Anton Paar Overview
Anton Paar is the world leader in several areas of scientific instrumentation. Density measurement, rheology, viscometry, and microwave synthesis are the main areas of our business.
Located in Richmond, VA with offices all over the U.S., Anton Paar USA provides sales and application support to our customers. A special focus is set on after sales support and service with a factory-trained team of engineers and scientists to safeguard your investment.
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What Does Anton Paar Do?
Anton Paar GmbH, with its head office in Graz, Austria, produces high-quality measuring and analysis instruments for research and industry and is a contract manufacturer of high-precision mechanical assemblies and electromechanical components for companies all over the world.
The company was established in 1922 and now employs more than 800 people in 11 locations. Continuous innovation, cooperation with universities and external research institutes and all processes according to ISO 9001 ensure the maximum quality and reliability of our products.
A milestone for the company and density measurement in general was the production of the first digital density meter using the vibrating U-tube method developed by Dr. Hans Stabinger in the late 1960s.
Anton Paar has a strong sales network in more than 80 countries to provide customers with rapid application support and service.
Anton Paar's History
One man, one company
Anton Paar GmbH was established in 1922 when a young machinist, Mr. Anton Paar, started a one-man machine repair shop. He specialized in repairing machines for butchers and bakeries and soon earned a reputation for excellent work, which led to contacts with universities and various research institutes.
The pioneer
In 1932, Anton Paar's youngest daughter, Margarete Platzer, the first Styrian female master locksmith, followed in her father's footsteps. She was especially interested in high-precision mechanics. The quality of her work led to a cooperation with Prof. Otto Kratky and production of the company's first scientific, analytical instrument - the Kratky Small Angle X-ray Camera - which is still the most widely used measuring system of its type today.
Technology transfer
In 1963 Ulrich Santner, Margarete Platzer's son-in-law, became Managing Director of the company. He formed contacts to leading research institutes and developed a systematic approach for transferring technology from research to industry. Several years of studying in the United States helped prepare Mr. Santner for marketing numerous innovative products internationally. He strengthened the business relationships to research and sales companies. The highlight of his career was receiving the title of "Business Person of the Year" in 1995.
Growth
In 1986 Ulrich Santner's son-in-law joined the company. As head of the Marketing and Sales department and then Managing Director of the German subsidiary Anton Paar Germany, he systematically built up an international sales network. Under his management several new subsidiaries have been founded and the position of Anton Paar GmbH as world leader in different areas of scientific instrumentation has been further strengthened.
The idea
The family firm became a foundation in December 2003. The "Santner Foundation" is now the new owner of Anton Paar GmbH. The organization is a charitable foundation for public utility. Its turnover will benefit research projects in the field of natural and technical sciences as well as the prevention of drug abuse and rehabilitation of drug addicts. The managing director and chairman of the board at Anton Paar remain unchanged.
