Opening of a New Plant for Analytical and Measuring Instruments in Suzhou, China, Increasing the Manufacturing Capacity by 2.4 Times

Shimadzu (Suzhou) Instruments Manufacturing, Co., Ltd. (SSM), a Shimadzu Group company, constructed its fourth plant in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, and held the opening ceremonies for it on December 18, 2024. Operation of the new plant has increased the building floorspace by 2.2 times their previous level, and the manufacturing capacity by 2.4 times its previous level. The expansion of this production center is part of the goal of expanded global manufacturing capabilities raised in the Shimadzu medium-term management plan started in 2023.

Digest video of the opening ceremony

SSM Manufactures Analytical and Measuring Instruments

SSM was established in 1998 mainly as a production center for Shimadzu analytical and measuring instruments sold in China. Since then, it has manufactured general-purpose models of liquid chromatograph mass spectrometers (LC-MS), liquid chromatographs (LC), and UV-VIS spectrophotometers (UV).

Later, with the expanded demand for LC-MS and GC-MS in the clinical field in China, and in response to the procurement guidelines announced by the Chinese government in 2021 prioritizing domestic goods, the plant also began the full-scale manufacture of high-end LC-MS, GC-MS, gas chromatographs (GC), and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (EDX) models in September 2023.

100 People Attended the Opening Ceremony

Ribbon cutting at the opening ceremony

In addition to people associated with Suzhou City and the Shimadzu Group, close to 100 representatives of sales distributors attended the opening ceremony for the new plant.

Entrance to the new plant, lined with ceremonial bouquets

The ceremony opened with a gorgeous lion dance

In reflecting on the progress of SSM since its establishment, President Masahiro Kawamura had the following to say in his address. “At the new plant, we will be manufacturing a number of analytical and measuring instruments including high-end models. Further, from 2025 we have plans to add medical systems as well to our list of manufactured items. The Shimadzu Group is taking the opportunity afforded by operation of the new plant to strengthen our ties with China subsequently.

The new plant incorporates facilities to automate the receipt and delivery of parts from storage and the adjustment and inspection of products, as well as mechanisms to stabilize the production environment including the temperature and humidity. In addition, solar panel equipment has also been installed, and other measures have also been taken to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Masahiro Kawamura, SSM President

Yasunori Yamamoto, President & CEO of Shimadzu Corporation

Yasunori Yamamoto, President & CEO of Shimadzu Corporation, touched on the fact that March of this year will mark the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Shimadzu Corporation. He also noted that “We will continue to pursue the well-being of mankind and the earth through projects in the four domains of health care, green transformation, materials, and industry. We will provide technology and products aiming for the realization of a healthy, decarbonized society in China.”

A tour was held after the ceremony

The Shimadzu Group will continue to strive to realize the wishes of everyone, and to contribute to society.