When Particle Size Determines Quality
Interview with Frank General, Managing Director of Nexopart GmbH & Co. KG
Nexopart is not a corporate giant, but a highly focused specialist. Born out of two established business units, the company now operates independently in a clearly defined niche. Managing Director Frank General talks about the courage to spin off, the strength of a tightly knit team – and why customer proximity, for him, is not a buzzword but a daily commitment.
European Business: Mr. General, how did Nexopart come into being – and what role did you play in the process?
Frank General: I have spent more than 30 years working within the environment in one of our current parent companies, in a wide range of roles. At some point, together with my colleague Markus Schönwetter, Technical Director at NEXOPART, from Augsburg, the idea emerged to carve out our particle analysis business units from the larger corporate structures. We were successful there, but ultimately still a niche within large-scale mechanical engineering groups. The thought was simple: as an independent entity, we could develop more strategically and with greater focus. On April 1, 2023, Nexopart officially launched – with established products, experienced employees and long-standing customer relationships, but organizationally starting from scratch.
European Business: Looking back, was it the right decision?
Frank General: Yes – even though building the new structure proved more demanding than we had anticipated in certain respects. Merging two units while simultaneously setting up a new organization inevitably creates friction. But today we are stable, profitable and ready to consistently pursue our growth path. That initial phase of realignment was necessary.
European Business: What does Nexopart stand for today?
Frank General: We are a specialized provider in the field of particle analysis. To put it succinctly: we analyze dry, free-flowing bulk materials in terms of particle size and particle shape. It may sound abstract, but it is highly relevant – for example in the construction materials industry. The particle size distribution of sand or gravel has a direct impact on the quality of concrete. Our instruments enable customers to reliably control and monitor their production quality.
European Business: What sets you apart from competitors?
Frank General: First, our clear focus. We are deliberately positioned as a niche provider. Second, our mindset. Our brand values are Excellence, Simplicity and Empathy. We want to make things easy for our customers – through short delivery times, fast response times and very direct service. Customer centricity is not a label for us; it is our benchmark. In highly specialized markets, collaboration often matters just as much as technology.
European Business: How large is the company today?
Frank General: We employ around 40 people and generate approximately €11 million in revenue. As a small but profitable mid-sized company, we remain closely connected to our parent companies and benefit from shared services. This family-business DNA – steady, controlled growth – continues to shape our approach.
European Business: What do you see as the biggest challenges?
Frank General: The market environment is demanding – geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, shifts in production locations. When industrial output declines, demand for quality analytics declines as well. At the same time, we operate globally, across all five continents and in a wide range of industries – from construction materials to pharmaceuticals and food. That breadth is both an opportunity and a challenge. You must avoid spreading yourself too thin.
European Business: What are your goals for the future?
Frank General: We aim to strategically expand our portfolio and close existing gaps in order to become an even more comprehensive provider in the field of particle analysis. Profitability remains a prerequisite. Growth, yes – but controlled and sustainable. We want to build lasting structures, not short-term effects.
European Business: And on a personal level – what drives you?
Frank General: I am motivated by the opportunity to build something independent. To give Nexopart visibility and a distinct identity. When I see a team developing, taking ownership and moving forward together, that is the greatest success for me. Technology matters – but in the end, it is people who make the difference.