As products become more sophisticated, the demand for quality and safety also increases. Manufacturers then turn to analysis and measurement techniques to develop high-quality products. INFICON is in the business of improving productivity and minimising liability claims. "We keep people safe," says Lukas Winkler, president and CEO of INFICON. "We ensure manufacturers produce quality products that keep people and the environment safe and secure." A leading provider of measurement instruments, sensor technologies and advanced process control software, INFICON manufactures products used to detect gas leaks in refrigerators, air conditioners and vehicles. The company's vacuum process technology benefits equipment manufacturers, semiconductor fabricators and optics companies. This technology also produces specialised products for toxic chemical analysis that the military, environmental and emergency response teams use worldwide. INFICON values long-term collaboration with its clients. Working closely with customers, INFICON's expert team of engineers and physicists develop measuring tools that reduce scrap and increase yield. INFICON continues to invest in product research and technology development even without immediate returns. "Our technology is strong and advanced," Winkler says. "When manufacturers develop a product, we make sure that we have a device available even before the new product is released in the market." INFICON operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe and on the mainland. It has subsidiaries worldwide, making it the leading player in the refrigeration and air-conditioning leak detection industry and the semiconductor device manufacturers market. Responding to Asia's growing demand, INFICON ships most of its products in the region. It hopes to gain traction in Asia's automotive industry and equipment vacuum applications by engaging in partnerships. "The market is growing in China," Winkler says. "To be close to the customer means we need to have a research and manufacturing facility that is close to the customer too. We are here for the long haul." INFICON www.inficon.com