Once a small incubator company, Petersime has grown into a proud world leader in incubation. For over 100 years now, we have pioneered incubation and hatchery technologies.
Let us take you back to 1922, when it all started for Petersime…
Mr Ira Petersime, an American entrepreneur, starts a small family business called The Petersime Incubator Company in Gettysburg, Ohio. In 1922, he and his son Ray invent the world’s first electric incubator: the Petersime NO.1, a revolution in commercial incubation.
The first models of this electric incubator are produced in the US and exported to Europe, where they are sold through a network of sales agents. Constantly improving their product, the Petersimes introduce various innovations that perfect the incubation process in many ways.
In the aftermath of the Second World War, it becomes increasingly difficult to import goods into Europe. In 1949, Mr Georges Bohez ― Petersime sales agent for Belgium and the Netherlands ― reaches an agreement to start producing Petersime incubators under American license in Olsene (Zulte), Belgium. This marks the early beginnings of Petersime nv at the same site where the company is still located today.
International growth & new product developments
When the license agreement with the American exporter ends in 1966, the following two decades are characterized by international growth and numerous technological innovations. In 1984, Petersime is acquired by an international investment group. This milestone is followed by even stronger growth, more innovations and increasing export sales.
Focus on partnerships
Investing in research and development is vital to create new value for customers. In 1998, Petersime signs a long-term research contract with the University of Leuven (KU Leuven). The partnership aims to gain a deeper incubation knowledge and leads to new innovations that not only contribute to customers’ return on investment, but also to animal welfare.
Digitalization in the hatchery
In 2021, Petersime continues to push incubator technology forward and successfully launches the X-Streamer™, the world’s first intelligent incubator that turns data into maximum hatchery performance. Together with the Eagle Trax™ cloud-based data solution, the range is a milestone for digitalization in the hatchery.
Today, Petersime is world leader in incubation and active in over 150 countries. 500 million chicks are born in Petersime machines every week. Ensuring the best economic return for customers, today and for the entire lifetime of their hatchery. That is Petersime’s commitment. Maximum profit for life for every single customer.
