Somewhere on the Lambremont industrial park, the smallest pressure sensors in the world are manufactured. 1.2 mm in diameter. 100,000 data points per second. Capable of withstanding up to 185 °C. Taipro cofounder Michel Saint-Mard knows that he provides a technology that no one else can.
Founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the Université de Liège, Taipro follows a model that is easy to explain but hard to achieve: designing and producing tailored microelectronics from start to finish, under the same roof. “Our clients do not find what they require from off-the-shelf products. As a rule, we always have the solution and can always make a better version of what already exists by creating a tailored product.” This one-stop-shop is the only one of its kind in Western Europe and provides solutions to Formula 1 as well as the aviation, medical, defence and space industries.
Sensorade, created in 2019, is another part of the story. While Taipro provides tailored solutions, Sensorade develops MEMS sensors and markets them through a network of distributors which now spans four continents.
On average, Taipro carries out about 130 projects and produces 40,000 units every year. An impressive output for a team of just 12 to 13 people. This figure might take readers by surprise. “At the start, we produced about 100 units a year and there were 3 or 4 of us. Without automation and some crucial investments, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” Their expertise is paying dividends: 6 world firsts in 17 years, 5 European projects in progress and a consistently high conversion rate for bids.
This year will likely be a major milestone for the company: a new ISO 7 cleanroom, the doubling of production capacity, and discussions are well underway on creating a technology platform that would be shared with an industrial partner which could open up new opportunities. “It is a real source of pride in terms of Walloon technological expertise.”
WAB Magazine
