice to cybersecurity guidance: the BDO team is really versatile!”

Proactive communication

When asked how the cooperation with BDO can be described in a few keywords, Rosaline and Jo replied: “Quick to respond, a proactive approach, a warm personal contact and always easily accessible. With every question, we can always turn to Alexi Vangerven, Partner at BDO. As business owner, he is our dream sparring partner, because he not only shares his expert with us, but also - if necessary - puts us in touch with other BDO colleagues, both in Belgium and internationally. This way, we can go full throttle in our further expansion plans to put cleanroom technology on the map!”