IFO and QUBUS are prominent German service providers specialising in surface engineering and metalwork. Established in 1995, they have built a reputation for delivering practical, solution-oriented advice and comprehensive services to clients across various industries. Their expertise encompasses laboratory services, damage assessments, industrial research, quality inspections, certifications, and more. With a team of over 90 professionals—including chemists, engineers, and economists—they currently serve more than 2,000 customers in over 50 countries worldwide.
Chris Mansfield – QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Chair
On 11th July this year IFO and QUBUS will celebrate their 30th anniversary, marking three decades of innovation and excellence in surface technology. The milestone is being commemorated with various events and initiatives, including participation in major industry trade fairs such as PaintExpo and Surface Technology Germany. These events provide an opportunity to showcase their latest advancements and reinforce their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The anniversary celebrations also serve as a testament to their enduring partnerships and the trust they’ve cultivated with clients over the years.
IFO (Institut für Oberflächentechnik) serves as the independent third-party inspectorate for QUALICOAT UK & Ireland, playing a crucial role in upholding the integrity of architectural powder coating standards across the region. All licensed applicators undergo bi-annual, unannounced inspections conducted by IFO to ensure strict adherence to the QUALICOAT Specification. These evaluations encompass comprehensive assessments of pretreatment processes, coating application methods, and laboratory testing protocols, thereby guaranteeing consistent quality and performance in coated aluminium products. This rigorous inspection regime not only reinforces the credibility of the QUALICOAT label but also provides architects, specifiers, and end-users with confidence in the durability and reliability of coated aluminium used in construction projects.
Beyond routine inspections, IFO actively contributes to each members meeting and the professional development of QUALICOAT UK & Ireland members through specialised training programs. Laboratory technicians from licensed applicators are required to attend refresher courses at least once every two years, ensuring they remain abreast of the latest advancements in coating technologies and testing methodologies. These training sessions, often hosted in collaboration with industry partners, cover topics such as chrome-free pretreatment analysis and the application of advanced measurement equipment. Additionally, IFO hosts annual meetings for QUALICOAT UK & Ireland members at its headquarters in Germany, fostering a collaborative environment for discussing specification updates and industry best practices.
Directors of IFO and QUBUS, Christian Deyhle, Marc Holz, Michael Müller, Ulrich Mäule, recently issued an invitation to their Anniversary Celebrations: “We are delighted to invite you to celebrate 30 years of IFO and QUBUS with us! On Friday, July 11th, 2025, we would be honoured to have you join us for a special anniversary celebration at our company headquarters in Schwäbisch Gmünd. Our journey began in 1995 with the founding of IFO and QUBUS, and over the past three decades, we have grown into a unique network of surface technology services. We have supported nearly 4,000 customers in 75 countries around the world, and we are incredibly grateful for the trust you have placed in us and the collaborative partnership we have built. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support and take joy in what we have achieved together.”
We look forward to continuing our working relationship with IFO as our third party accreditation service in the coming years.
Should you wish to attend a members meeting and apply for membership of QUALICOAT please get in touch. All QUALICOAT UK & Ireland members are available to offer advice and can be found on the Association website at qualicoatuki.org