--- title: "Contex: 100 years of inventions (1923–2023)" description: "From ink and calculators in 1923 to the contact-free HD Apeiron/42 in 2023: a timeline of 100 years of Contex inventions, with historical images." image: https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/100-years_Contex_Topimage_B_1600x667-1-1.webp --- [Skip to content](https://contex.com/insights/contex-100-years-of-inventions#main-content) [Partner area](https://contex.com/partner-area) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/contex-as/) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/ContexScanners) [![Contex — When imaging matters](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=225&height=48&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png)](https://contex.com/) [Products](https://contex.com/large-format-scanner) [Applications](https://contex.com/) [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all) [Support](https://contex.com/support-faq/) [About us](https://contex.com/about-us/) [CONTACT US](https://contex.com/contact-us/) [Products](https://contex.com/large-format-scanner) [Applications](https://contex.com/) [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all) [Support](https://contex.com/support-faq/) [About us](https://contex.com/about-us/) [Contact us](https://contex.com/contact-us/) 1. [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all) 2. [Company news](https://contex.com/insights/tag/company-news) 3. Contex: 100 years of inventions News # Contex: 100 years of inventions [Part of: **Contex company news**](https://contex.com/insights/tag/company-news) In short Contex began in 1923 as Zeuthen & Aagaard A/S, making duplicating ink, copiers and calculators. It started developing scanning technology in 1986, showed its first large format scanner in 1988, and has since launched Nextimage, HD Ultra X, IQ Quattro X, IQ FLEX and the contact-free HD Apeiron/42. Contex celebrated 100 years on October 23, 2023. ![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=48&height=48&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png) [Contex team](https://contex.com/insights/author/contex-team) Published October 10, 2023 · 3 min read Share [mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EContex%3A+100+years+of+inventions%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Fcontex.com%2Finsights%2Fcontex-100-years-of-inventions](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EContex%3A+100+years+of+inventions%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Fcontex.com%2Finsights%2Fcontex-100-years-of-inventions) ![Contex 100 years in business anniversary logo, 1923–2023, over a summer meadow](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/100-years_Contex_Topimage_B_1600x667-1-1.webp?width=1400&height=600&name=100-years_Contex_Topimage_B_1600x667-1-1.webp) In this article **About Contex** Learn more about Contex and Global Scanning. [About us](https://contex.com/about-us/) **The history of Contex takes its beginning in 1923, when the company Zeuthen & Aagaard A/S originally designed and manufactured printing machines, electrostatic copiers and mechanical and electronic calculators under various names, including Contex.** ![Contex: from mechanical calculators to high-end large format scanners in 100 years](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/Contex-100-years_Calculator-to-Apeiron_1000x500-2.png) ## From desktop calculators to large format scanners But the world changes, and so do we. By the early 1980s, Contex had evolved into what it is today: the market leader in large format scanning and copying solutions, invented, designed and engineered in Denmark. Look through the first 100 years of history with Contex. Below we have collected valuable historical images from throughout the Contex history. ## Timeline ### 1923 **The company Zeuthen & Aagaard A/S begins the production of ink for duplicating machines and eventually also develops and produces duplicating and calculating machines under the names Rex-Rotary, Gestetner and Contex.** ![The very first Rex-Rotary duplicating machine](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/01_The-first-Rex-Rotary-duplicating-machine.webp) *The very first Rex-Rotary duplicating machine* ### 1945 Zeuthen & Aagaard becomes exclusive dealers of calculators produced by the company Brdr. Carlsen. ![Contex half-keyboard adder, Model A, introduced 1946](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/02_Contex-Model-A-1.webp) *Contex half-keyboard adder, Model A, introduced 1946* ### 1946 A new factory is built in Gentofte. ![The Contex factory in Gentofte, Denmark](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/03_Factory-Gentofte.webp) ### 1966 Another new factory is built in Birkeroed, Denmark. ### 1972 Brdr. Carlsen suspends its payments, but the Contex brand survives through several owners. ![Old Contex brand logo](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/04_Contex-brand-logo.webp) ### 1986 Contex initiates the development of modular scanning technology. ### 1988 The first Contex large format monochrome scanner is presented at the CeBIT show in Hannover. ### 1989 Brand owner Sysdata A/S changes its company name to Contex A/S. ### 1990 Contex releases a complete line of monochrome scanners. ![One of the first Contex scanners being assembled](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/05_FSS-3012-assembly-by-employee.webp) Contex moves from Birkeroed to Rypevang 4 in Alleroed, Denmark. ### 1995 A new headquarters is built and Contex moves to its current address on Svanevang 2, Alleroed, Denmark. ![Contex headquarters at Svanevang 2, Alleroed, Denmark](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/06_Contex-Svanevang-2.webp) ### 1996 Contex launches its first large format color scanner. ### 1999 Contex is sold to holding company EQT Group. ### 2002 Vidar Systems Corporation is acquired. ### 2007 Ownership switches to Ratos. Contex acquires Ideal Scanners and Systems. **Contex is now the worldwide top distributor of large format scanners.** ### 2008 Contex introduces [Nextimage software](https://contex.com/product/nextimage-large-format-scanning-software/) for large format scanning. ![Nextimage logo](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/07_Neximage-logo.webp) ### 2012 Ownership switches to Procuritas. Product introduction: HD Ultra, large format CCD scanner. ![Contex HD Ultra large format scanner](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/08_HD-Ultra.webp) ### 2013 Contex is now a brand under [Global Scanning A/S](https://www.globalscanning.com/), and the 10 years since have seen a long list of innovative product launches. ![Global Scanning logo](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/09_Global-Scanning.webp) Product launch: HD iFLEX, the first flatbed scanner. ![Contex HD iFLEX flatbed scanner](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/10_HD-iFLEX.webp) ### 2014 Product launch: IQ Quattro, large format CIS scanner. ![Contex IQ Quattro large format scanner](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/11_IQ-Quattro-1.webp) Product launch: ScanStation. ![Contex ScanStation](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/12_ScanStation.webp) ### 2016 ScanStation receives an upgrade to [ScanStation PRO](https://contex.com/product/scanstationpro/), the professional’s scanner. ![Contex ScanStation PRO](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/13_ScanStation-Pro.webp) Product launch: SD One+. ![Contex SD One+ scanner](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/14_SD-Oneplus.webp) ### 2017 Product launch: [IQ FLEX](https://contex.com/product/iq-flex-large-flatbed-scanner/) large format flatbed scanner. ![Contex IQ FLEX flatbed scanner](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/15_IQ-FLEX.webp) ### 2019 Introducing [HD Ultra X](https://contex.com/product/hd-ultra-x-large-format-ccd-scanner/), the world’s first 60 inch CCD scanner. ![Contex HD Ultra X large format scanner](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/16_HD-Ultra-X.webp) ### 2020 Ownership switches to Riddargatan SPV S AB. Product launch: [IQ Quattro X](https://contex.com/product/iq-quattro-x-large-format-cis-scanner/) series, the 5th generation of Contex CIS scanners. ![Contex IQ Quattro X scanner](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/17_IQ-Quattro-X.webp) Introduction of the [Nextimage Remote](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH3wDQx7QPg) app. ![Nextimage Remote app](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/18_Nextimage-Remote.webp) ### 2023 Contex builds a new distribution center at Svanevang 4. ![New Contex distribution center at Svanevang 4](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/19_New-warehouse.webp) Contex introduces its first contact-free large format art scanner, [HD Apeiron/42](https://contex.com/product/large-format-art-scanner-hd-apeiron-42/). [Read the launch news](https://contex.com/insights/hd-apeiron-42-launch). ![Contex HD Apeiron/42 contact-free art scanner](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/20_HD-Apeiron-42-1.webp) ### October 23, 2023 Contex celebrates 100 years in business. ![Contex 100 years in business anniversary logo, 1923–2023](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/21_100-years.webp) See today’s [large format scanner range](https://contex.com/large-format-scanner) or read more [about Contex](https://contex.com/about-us/). ## Frequently asked questions When was Contex founded? The history of Contex begins in 1923 as products from Zeuthen & Aagaard A/S. The company took the name Contex A/S in 1989, and Contex has been a brand under Global Scanning A/S since 2013. When did Contex start making large format scanners? Contex began developing modular scanning technology in 1986 and presented its first large format monochrome scanner at CeBIT in Hannover in 1988. The first color scanner followed in 1996. Where are Contex scanners designed? Contex scanners are invented, designed and engineered in Denmark, at the headquarters in Alleroed. Topics [News](https://contex.com/insights/tag/news)[Company news](https://contex.com/insights/tag/company-news) ![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=64&height=64&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png) About the author Contex team The Contex team shares news and practical know-how on large format scanning. Contex has made large format scanners for decades and sells them through distributors worldwide. [More from Contex team](https://contex.com/insights/author/contex-team) ## Keep reading [All company news insights](https://contex.com/insights/tag/company-news) ### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/insights/rba-certification/RBA_topimage_darker.webp?width=700&height=438&name=RBA_topimage_darker.webp) News Contex achieves internationally recognized RBA certification August 25, 2025](https://contex.com/insights/rba-certification) ### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/insights/bdm-distribution/Contex-BDM-Distribution-partnership_1920x823.jpg?width=700&height=438&name=Contex-BDM-Distribution-partnership_1920x823.jpg) News Contex begins collaboration with new distributor in UK and Ireland: BDM Distribution August 21, 2023](https://contex.com/insights/bdm-distribution-uk-ireland) ### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/insights/case-studies-archive/National-AZON-award.webp?width=700&height=438&name=National-AZON-award.webp) News Contex recognizes National / AZON as top-selling worldwide distributor for 2022 March 7, 2023](https://contex.com/insights/national-azon-top-distributor-2022) ## Do you want to know more? We share useful guidance on scanner technology, workflow improvements, image quality, digitization trends and real-world applications — straight to your inbox. [SIGN UP FOR NEWS](https://contex.com/large-format-scanner-newsletter/) Products [CCD scanners](https://contex.com/large-format-ccd-scanner-guide/) [HD Apeiron/42](https://contex.com/product/large-format-art-scanner-hd-apeiron-42/) [HD Ultra X](https://contex.com/product/hd-ultra-x-large-format-ccd-scanner/) [ScanStation Pro (with HD Ultra X)](https://contex.com/product/scanstationpro/) [CIS scanners](https://contex.com/large-format-cis-scanner-guide/) [IQ Quattro X](https://contex.com/product/iq-quattro-x-large-format-cis-scanner/) [IQ FLEX](https://contex.com/product/iq-flex-large-flatbed-scanner/) [SD One X](https://contex.com/product/sd-one-x/) [SD One MF](https://contex.com/product/sd-one-mf/) [MFP Repro](https://contex.com/product/mfp/) [ScanStation Pro (with IQ Quattro X)](https://contex.com/product/scanstationpro/) [SD One+ (Legacy)](https://contex.com/product/sd-one-plus/) [IQ Quattro 24 (Legacy)](https://contex.com/product/iq-quattro-large-format-cis-scanner-24/) Software [Nextimage](https://contex.com/product/nextimage-large-format-scanning-software/) [Nextimage Apeiron](https://contex.com/product/nextimage-apeiron-art-scanner-software/) Support [Contact distributor](https://contex.com/contact-us/) [Restricted support](https://contex.com/distributor-password-protection/) [Software download](https://contex.com/technical-support/) [License and activation](https://contex.com/support/license-and-activation/) [Tenders](https://contex.com/tender-support/) About Contex [About us](https://contex.com/about-us/) [Jobs and careers](https://contex.com/jobs-careers/) [News](https://contex.com/insights/tag/news) [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all) [Contact us](https://contex.com/contact-us/) [![Contex](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=187&height=40&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png)](https://contex.com/) [Green initiatives](https://contex.com/greener/) [Cookie Policy](https://contex.com/cookie-policy/) [Privacy Statement](https://contex.com/privacy-statement/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Contex team", "url" : "https://contex.com/insights/author/contex-team" }, "dateModified" : "2026-11-03T07:57:07.184Z", "datePublished" : "2023-10-10T13:08:00.000Z", "headline" : "Contex: 100 years of inventions (1923–2023)", "image" : [ "https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/contex-100-years/100-years_Contex_Topimage_B_1600x667-1-1.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-100-years-of-inventions", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://contex.com/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png" } } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://contex.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://146955308.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146955308/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png" }, "name" : "Contex", "parentOrganization" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "Global Scanning Denmark A/S" }, "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/contex-as/", "https://www.youtube.com/user/ContexScanners" ], "url" : "https://contex.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://contex.com/#website", "@type" : "WebSite", "inLanguage" : "en", "name" : "Contex", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/#organization" }, "url" : "https://contex.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/#blog", "@type" : "Blog", "description" : "Practical guides, customer stories and news on large format scanning from Contex.", "inLanguage" : "en", "isPartOf" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/#website" }, "name" : "Contex Insights", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/#organization" }, "url" : "https://contex.com/insights/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-100-years-of-inventions#webpage", "@type" : "WebPage", "breadcrumb" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-100-years-of-inventions#breadcrumb" }, "inLanguage" : "en", "isPartOf" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/#website" }, "name" : "Contex: 100 years of inventions (1923–2023)", "primaryImageOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-100-years-of-inventions#primaryimage" }, "url" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-100-years-of-inventions" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://contex.com/insights/contex-100-years-of-inventions#article", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "about" : { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Contex company news", "url" : "https://contex.com/insights/tag/company-news" }, "abstract" : "Contex began in 1923 as Zeuthen & Aagaard A/S, making duplicating ink, copiers and calculators. 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