From Founding to Future: Geert Derckx of the Evolution of “Derckx Opticare”

From left to right: John Derckx (son), Joke Derckx (wife), Geert Derckx, Denise Commandeur-Derckx (daughter)

Mr. Derckx, please introduce yourself briefly. Who are you, how long have you been working at “Derckx Opticare” and what is your role?

I am Geert Derckx, founder of “Derckx Opticare” (a family business), established in 1994. My position was until January 2022 director of the “Derckx Opticare Group”. From this date, my son and daughter took over the company, except for the production of dry ice. This will also be taken over by them at a later stage.

Please describe the company. What is the main business?

“Derckx Opticare” is a specialist in the field of specialized cleaning by means of dry ice blasting and (ultra) high pressure water (500-2500 bar). The work includes cleaning machines or parts, preparing surfaces by various techniques, paint and coating removal and hydro-demolition.
Furthermore, we rent dry ice blasting machines incl. compressed air supply to customers and supply them with  all the necessary dry ice – we are the typical “One-stop shop” for our customers .Also the sale of dry ice for various other purposes beside dry ice blasting mainly as a cooling medium is also an important sector.

You have purchased 3 ASCO Pelletizers P28i. What are your experiences with the machines so far?

Since 2004 we have been producing our own dry ice with an ASCO Pelletizer A90 and then also an ASCO Pelletizer A220 for our own use. Later, sales also became an important part. With the release of the ASCO Pelletizer P28i we increased production. This machine fitted perfectly into our strategy, after which two more were installed. The reason for this is the excellent quality and reliability of the ASCO Pelletizers. The A220 and A90 are currently still in use to support peak times.

What is the dry ice produced used for? Who are your main customers?

The produced dry ice 3 mm is mainly used for our ice blasting activities and use by other customers. The 16 mm dry ice is mainly used as a coolant. Largely as transport cooling and further mainly laboratories, hospitals and parcel shipping.

What was your biggest challenge in the field of dry ice and what are your daily challenges?

Our biggest challenge was the ice blasting of an old factory. All walls, ceilings and pillars of the entire shell had to radiate a specific industrial look. Old layers of paint and inscriptions had to be preserved in order to keep everything visible after conservation. The building was later put into use as a student hotel. This was a unique project, in terms of size (approx. 65,000 m2) and prestige. The architect and clients were extremely satisfied after completion.

How popular is dry ice blasting compared to other cleaning methods (e.g. sandblasting) in the Netherlands and how do you think it will develop in the future?

Dry ice blasting still remains a specialty compared to HD water and sand blasting. Environmental requirements and sustainability are becoming increasingly important and dry ice blasting will certainly be used more to achieve the objectives.

Where do you see opportunities for your company in the future?

Our dry ice blasting department and the production of dry ice will become increasingly important in the future. My son and my daughter will certainly jump on this. A new generation with a new method focused on the future. The market will only grow.

3 ASCO Pelletizers P28i, accompanied by an ASCO A90 and A220.