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WaveFront Technology Joins the Hueck Folien Group to Accelerate Global Security Innovation
WaveFront Technology has entered an exciting new chapter in its history. With its acquisition by Hueck Folien, a global leader in security films and surface coatings, WaveFront Technology Inc. is strengthening its ability to drive innovation in advanced optical security technologies. Additionally, the company continues to build on more than three decades of expertise in micro and nanostructure origination.
The partnership brings together two highly complementary organizations with a shared commitment to precision, quality, and technological leadership. As part of the Hueck Folien Group, WaveFront Technology will play a key role in shaping the future of security features for banknotes, security documents, and high-performance optical applications worldwide.
From left to right: Hartmuth Pelger (Hueck Folien), Joel Petersen (WaveFront), Chris Rich (WaveFront),
Christoph Steger (Hueck Folien)
WaveFront Technology Inc.: Building on 30+ Years of Optical Innovation
Founded in 1986, WaveFront Technology has established itself as a trusted specialist in the development and manufacture of optical-grade micro and nanostructures. From security applications to lighting, packaging, aerospace, and display technologies, WaveFront’s solutions are recognized for their accuracy, scalability, and performance.
Now operating as an integrated development and production site within the Hueck Folien Group, WaveFront’s Paramount, California facility and its team of approximately 30 highly skilled professionals remain at the heart of the company’s innovation efforts. The acquisition reinforces WaveFront’s long-standing mission: to push the boundaries of optical engineering while delivering reliable, production-ready solutions to global partners.
Chris Rich, Chief Technology Officer of WaveFront Technology, reflects on the strategic fit:
“We have long envisioned partnering with a global leader in the banknote and security document industry. Hueck Folien represents the ideal combination of market leadership, technical depth, and collaborative culture. Together, we are uniting complementary strengths to elevate the technology WaveFront has developed over more than 30 years and to drive the next generation of innovation in security printing.”
Hueck Folien: Shaping the Future of Surface Technology Since 1970
Hueck Folien is a global specialist in visually sophisticated and functional surface coatings for the security, labeling, and design markets. Founded in 1970, the family-owned company stands for long-term stability, uncompromising quality, and technological innovation.
From its headquarters in Baumgartenberg, Austria, approximately 300 employees develop and manufacture high-quality product solutions. Hueck Folien continuously invests in advanced technologies to drive innovation and support its international customers.
A Stronger Platform for Security and Banknote Technologies
Through the partnership with Hueck Folien, WaveFront Technology gains direct access to global markets and applications where the highest levels of security and precision are required. Hueck Folien’s security solutions are currently used in approximately one third of the world’s currencies, including the Euro and the Swiss Franc.
WaveFront’s expertise in microstructure origination and optical feature development will further enhance Hueck Folien’s security portfolio, particularly in the banknote and security document sector, while opening new opportunities for WaveFront to scale its technologies across global production environments.
Technological Independence Through In-House Expertise
A key objective of the acquisition is to strengthen technological independence by internalizing critical future technologies. For WaveFront, this means increased resources, long-term investment security, and the ability to further develop its intellectual property within a globally established organization.
Christoph Steger, CEO of Hueck Folien GmbH, emphasizes the value WaveFront brings to the group:
“WaveFront Technology’s expertise and IP portfolio are vital to our future development. The team in Los Angeles provides access to innovative technologies, especially for the banknote market, therefore playing a key role in strengthening our position as an independent feature supplier.”
Despite the integration, WaveFront will continue to collaborate with international partners and customers across industries, maintaining the flexibility and openness that have defined its success.
Continuity, Collaboration, and Growth
WaveFront’s founders, Chris Rich and Joel Petersen, will remain actively involved in the company, ensuring continuity in leadership, technical direction, and customer relationships. The Paramount site will continue to operate as a fully-fledged development and production facility, supported by close collaboration with Hueck Folien’s headquarters in Baumgartenberg, Austria.
This specific integration is designed to preserve WaveFront’s entrepreneurial spirit while providing the scale, investment, and global reach needed to accelerate innovation.
Looking Ahead
The acquisition of WaveFront Technology follows significant investments by Hueck Folien, including the commissioning of a state-of-the-art high-vacuum metallization facility in late 2025. Together, these steps reflect a shared vision: advancing security and optical technologies through sustained innovation and strategic growth.
For WaveFront Technology, this milestone represents not a change in direction, but an expansion of possibilities. This step forward creates a stronger platform to develop the next generation of optical security features for the world’s most demanding applications.