What Dec Group does

Dec Group is a privately held Swiss engineering company (legally Dietrich Engineering Consultants sa), founded in 1987 and headquartered in Ecublens, Switzerland, that designs and manufactures specialized powder handling, containment, filling, and continuous process equipment for the pharmaceutical, chemical, biopharma, radiopharma, food/cosmetics, advanced materials/battery, and nuclear industries. The company organizes its offering around six technology platforms: Powder Handling Technologies (PHT), Continuous Processing Technologies (CPT), Particle Science Technologies (PST), Containment Solution Technologies (CST), Filling Solution Technologies (FST), and Aseptic Processing Technologies. Its core enabling technology is the PTS Powder Transfer System — a dense-phase conveying system with no moving parts that transfers powders safely at low velocity and high concentration, capable of handling powders with minimum ignition energy below 1 mJ without nitrogen inerting. This platform underpins a broad product range including the PTS Batchmixer (2-6,000 liter capacities), MPTS/µPTS sampling and microdosing systems achieving RSD up to 2%, DCS Drum Containment, CPS Continuous Pack-Off, DecFill aseptic filling lines (LAB/SB/PS scales) using BoMa and Linear Magnetic Transport technology, and process isolators supporting AHP decontamination (15-minute cycles versus 70 minutes for VHP).

The company sells project-based, quote-priced capital equipment and custom-engineered integrated process solutions through direct field sales, supported by nine wholly-owned subsidiaries in Switzerland, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Poland, the Netherlands, India, the USA, and China, plus a representative network covering more than 50 countries. Revenue is generated from one-time equipment sales, custom engineering projects, and ongoing technical support, spare parts, and maintenance services. Two strategic acquisitions — Extract Technology in 2021 (now Dec Group UK) and Alconbury Weston Ltd in 2022 (now Dec Continuous Process Ltd) — extended Dec's continuous processing and aseptic containment capabilities, with both companies fully integrated and rebranded. Recent activity includes new partnerships with Kobelco Eco Solutions (lyophilization), Inductio (aseptic filling vials), and Asyril (cleanroom feeding), plus the 2025 launch of the TopFill Aseptic Filling Platform and an EPFL research collaboration on self-driving catalyst discovery labs.

Dec's customers are enterprise pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers operating in regulated GMP environments, with containment solutions validated to nanogram-per-cubic-meter levels for OEB 1-7 applications and ISO 9001-certified manufacturing in the UK. The company is led by Managing Director Frederic Dietrich, with no parent company, public listing, or external funding rounds disclosed.

Name

Dec Group

Legal name

Dietrich Engineering Consultants sa

Website

https://dec-group.us

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Dec Group is a privately held Swiss manufacturer of powder handling, aseptic filling, containment, and continuous process equipment for pharmaceutical, chemical, biopharma, radiopharma, food, cosmetics, battery, and nuclear manufacturers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceutical Process Equipment

akta.pro primary industry

Filling & Dosing Equipment (Liquid, Powder, Aseptic) (IMALAOAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bulk Packaging Filling/Discharge Systems & Handling Aids (Spouts, Lifting, Dischargers) (IMALAGAI), Aseptic, Barrier & Retort Packaging Components Manufacturing (IMANAEAJ)

Keywords

• Powder handling equipment
• Containment systems
• Aseptic filling lines
• Continuous process technology
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Ecublens

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Process Equipment Sales: Dec Group generates revenue through the sale of standard and customized process systems and equipment including powder handling systems, containment solutions, filling lines, and continuous processing technologies.
2. Custom Engineering Solutions: Provision of integrated process solutions designed and engineered for specific customer requirements across pharmaceutical, chemical, and advanced materials industries.
3. Technical Support and Spares: Ongoing technical support services, spare parts provision, training, and maintenance services for installed equipment.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Dec Group manufactures and integrates powder handling, containment, aseptic filling, and continuous process equipment for pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, radiopharmaceutical, chemical, food & cosmetics, advanced materials (battery/green energy), and nuclear manufacturers. The company delivers project-based custom-engineered solutions spanning raw material handling through final packaging, with proprietary technologies including the PTS Powder Transfer System, DCS Drum Containment System, and DecFill aseptic filling lines, complemented by ongoing technical support and spare parts services.

Product overview

Dec Group is a Swiss-based global provider of integrated process solutions for the pharmaceutical, chemical, biopharma, radiopharma, food and cosmetics, and advanced materials (including battery and green energy) industries. Its portfolio follows a platform-plus-modules architecture organized around six core technology competency areas: Powder Handling Technologies (PHT), Continuous Processing Technologies (CPT), Particle Science Technologies (PST), Containment Solution Technologies (CST), Filling Solution Technologies (FST), and Aseptic Processing Technologies. The core enabling technology is the PTS Powder Transfer System®, a dense-phase conveying platform that underpins numerous products including the PTS Batchmixer® for mixing, MPTS and µPTS for sampling and microdosing, and PFL Powderflex for continuous dosing. Containment solutions include the DCS® Drum Containment System (with variants for docking, filling, emptying, sampling, and liquids), Isotube, Isocharge, and the CPS Continuous Pack-Off System with SafeSeal closure. Aseptic filling is delivered through the DecFill® platform (LAB, SB, PS scales) using BoMa technology and Linear Magnetic Transport. CPT is reinforced by Dec Continuous Process Ltd (formerly Alconbury Weston Ltd) for continuous reaction, crystallization, filtration, and drying. The product portfolio also includes PAT real-time NIR spectroscopy, TCS tablet conveying, Transbatch, and battery manufacturing solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PTS Powder Transfer System: Dense phase powder conveying technology for safe transfer of powders including explosive materials
• PTS Batchmixer
• DecFill
• DCS Drum Containment System
• CPS Contained Pack-Off System
• PFL Powderflex
• MPTS

Products and services

• PTS Powder Transfer System Dense-phase powder conveying system that transfers powders safely without moving or rotating parts, at very low velocity and high concentrations to prevent friction or electrostatic generation. Handles powders with MIE < 1 mJ without nitrogen and is pressure-resistant to contain dust explosions. Core enabling technology for pharmaceutical, chemical, and advanced materials manufacturers.
• PTS Batchmixer Contained powder mixing system using PTS technology with two tangential inlets and an integrated central deflector for homogeneous blending. Available in capacities from 2 to 6000 liters with 10-100% volume flexibility, supporting operation under inert conditions for hygroscopic, oxygen-sensitive, or explosive powders.
• DCS Drum Containment System Versatile containment solution for drum filling, emptying, sampling, big bag discharge, and liquid handling. Available in multiple variants including Docking, Inverter, Emptying, Filling, Sampling, and Liquid versions. Achieves containment levels below 1 µg/m³ for high-potency applications.
• CPS Continuous Pack-Off System GMP-compliant contained filling solution for pharmaceutical and chemical powders into continuous liners or bags. Uses specially folded continuous liners up to 80 m long, achieving containment levels below 1 µg/m³ depending on powder properties and closure method.
• PFL Powderflex Continuous conveying and dosing system for small to medium quantities of powder using dual calibrated chambers with flat filters and a unique valve system. Typical transfer capacity ranges from a few hundred g/h to 200 kg/h, marketed as 'a peristaltic pump for powders.'
• MPTS Sampling Device Vacuum-type inline and aseptic sampling system that extracts and transfers powder samples while maintaining full containment. Available in mobile, aseptic, and mechanical piston variants. Achieves containment below 0.1 µg/m³ when used with glove box.
• µPTS Microdosing System Precision microdosing system for powders below 1 mg, achieving relative standard deviation (RSD) of up to 2% regardless of bulk density fluctuations. Uses vacuum-filled calibrated chamber and piston dispensing mechanism without a filter, suitable for very fine or sticky materials.
• DecFill Aseptic Filling Line Aseptic liquid and powder filling system available in multiple scales (DecFill LAB, DecFill SB Small Batch, DecFill PS Production Scale). Uses peristaltic pump technology with ±0.5% accuracy, BoMa technology for liquid filling, and Linear Magnetic Transport System for container handling, with VHP decontamination capability.
• Process Isolators High containment process isolators for filter dryer/tray dryer discharge, milling and micronizing, and rigid/flexible wall isolation. Supports both VHP and AHP decontamination, with AHP achieving decontamination in 15 minutes vs 70 minutes for VHP.
• Isocharge Contained bag and drum discharge system for high-containment handling of potent compounds, part of the Iso range of contained bulk handling solutions.
• Isotube High-containment drum emptying method for safe charging of multiple drums of HPAPIs. Includes a contained glove box with HEPA filters, drum docking system, and optional PTS integration for active transfer. Achieves containment below 1 µg/m³.
• Continuous Processing Technologies (CPT) Continuous flow chemistry solutions covering reaction, extraction, evaporation, distillation, crystallization, filtration, and drying. Includes Dec Continuous Process Ltd as center of excellence for continuous reaction, crystallization, filtration, and drying systems.
• Particle Science Technologies Particle size reduction technologies including micronization, milling, and sieving for pharmaceutical and chemical applications. Includes containment solutions during particle size reduction processes.
• PAT (Process Analytical Technology) Real-time NIR spectrophotometer installed in PTS Batchmixer circulation line for validating blending efficiency. Also includes microwave-based contactless sensor for inline weight and humidity measurement in microdosing applications.
• Battery Manufacturing Solutions Integrated solutions for battery material processing covering powder conveying, bulk handling, blending, dosing, milling, containment, and packaging of NMC, LFP, graphite, and conductive additives. Key differentiators include closed dense-phase PTS transfer, end-to-end process integration, and validated high-containment handling.

Quantifiable outcome

• Containment performance of less than 1 µg/m³ for potent and hazardous powders
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature12 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Inductio (Switzerland)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 October 2025Partnership to introduce the TopFill Aseptic Filling Platform at CPHI Frankfurt 2025. TopFill features pre-sterilized, PFAS-free vials, EU GMP Annex 1 compliance, reduced energy and waste, and levitating transport system for efficient aseptic filling.
• Asyril (Switzerland)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 October 2025Integration of Asycube Clean 230 3-axis vibration feeding technology into Dec's aseptic filling systems. Designed for cleanroom environments with visual detection for precise, versatile part handling meeting strict cleanroom standards.
• Kobelco Eco Solutions (Japan)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 October 2025Partnership for Rheofreed mixer-type freeze dryer technology. Breakthrough in lyophilization that accelerates drying process and reduces cycle times by up to 80%, setting new benchmarks in efficiency and scalability for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
• Swiss Cat+ West Hub (EPFL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative research project on self-driving labs for catalyst discovery. Dec provides advanced micro-sampling technology integrated into robotized micro-sampling units for precise sampling and dispensing of solids in the sub-milligram range. Project aims to enhance efficiency of catalyst discovery through automation.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• IMA Group: One of the world's largest manufacturers of packaging and processing machinery for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. Overlaps with Dec Group in aseptic fill-finish (DecFill) and containment solutions, with deeper wallet share among top-tier pharma OEMs.
• Syntegon (formerly Bosch Packaging Technology): Major supplier of processing and packaging equipment for the pharma and food industries, including aseptic filling, containment, and lyophilization. Competes with Dec Group across fill-finish and containment, and now part of a broader portfolio post the CVC acquisition.
• GEA Group: Global process equipment major with dedicated pharma and chemical divisions covering mixing, separation, homogenization, and aseptic processing. Directly comparable to Dec Group's powder handling, containment, and continuous processing portfolio, but at materially larger scale and broader customer reach.
• Bühler Group: Swiss-headquartered global process equipment provider with strong positions in food, feed, and advanced materials (including battery materials). Comparable to Dec Group's advanced materials / battery processing solutions and food & cosmetics verticals.

Direct peers

• Hosokawa Micron: Specialist in powder and particle processing — including mixing, drying, milling, and contained handling — for pharmaceutical, chemical, and battery materials. Highly comparable to Dec Group's Particle Science Technologies, powder handling, and battery-materials offerings.
• ChargePoint Technology (Dec Group competitor in contained transfer): UK-based specialist in high-containment powder transfer and split butterfly valve technology serving pharma and chemical manufacturers. Closest direct competitor to Dec Group's PTS, DCS, and CPS containment and powder-handling product lines.
• Fette Compacting: Global leader in tablet presses and containment technology for the pharmaceutical industry. Overlaps with Dec Group's containment and powder handling capabilities, particularly for HPAPI applications.
• Eirich (Gustav Eirich Maschinenfabrik): Specialist in mixing, kneading, and reaction technology for chemical, pharmaceutical, and battery materials. Closely comparable to Dec Group's PTS Batchmixer and continuous processing competencies in high-viscosity, hazardous, and reactive powder applications.
• Glatt GmbH: German specialist in powder processing, granulation, coating, and containment for pharmaceutical and food applications. Closely comparable to Dec Group's PTS-based powder handling and integrated process approach, particularly for HPAPI and continuous processing customers.
• L.B. Bohle Maschinen + Verfahren: German mid-cap manufacturer of solid-dose processing equipment — granulation, coating, drying, and contained handling — for the pharmaceutical industry. Comparable mid-market positioning and customer base to Dec Group's powder handling and continuous processing portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dec Group