Particle Measuring Systems (PMS) announces the 50th anniversary of its founding. Founded in 1972 as a cloud microphysics company, PMS has evolved into a leading provider of solutions and thought leadership for contamination monitoring and control in clean manufacturing facilities around the world.

Particle Measuring Systems' presidents: (left to right) Paul Kelly, John Mitchell, Dr. Robert Knollenberg (founder), Dr. Don Veal (not pictured).

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 on the Pioneer Venus probe. In 1985, the portfolio of particle monitors was integrated into the Facility Monitoring Systems company. In 1996, PMS was acquired by Spectris, whose goal is to provide its customers with the ability to reduce time to market and improve processes, quality and yield.

Since then, PMS has become the industry leader in sensitivity monitoring and is the only provider of complete contamination monitoring solutions. PMS not only supplies microcontamination equipment, but also expert consultants, data management software, training and education for our customers worldwide.

As thought leaders and industry experts, PMS teams have trained contamination monitoring professionals around the world using their in-house Particle College curriculum. PMS staff are recognized as authorities in the field and are frequently asked to speak at industry events and write technical articles for publications. PMS maintains an extensive knowledge center to train and support contamination control specialists.