DCI, Inc. Appoints New National Account Managers for Life Science Division

St. Cloud, MN — January 19, 2026 — DCI, Inc., a premier U.S. manufacturer of stainless-steel tanks and vessels, fermenters, bioreactors, agitators, and turnkey skidded systems, is pleased to announce the addition of Joe Abitz and Brad Stasny as National Account Managers for the Life Science division.

These strategic hires reinforce DCI’s commitment to building long-term customer partnerships and advancing its position as an end-to-end process system solutions provider.

“As our business continues to grow, we’re investing in people who strengthen our customer relationships and drive long-term success,” said Rolf Manser, Vice President of Sales. “Both Joe and Brad bring deep experience and industry knowledge that align perfectly with DCI’s customer first approach.”

“This expansion reflects our long-term strategy to strengthen DCI’s presence in the life science market and to deliver high-value, end-to-end process system solutions that support the evolving needs of our customers.” added Dan Larsen, President.

Joe Abitz brings more than 15 years of experience in capital equipment and process solutions sales for the life science, food, dairy, and beverage industries. He has a proven ability to deliver fully integrated systems, including vessels, process skids, CIP systems, and automation, by partnering with engineering, R&D, and procurement teams to provide compliant, end-to-end solutions. Joe is known for his technical expertise and consultative approach in managing complex projects within regulated, cGMP environments.

Brad Stasny brings more than 20 years of experience in bioprocess and capital equipment sales within the life science industries. He has deep expertise in bioprocessing equipment, including system installation, start-up, and operations, as well as navigating cGMP validation requirements and conducting detailed technical reviews. Brad is known for his ability to support complex projects and apply technical insight to advance long-term customer partnerships.

Together, their expertise further strengthens DCI’s ability to support our life science customers with reliable, compliant, and end-to-end process system solutions.

 About DCI, Inc.

DCI is a trusted partner in engineered stainless steel solutions, known for their expertise in custom tanks, vessels, and integrated process systems. With over 70 years of legacy, the company continues to evolve its brand to reflect its mission as a complete systems provider. DCI helps customers transform complex processes into efficient, scalable operations across industries such as biotech, food and beverage, and industrial. Backed by unmatched craftsmanship, technical depth, and a customer-first mindset, DCI is built for what’s now and what’s next.

Expanding Bioreactor Control, Batch Automation, and Complete Process Solutions

St. Cloud, MN • October 1, 2025 — DCI, Inc., a premier U.S. manufacturer of stainless steel tanks, fermenters, bioreactors, agitators, and integrated processing systems, has acquired ILS Automation, a leading provider of fermentation and bioreactor control systems.

For more than two decades, ILS Automation has been recognized for its Batch Expert+ software platform and AFC Series controllers, trusted across bench-scale and pilot-scale bioreactor and fermentation systems. In addition, ILS delivers scalable control solutions for microbial and cell culture applications, drawing on strong expertise in process automation and batch software design across life science industries.

“This acquisition aligns with DCI’s vision to be the supplier of choice for innovative process solutions” said Dan Larsen, DCI President.  By integrating ILS’s proven control technologies with DCI’s core strengths in engineered tanks, automation, and process systems, the company is enhancing its ability to deliver end-to-end solutions and create greater value for customers and stakeholders.

“Furthermore, by combining ILS’s Batch Expert+ platform together with DCI’s process skid and bioreactor design capabilities, we can provide innovative, fully integrated solutions that support customers from lab scale through production” said Doug Myers, Ph.D., Principal Engineer.

Expanded Automation Capabilities

• Advanced Control Systems (AFC Series): ILS Automation brings the AFC controller line, including the AFC 900 Series dual bioreactor units and AFC 2000/3000 controllers. These are designed as “drop-in” replacements for benchtop and larger-scale reactors. As a result, customers gain customizable, industrial-grade controllers support digital probes, smart instrumentation, and long-term serviceability with customer-accessible documentation and source code.
• Batch Expert+ SCADA Software Platform: BE+ is a modern, web-based SCADA system that provides real-time control, intelligent alarms, SQL-based data historians, interactive trend charts, recipe management aligned with ISA S88 standards, remote monitoring, and optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. It supports unlimited bioreactors, integrates with legacy controllers, and offers batch-age charting for deeper process insights.
• Open Architecture and IoT Compatibility: ILS emphasizes open, non-proprietary hardware and software built on commercial components. Its IoT-ready approach integrates digital gas flow controllers, smart probes (such as pH, optical DO, and capacitance-based cell density sensors), and precision scales. This ensures richer data acquisition and flexible automation options.
• Expert Support and Customization: ILS offers direct technical support, including remote assistance via VPN, performance tuning, and continuous upgrades for both software and hardware. Systems are fully customizable to meet evolving process development needs.

Welcoming the ILS Team

DCI is pleased to welcome Doug Myers, Jeffrey DeCicco, Peter Hassler, and Scott Freedman to the DCI family as part of this acquisition. Together their expertise in control system design, software development, and customer support will strengthen DCI’s expanding automation division.

About DCI, Inc.

DCI is a trusted partner in engineered stainless steel solutions, known for their expertise in custom tanks, vessels, and integrated process systems. With more than 70 years of legacy, the company continues to evolve its brand to reflect its mission as a complete systems provider. DCI helps customers transform complex processes into efficient, scalable operations across industries such as biotech, food and beverage, and industrial. Backed by unmatched craftsmanship, technical depth, and a customer-first mindset, DCI is built for what’s now and what’s next.

About ILS Automation

Founded in 2001 with a manufacturing site in Downers Grove, IL, ILS Automation provides bioreactor control solutions including AFC controllers and the Batch Expert+ SCADA software platform. ILS supports research and process development across life science industries. The company specializes in integrating digital instrumentation, intelligent control loops, data visualization, and recipe-based batch management, with a focus on open architecture and transparent customer support.  For more information, visit www.ils-automation.com

Media Contacts

DCI, Inc.
Lindsay Winter, Corporate Marketing Manager
ldwinter@dciinc.com | (320) 252‑8200

We are writing to share important news about an exciting leadership transition at DCI, Inc., as part of our ongoing commitment to growth and innovation.

Effective December 2, 2024, our current Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Keller, will continue in his role while also mentoring Dan Larsen, who will join DCI as our new President. Jeff will remain actively involved in the business until April 30, 2025.

Jeff has been a cornerstone of DCI since 1994, serving as CEO & President since 2006. During his tenure, Jeff’s vision and leadership have driven our business to new heights. Jeff’s dedication and contributions have been instrumental in DCI’s success, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership.

Dan Larsen brings over 22 years of leadership experience, including roles at Donaldson Company, Inc., and as President of Hengst Filtration, North America. With a strong background in strategic growth, organizational development, and global market leadership, Dan is well-positioned to continue DCI’s tradition of excellence.

Dan’s collaborative approach and customer-focused mindset will be valuable as we work together to grow and strengthen our partnerships.

This transition marks an exciting new chapter for DCI, Inc. With Jeff’s continued guidance and Dan’s fresh perspective, we are confident in our ability to innovate and serve you even better in the years ahead.

We appreciate your trust and support as we move forward together. Thank you for being a valued partner in DCI’s journey.