New MD looks to continued strengthening in European and Global Markets

Jürgen Semmler, has taken up the role of managing director for Shimadzu’s European organisation following the retirement of Jürgen Kwass, who has been leading the division since 2003.

Formerly managing director of Shimadzu Deutschland, Semmler gained a degree in chemical engineering at Essen University before joining Shimadzu in 1987 as an HPLC service engineer. Following experience gained in the development of global software, he was appointed as manager of the European Customer Support Center in 1996 and ten years later became head of the newly founded Shimadzu Deutschland. Under his management, the company has grown from 60 to more than 150 employees and its sales from €19m to over €40m. Previously independent companies were incorporated into the organisation as technical offices under the overall management of Shimadzu Deutschland.

As Shimadzu Europa and Shimadzu Deutschland are both based in Duisburg, Germany, the two managing directors have always worked closely together. "Under Jürgen Kwass’ aegis, Shimadzu's network was rolled out to every European country and set up structurally and in terms of staff to serve the customer needs of medium-sized companies as well as global players. Shimadzu's growth is closely linked to his commitment and name,” said Jürgen Semmler.

With regard to technical trends, such as automation, miniaturisation of systems, digitisation and hyphenated techniques, Shimadzu has provided significant impetus to the market and initiated developments in recent years. “Digitisation in particular holds both technological and creative potential,” added Semmler. “In analytical instrumentation and medical technology it facilitates seamless workflows as well as simpler, more accurate and faster measurements and tests. It also enables analytics and medical technology to merge to deliver solutions for the most challenging medical conditions, such as the diagnosis and treatment of cancer or dementia."

Shimadzu Europa is Shimadzu’s oldest continental foreign organisation and plays an important role in the company’s growth and globalisation process. Jürgen Semmler said: "In addition to our technological expertise, we also want to continue to strengthen our presence and network on an organisational level throughout the European region, expand our teams and increase sales and market share. I am looking forward to the tasks ahead."

More information online