Shimadzu (Suzhou) Instruments Manufacturing, Co. (SSM) in China has constructed its fourth plant in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. The new plant will produce a large number of analytical and measuring instruments including liquid chromatograph mass spectrometers (LC-MS) and gas chromatograph mass spectrometers (GC-MS).

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 their previous level.

SSM was established as a production centre for competitively priced products in 1998, with a plant mainly for analytical and measuring instruments sold in China by Japan-based Shimadzu.

Previously, it had manufactured mid-range models of LC-MS, liquid chromatographs (LC), and UV-VIS spectrophotometers (UV). With the operation of plant no. 4 however, full-scale manufacturing of high-end models of LC-MS, GC-MS, gas chromatographs (GC), and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (EDX) began in response to China’s preferential policy for domestic production from September 2023.

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 stabilise the production environment including the temperature and humidity. At the same time, solar panel equipment has also been installed, and other measures have also been taken to reduce CO₂ emissions.

The expansion of this production centre is part of the goal of expanded global manufacturing capabilities raised in the Shimadzu medium-term management plan.