Particle Measuring Systems celebrates 50 years

Particle Measuring Systems’ Presidents: (left to right) Paul Kelly, John Mitchell, Dr. Robert Knollenberg (Founder), Dr. Don Veal (not in the picture).

Particle Measuring Systems’ Presidents: (from left to right) Paul Kelly, John Mitchell, Dr. Robert Knollenberg (Founder), Dr. Don Veal (not in the picture).

Particle Measuring Systems (PMS) announces its 50th anniversary. PMS was founded in 1972 as a cloud microphysics company and has evolved into a leading provider of solutions and pioneers for monitoring and controlling contamination in clean manufacturing environments worldwide.

PMS was founded in 1972 in Boulder, Colorado, USA, by Dr. Robert G. Knollenberg, who invented the laser particle counter for counting and measuring particle sizes in the air. In 1978, PMS sent the first particle spectrometer into space aboard the Pioneer Venus probe. In 1985, the portfolio of particle monitors was integrated into the company Facility Monitoring Systems. In 1996, PMS was acquired by Spectris, whose goal is to equip its customers with the ability to shorten time-to-market as well as improve processes, quality, and yield.

Since then, PMS has developed into an industry leader in sensitivity monitoring and is the only provider of complete contamination monitoring solutions. PMS not only supplies microcontamination devices but also provides expert consulting, data management software, as well as training and continuing education programs for our customers worldwide.

As pioneers and industry experts, PMS teams have trained contamination monitoring specialists around the world using their proprietary curriculum "Particle College." PMS employees are recognized as authorities in the field and are frequently invited to give presentations at industry events and to write technical articles for publications. PMS maintains an extensive knowledge center for training and supporting contamination control specialists.

"It is gratifying to see how this company, which started with the development and construction of instruments in my basement while I was engaged in full-time scientific work, has developed into an industry leader in contamination monitoring in controlled environments," said Dr. Robert Knollenberg, founder of Particle Measuring Systems. John Mitchell, the 4th President of PMS, agreed: "The key to our success is employees who have internalized our values 'Aim High,' 'Be True,' and 'Own It.' I am incredibly proud to have been part of this growth and to be part of a company with a purpose: to make the world cleaner, healthier, and more productive. I look forward to what we will achieve for our customers, employees, and the world in the future."