As Particle Measuring Systems reaches its 50th Anniversary, we look back on half a century of innovations and growth.
February 23, 2022, Boulder, CO – Particle Measuring Systems (PMS) announces the 50th Anniversary of its inception. Started in 1972 as a cloud microphysics company, PMS has grown into a solutions and thought leader for contamination monitoring and control within clean manufacturing facilities at sites around the globe.
PMS was founded in 1972 in Boulder, Colorado, USA by Dr. Robert G. Knollenberg who invented the laser particle counter to count and measure the sizes of particles in air. In 1978 PMS sent the first particle spectrometer into space on the Pioneer Venus Probe. In 1985 it incorporated its portfolio of particle monitors into full Facility Monitoring Systems. In 1996 PMS was acquired by Spectris, whose focus is to equip their customers with the ability to reduce time to market, improve processes, quality and yield.
PMS has since developed into the industry leader in monitoring sensitivity and is the only complete contamination monitoring solution provider. PMS delivers not only microcontamination instruments, but also expert consultants, data management software, and training and education to our global customers.
As thought leaders and industry experts, the PMS teams have trained contamination monitoring professionals around the world using their in-house “Particle College” curriculum. PMS employees are recognized as authorities in the field and are frequently asked to present at industry events and write technical papers for publications. PMS maintains an extensive knowledge center to educate and support contamination control specialists.
“It has been gratifying to see this business, that started with me designing and building instruments in my basement while juggling my full-time work in academia, grow into the industry leader for contamination monitoring in controlled environments”, said Dr. Robert Knollenberg, founder, Particle Measuring Systems. This sentiment was supported by John Mitchell, 4th President of PMS, who followed, “The key to our success is having employees who embrace our values of Aim High, Be True, and Own It. I’m immensely proud to have been part of this growth while being a company with a purpose: making the world cleaner, healthier, and more productive. I look forward to what we will accomplish for our customers, employees, and the world far into the future.”
