SDT celebrates its 50th anniversary and joins I-care: a new era for industrial ultrasound

2025 marks a double turning point for SDT International. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it enters a new phase of its development by joining the I-care group, the world leader in predictive maintenance.

An alliance between two Belgian pioneers who together aim to sustainably transform the way manufacturers maintain their assets.

1975 – 2025: 50 years of industrial listening

The SDT story began in 1975, in an uncertain economic climate. Joseph-Henri Degraeve, driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, decided to found his own company after being heavily impacted by the oil crisis. His conviction: ultrasound, little used at the time, could play a major role in understanding machine behavior.

Through perseverance and ingenuity, SDT developed its first listening instruments, primarily focused on leak detection. These simple yet effective solutions quickly won over the industry. The Belgian company established itself as one of the pioneers of industrial ultrasound in Europe.

Over the decades, SDT has expanded its range: bearing analysis, valve monitoring, electric arc detection, lubrication control, leak inspection, etc. At each stage, the same logic: listen, understand and act.

A family business that has managed to stay close to its customers

What sets SDT apart, beyond its technology, is its deeply human culture. Having remained a family business for five decades, it has maintained a close-knit team spirit, a flexible approach, and a direct connection with its customers. This closeness, cultivated day after day, is one of the keys to its longevity.

Today, Benoît Degraeve, the founder's grandson, serves as CEO, alongside his sister Pauline. Both embody this new generation of leaders who combine technological innovation, people management, and strategic vision.

Based in Forest, in the Brussels region, SDT has nearly 40 employees, a global sales force, and a loyal community of users worldwide. Its solutions are used in critical industries: energy, food production, metallurgy, transportation, chemistry, etc. Through its products, as well as its training and technical support, SDT helps secure operations, optimize performance, and reduce the carbon footprint of industrial sites.

A natural complementarity with I-care

It was in Texas, at a trade show, that the first concrete discussions took place between SDT and I-care. The complementary nature of the two companies quickly became apparent. On one side, I-care, a recognized specialist in vibration and artificial intelligence applied to maintenance, and on the other, SDT, a global leader in ultrasonic solutions. Together, they cover a full spectrum of machine health indicators.

This convergence has now given rise to the integration of SDT into the I-care group. A merger based on shared values—excellence, innovation, sustainability—but also on a shared vision: to make machines smarter, more reliable, and more sustainable.

SDT Ultrasound: a new name, a renewed commitment

As part of this dynamic of renewal, SDT is changing its identity and becoming SDT Ultrasound . This evolution is accompanied by a new logo, a strong slogan – Protecting What Matters – and above all, a clear message: technological innovation must serve a more sustainable future.

This name change reflects a deep commitment to the environment and industrial efficiency. SDT's ultrasonic solutions not only prevent machine failures, but also reduce waste, optimize resources, and limit energy losses. Every leak detected, every lubrication optimized, every breakdown avoided contributes to a more responsible industry.

Through this transformation, SDT is affirming its ambition: to protect your assets while protecting the planet. Because a sustainable future is built with every intervention, every resource savings, and every decision based on reliable data.

A strengthened international ambition

With this acquisition, I-care strengthens its global leadership. Already present in 16 countries with 36 offices and more than 850 employees, the Belgian company is taking a new step in its growth strategy.

The integration of SDT is fully in line with this dynamic. Not only will SDT products enrich I-care's software ecosystem, but the expertise of its teams, its community of trainers, and its innovation capabilities will also be leveraged for broader projects.

A story that continues, a future that is written together

Far from an impersonal acquisition, the union between SDT and I-care is based on a desire to build together. André Degraeve is retiring, proud of the progress made, but remains available as an advisor. Benoît and Pauline Degraeve continue to lead SDT with the same passion. Fabrice Brion, CEO of I-care, becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors of SDT, sealing a new governance structure anchored in continuity.

The challenge now is to combine strengths without distorting identities. A symbiosis, rather than a merger. I-care and SDT share the ambition to be not only technology providers, but also trusted partners for manufacturers.

As industry enters the era of energy transition and digitalization, this strategic alliance is timely. Combining ultrasound, vibration, and artificial intelligence opens up unprecedented opportunities for anticipating failures, extending equipment lifespan, and saving resources.