Retec Instruments
Retec Instruments is a Belgian specialist distributor, founded 1992, that sources and configures industrial level, pressure, flow, and temperature measurement instruments from over 20 manufacturers for Benelux industrial customers, supported by expert application engineering and on-site service.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersGentbrugge, Belgium
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Retec Instruments does
Retec Instruments is a privately held Belgian specialist distributor of industrial measurement instrumentation, headquartered in Gentbrugge (Ghent area) and founded in 1992. The company sources, configures, and supports measurement instruments for level, pressure, flow, and temperature detection across solids, liquids, and gases, representing more than 20 international manufacturer brands including UWT (its 30+ year flagship partner for which it ranks as global #1 distributor), WIKA, KEM, PR Electronics, Klay Instruments, Isoil, Katronic, Kubler, Flowline, Hammer IMS, Optris, and others. Its core value proposition is brand-independent application engineering: rather than acting as a volume box-mover, Retec assembles instruments from multiple manufacturers into tailored, application-specific solutions, supported by on-site technical service, repair, configuration, and quotes within 24 hours.
The business operates a sales-led go-to-market anchored by specialized Sales & System Engineers who provide pre-sales consultation, on-site installation support, and long-after-installation technical service across the Benelux region (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), with regional coverage spanning Flemish Brabant, East/West Flanders, Antwerp, Limburg, Wallonia, and Luxembourg. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of configured measurement instruments and transmitters, supplemented by technical services, on-site measurements, and rental of portable instruments (e.g., Katflow clamp-on flowmeters). Customer segments are diversified across industrial manufacturing, food and beverage, plastics and rubber extrusion, water and wastewater treatment, pharmaceutical/chemical, mining, and government research — with named enterprise accounts including Bekaert, Wavin, MSD/Merck, Sibelco, and Belgosuc alongside SME customers. Marketing is conducted via a bilingual Dutch/French website, periodic newsletters, trade show participation, and direct expert consultation, with no app, no public API, no software platform, and no disclosed AI/ML capability.
Retec Instruments firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Retec Instruments
- Legal name
- Retec Instruments
- Website
- https://retec.be
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Retec Instruments is a Belgian specialist distributor, founded 1992, that sources and configures industrial level, pressure, flow, and temperature measurement instruments from over 20 manufacturers for Benelux industrial customers, supported by expert application engineering and on-site service.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Retec Instruments is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gentbrugge
- HQ country
- Belgium
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Retec Instruments business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Industrial Measurement Instrument Distribution: Retec distributes industrial measurement instruments (level, pressure, flow, temperature sensors and transmitters) from multiple manufacturer brands. Revenue is generated through the sale of physical instruments, configuration, and associated technical services including installation support and on-site measurements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom instrument configuration and quotation |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Retec Instruments product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Retec Instruments distributes and custom-configures industrial measurement instruments for level, pressure, flow, and temperature detection across solids, liquids, and gases. The company represents more than 20 international manufacturer brands, combines their products into application-specific solutions for industrial customers in the Benelux market, and provides expert technical consultation, on-site support, and after-installation service.
Product overview
Retec Instruments is a Belgian industrial measurement instrumentation distributor offering a comprehensive portfolio of measurement solutions organized around five core product categories: level measurement (niveaumeting), pressure measurement (drukmeting), flow measurement (debietmeting), temperature measurement (temperatuur), and signal conditioning/display. The company serves as distributor for over 20 international brands including UWT (radar, capacitive, rotating paddle, and vibrating fork level detectors), WIKA (pressure/temperature/level instrumentation), PR Electronics (signal conditioning), KEM (flow meters), Klay Instruments (pressure transmitters), Isoil (electromagnetic flow meters), Katronic (ultrasonic flow meters), Hammer IMS (millimeterwave thickness measurement), Calex (infrared temperature), API (ultrasonic detectors), Flowline (compact ultrasonic), ATMI (float devices), Terwin (melt pressure sensors), STS (Swiss pressure sensors), Mütec (humidity/flow for bulk solids), Nivelco (level solutions), Huba Control (Swiss pressure sensors), Kubler (magnetic level indicators), and Optris (infrared cameras). The product portfolio enables measurement and detection of solids, liquids, gases across industrial applications including food, chemical, water, plastics/rubber, and pharmaceutical industries. Retec's own offerings combine these distributed brands into customized measurement solutions tailored to specific customer applications, supported by technical consulting and after-installation service.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- NivoRadar 7100/7200 FMCW 80 GHz radar level measurement device for liquids with ATEX certification, measuring ranges up to 8-15 meters with precision of ±2mm (NR7200) or ±5mm (NR7100) and Bluetooth programming.
- Rotonivo (RN3/RN6) Rotating paddle detector for level detection of solid materials, operating from -40°C to 1,100°C with process pressures from -1 to 10 bars and modular extension lengths from 90mm to 10,000mm; ATEX, IEC-Ex, EHEDG, FDA, and FM/CSA certified.
- Capanivo 4000 Capacitive level detector for solid materials with pre-calibration, 4 preset trigger levels, and ActiveShield technology preventing errors from buildup; lengths up to 6m and temperatures from -40°C to 180°C; ATEX and IEC-Ex certified.
- Capanivo 7000 Capacitive level detector for liquids, suitable for sticky, viscous, and foaming liquids and interface measurements; features Tip Sensitivity protection against buildup and PVDF construction for chemical resistance; ATEX, FM/CSA, FDA, and WHG certified.
- Echopod U06 Reflective ultrasonic level sensor for liquids with condensation, featuring PVDF corrosion-resistant transducer with IP68 rating, measurement range 20cm to 12m, ±0.2% accuracy, automatic temperature compensation, and patented Reflective Technology where condensation drains from the transducer surface via gravity.
- MS2500 Electromagnetic Flow Meter Flanged electromagnetic flow meter for general-purpose applications with nominal diameters from DN 25 to DN 2000, flow rates up to 113,000 m³/h, and MID-001/MID-004 certificates for custody transfer and WRAS certification for drinking water.
- Marveloc Falcon Millimeterwave-based thickness measurement system developed by Hammer IMS, offering a non-radioactive alternative to nuclear measurement technology for industrial applications in plastics, paper, construction materials, and additive manufacturing.
- UWT Brand Portfolio Complete UWT level measurement and detection solutions including Rotonivo rotating paddles, Capanivo capacitive detectors, NivoRadar radar devices, Vibranivo vibrating forks, Mononivo, RFnivo, and Nivoswitch/Nivobob plumb bob systems for solids and liquids.
- WIKA Products WIKA pressure, temperature, and level measurement instrumentation with over 50 million devices deployed in more than 100 countries, distributed by Retec with continuity of production and fast reactivity even for single-unit orders.
- PR Electronics Products PR Electronics industrial signal conditioning and process control electronics with over 40 years of market experience and a 5-year warranty, distributed by Retec in Belgium since June 2019.
- KEM Flow Meters High-quality German flow measurement technology from KEM, established 1965, specializing in reliable mass flow meters and mechanical flow meters with focus on quality and precision.
- Klay Instruments Pressure Transmitters Dutch Klay pressure transmitters with unique flush-diaphragm technology, laser-welded construction, direct temperature compensation, and over 30 standard connection options; includes the 2000-SAN hygienic series for food, dairy, and pharmaceutical applications.
- Isoil Electromagnetic Flow Meters Isoil European electromagnetic flow meters including MS2500 flanged general-purpose models and sanitary versions for the food industry, with multiple certifications and competitive pricing.
- Katronic Ultrasonic Flow Meters Katronic ultrasonic flow meters including the portable Katflow clamp-on series used by Retec for on-site flow measurement services and rental across industries.
- Kubler Level Indicators Kubler magnetic level indicators (bypass), level switches, and level transmitters for liquids, with 40+ years of market leadership, used in petrochemistry, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and thermal oil applications.
- Terwin Melt Pressure Sensors Terwin melt pressure sensors from the UK since 1974, the only UK melt pressure sensor manufacturer, serving extrusion lines for cables, profiles, packaging, films, coating, wire, medical, and food extrusion.
- Flowline Ultrasonic Instruments Flowline compact ultrasonic level measurement instruments for the chemical industry and water applications, featuring the smallest blind spot in the market and patented straight-beam technology in the Echopod ultrasonic level sensor series.
- API Ultrasonic Level Detectors API high-tech Danish ultrasonic level detectors for sophisticated applications in oil and gas, food and pharmaceutical, water and waste treatment, paper, and offshore industries.
- ATMI Float Devices French ATMI pear-shaped float level switches with 40+ years of experience, 20 device types and 50+ versions for level regulation and detection in liquid and solid mixtures; biconic shape avoids clogging.
- Calex Infrared Temperature Sensors Calex UK-based non-contact infrared temperature measurement sensors and AC/DC power conversion since 1973, ISO 9001 certified with ATEX, IECEx, and TIIS certifications for intrinsically safe ExTemp sensors.
- STS Pressure Sensors STS Swiss industrial pressure sensors and hydrostatic level sensors with focus on uncompromising precision and quality, with guiding principles of commitment to development, connection, and simplification.
- Huba Control Pressure Sensors Huba Control Swiss pressure switches, pressure sensors, pressure transmitters, and flow sensors from 1mbar to 1000bar for OEM and process instrumentation with 60+ years of manufacturing experience.
- Nivelco Level Solutions Nivelco Hungarian level, content, flow, and temperature sensors with 30+ years of experience, the number one Eastern European level measurement brand with 3-year standard warranty and world leadership in ultrasonic level measurement.
- Mütec Flow and Humidity Meters Mütec German online moisture measurement and online flow measurement systems for bulk solids since 1970, providing complete solutions for energy savings, cost control, quality control, and quantity control.
- Hammer IMS Thickness Measurement Hammer IMS Belgian spin-off from KU Leuven ESAT-MICAS developing disruptive millimeterwave-based thickness measurement technology as a non-radioactive alternative to nuclear technology.
- Optris Infrared Cameras and Pyrometers Optris German infrared cameras and pyrometers for precise non-contact temperature measurement in industrial and research environments, with 20+ years of experience and resistance to high ambient temperatures.
Quantifiable outcome
- 25 Klay pressure transmitters in production at Belgosuc operating reliably for up to 10 years with maintained accuracy
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Retec Instruments
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Retec Instruments technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Retec Instruments partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- UWTflagshipUWT is Retec's most important brand partner. Retec has been official distributor of UWT for over 30 years and is ranked as distributor #1 globally. UWT manufactures level measurement instruments specifically for solids, with recent expansion into liquids. Products include rotational level detectors (Rotonivo), vibrating level switches (Vibranivo, Mononivo), capacitive level switches (Capanivo, RFnivo), radar level sensors (NivoRadar), and plumb bob systems (Nivobob). UWT and Retec maintain close collaboration with manufacturers visiting customer sites for complex applications.
- WIKAcoreWIKA is one of the world's largest manufacturers of pressure, temperature, and level measurement instrumentation. Over 50 million devices deployed in more than 100 countries. Retec distributes WIKA products offering continuity of production and fast reactivity even for single-unit orders.
- KEMcoreGerman manufacturer of high-quality flow meters established in 1965. Specializes in reliable flow measurement technology with particular attention to quality and precision. Offers mass flow meters and mechanical flow meters with customer-focused flexible solutions.
- PR ElectronicscoreDanish manufacturer of signal conditioning and industrial process control electronics. Partner since June 2019. PR Electronics makes industrial process control safer, more stable, and more efficient with over 40 years of market experience and 5-year warranty.
- Klay InstrumentscoreDutch manufacturer founded in 1978, specializing in pressure transmitters with unique flush-diaphragm technology. Known for direct temperature compensation and over 30 standard connection options. Products include the 2000 series pressure transmitters and 2000-SAN hygienic series for food, dairy, and pharmaceutical applications.
- Hammer IMSminorBelgian high-tech spin-off from KU Leuven ESAT-MICAS based in Hasselt. Developed disruptive millimeterwave thickness measurement technology as a safe alternative to radioactive/nuclear methods. Retec serves as Belgian distributor for Hammer IMS Marveloc Falcon thickness measurement solutions, particularly relevant for plastic and paper industries, construction materials, and additive manufacturing.
- Kubler (KSR Kubler)coreGerman manufacturer with 40+ years as market leader in magnetic float level indicators and switches. Products include magnetic level indicators (bypass), level switches, and level transmitters. Used in navigation, petrochemistry, gas, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, agriculture, and many applications including solvent tanks, steam generators, water tanks, and thermal oil tanks.
- Terwin InstrumentscoreBritish manufacturer established in 1974, the only melt pressure sensor manufacturer in the UK. Distributes globally to OEMs in cable, profile, packaging, film, coating, wire, medical, and food extrusion. Retec has taken over Terwin distribution for Benelux, having received specialized extrusion training.
- IsoilcoreItalian manufacturer of electromagnetic flow meters with strong technical team focused on continuous improvement. Multiple certifications, competitive pricing, reliable delivery. Products include MS2500 flanged electromagnetic flow meters for general applications and sanitary versions for food industry.
- Calex ElectronicsminorUK-based manufacturer specializing in non-contact infrared temperature measurement sensors and AC/DC power conversion since 1973. ISO 9001 certified with ATEX, IECEx, and TIIS certifications for intrinsically safe ExTemp infrared temperature sensors.
- KatroniccoreUK-based manufacturer (Coventry) specializing in ultrasonic flow meters. Partner with UFM (Roosendaal, NL) for ultrasonic flow measurement. Provides portable clamp-on flow meters (Katflow series) used by Retec for on-site measurement services and rental.
- MütecminorGerman manufacturer founded in 1970, 40+ years as market leader in online humidity measurement and online flow measurement for bulk solids. Offers complete solutions including energy savings, cost control, quality control, and quantity control through Mütec technology.
- NivelcominorHungarian manufacturer with 30+ years of experience and #1 position in Eastern Europe. Wide range of level sensors measuring level, content, flow, temperature, etc. Known for competitive pricing with 3-year standard warranty on all devices. World leader in ultrasonic level measurement.
- HUBA ControlminorSwiss manufacturer with 60+ years as important international reference in pressure switches, pressure sensors, pressure transmitters, flow sensors, and related components from 1mbar to 1000bar for OEM or process instrumentation. Known for competitive pricing with Swiss quality and reliable deliveries.
- ATMIminorFrench manufacturer and global leader in pear-shaped float level switches with 40+ years experience. Offers 20 device types and 50+ versions for level regulation and detection in liquid and solid mixtures. The biconic shape avoids clogging with omnidirectional operation and adjustable positioning.
- FlowlinecoreAmerican manufacturer designing compact level measurement instruments specifically for chemical industry and water applications. 10+ year partnership. Known for smallest blind spot in the market and patented 'straight beam' technology in the Echopod ultrasonic level sensor series.
- API IndustryminorDanish manufacturer of ultrasonic level sensors developed from petrochemical and marine expertise. High-tech sensors for sophisticated applications requiring precision, reliability, and durability. Used in oil and gas, food and pharmaceutical, water and waste treatment, paper, and offshore industries.
- STSminorSwiss manufacturer focused on uncompromising quality and durability in pressure sensors and hydrostatic level sensors. Three guiding principles: Commitment to Development, Commitment to Connection, and Commitment to Simplification. Offers sophisticated industrial pressure measurement with no-compromise precision.
- OptrisminorGerman private company with 20+ years experience in infrared temperature measurement. Leader in infrared technologies designing innovative thermal cameras and pyrometers recognized for precision, reliability, and resistance to high ambient temperatures. Solutions used across various industrial sectors and research.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Retec Instruments competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Endress+Hauser: Swiss-German global leader in industrial measurement instrumentation and automation solutions for level, pressure, flow, temperature, and analytical parameters. Directly competes with the same product categories Retec distributes (including via its own Benelux direct-sales organization) and shares key verticals in food, chemicals, water, and pharma.
- Bürkert: German manufacturer of fluid control systems, sensors, and measurement instruments for liquids and gases across process industries. Comparable on flow and process-measurement offerings and competes for the same Benelux industrial buyer base.
- Pepperl+Fuchs: German manufacturer of industrial sensors, process instrumentation, and explosion-protection devices for factory and process automation. Comparable on level/pressure sensors and ATEX-certified instrumentation, and competes for the same regulated industrial customers.
- ABB Measurement & Analytics: Global industrial-technology major offering measurement, analytics, and flow-control products across process industries worldwide. Operates at vastly greater scale than Retec but addresses overlapping measurement categories (flow, level, pressure, temperature) for similar end customers in water, chemicals, and power.
- WIKA: German global manufacturer of pressure, temperature, and level instrumentation with more than 50 million devices deployed. Both a Retec distribution partner and a competing manufacturer with its own direct-sales force; the largest-scale player in Retec's primary measurement categories.
- SICK AG: German manufacturer of sensors and sensor-based industrial solutions for factory, logistics, and process automation. Comparable in industrial measurement and instrumentation and competes for plant-level measurement budgets across Retec's verticals.
Direct peers
- Bronkhorst: Dutch manufacturer of low-flow measurement and control instruments for liquids and gases, headquartered in the Netherlands. Comparable on flow-measurement expertise and shares a Benelux industrial customer base with Retec across food, pharma, and chemicals.
- VEGA Grieshaber: German manufacturer specializing in level, pressure, and switching instrumentation for solids and liquids, with strong presence in radar and capacitive technologies. Directly comparable to Retec's core level-measurement portfolio and competes for the same industrial buyers across process industries.
- ifm electronic: German manufacturer of industrial sensors and instrumentation for level, pressure, flow, and temperature in process and factory automation. Comparable on sensor categories and target customers, and operates its own direct-sales channels across Europe including Benelux.
- Krohne: German-Dutch manufacturer of process instrumentation for flow, level, pressure, and temperature, with deep roots in the Benelux market. Comparable to Retec on flow and level instrumentation and competes for the same industrial measurement customers in chemicals, water, and food.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Retec Instruments social profiles
Digital presenceRetec Instruments compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance20 records
Retec Instruments financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Retec Instruments leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Retec Instruments funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Retec Instruments M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Retec Instruments
What does Retec Instruments do?
Retec Instruments distributes and custom-configures industrial measurement instruments for level, pressure, flow, and temperature detection across solids, liquids, and gases. The company represents more than 20 international manufacturer brands, combines their products into application-specific solutions for industrial customers in the Benelux market, and provides expert technical consultation, on-site support, and after-installation service.
Is Retec Instruments a public or private company?
Retec Instruments is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Retec Instruments founded?
Retec Instruments was founded in 1992. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Retec Instruments based?
Retec Instruments is headquartered in Gentbrugge, Belgium, in the Europe region.
How does Retec Instruments make money?
One revenue line is on record: industrial Measurement Instrument Distribution.
Who are Retec Instruments's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Endress+Hauser, Bürkert, Pepperl+Fuchs, ABB Measurement & Analytics, WIKA and SICK AG. Direct peers are Bronkhorst, VEGA Grieshaber, ifm electronic and Krohne.
Does Retec Instruments have an API?
No public API is recorded for Retec Instruments.