Hammer-IMS, a high-tech Belgian industrial imaging systems manufacturer, launched its North American operations at Spartanburg Community College’s Spark Center in Duncan Sept. 13.
Founded in 2016 in Hasselt, Belgium, Hammer-IMS uses what it refers to as “M-Ray” technology to perform detailed materials scans in manufacturing.
The company’s new technology doesn’t leave residual radiation, as is often the case with X-ray scanners and systems using similar technology, according to Tom Redant, Hammer’s technical and product manager.
Since establishing its scanner manufacturing facility in Herk-de-Stad, Belgium, in 2022, the company has grown to 15 employees and about $1.6 million in annual sales with 45 machines sold to companies in Europe, Asia and the U.S.
Redant said starting up operations at the Spark Center will help the company grow and develop its network of new customers and industrial contacts in the North American market. He added the Spartanburg County location will help the company expand its global presence.
“We will accelerate the recruitment of new colleagues and develop targeted products to operate on a
larger scale,” said Noel Deferm, co-founder and general manager for the company. “Together with our shareholders, we strongly believe that opening up this office here in Spartanburg is a logical step to make Hammer-IMS a global player.”
The Spark Center was created specifically with expanding companies like Hammer-IMS in mind, according to John Lummus, president and CEO of Upstate SC Alliance, a regional economic development group serving the northwestern portion of the state.
Lummus said when his organization started working with the company to find a home in the Upstate, the Spark Center’s suite of “soft landing” options seemed tailor-made to meet the company’s needs.
“The Spark Center was the perfect fit for them,” he said.
