Particles Plus Overview
Particles Plus is a founder-led Massachusetts instrument maker that designs and builds airborne particle counters, indoor air quality monitors, ambient monitors, condensation particle counters, sensors and vacuum pumps. Its founders, Adam Giandomenico and David Pariseau, both came from Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions, and Giandomenico also spent time at TSI. The company competes against much larger contamination-monitoring brands by owning its core subsystems, sharing hardware and firmware across product families, offering a lifetime warranty tied to annual calibration, and building OEM and private-label supply. Cleanrooms are its original market, and semiconductor and electronics customers sit alongside life sciences, aerospace, indoor air quality and environmental research. Its portfolio of 26 listed patents, new Stoughton headquarters, 2026 launch of the 6000 Series and ten-year standards-body commitments mark a move from challenger toward an established, standards-engaged supplier. Financial results are not published.
What the company does
Particles Plus engineers, assembles and services instruments that measure airborne particles and related air quality conditions. Cleanroom users rely on these instruments to classify rooms under ISO 14644-1, monitor continuously, test filters and locate contamination sources. Indoor air quality professionals use the same core technology for building investigations. Researchers and public agencies use its ambient monitors and condensation particle counters (CPCs) for outdoor and ultrafine particle work.
The company describes itself as the "most vertically integrated particle counter manufacturing company in the industry" (company website, 2026). It says it builds its own display, vacuum pump, battery, sensor and counting technology. It also says all products are designed and assembled in the USA, with 89.2% of parts built by 35 suppliers in the USA and Canada (company website, 2026).
Company description and independent characterization
The company presents itself as a technology-led manufacturer and licensor serving life science, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, indoor air quality, industrial health and safety, cosmetic, semiconductor, aerospace and data storage users.
An independent reading is narrower and more useful. Particles Plus is a small, engineering-heavy instrument company whose main commercial levers are a broad catalogue built from common subsystems, an installed base that returns for annual calibration, and OEM supply to other manufacturers. Its semiconductor relevance is real but indirect. Its products suit cleanroom certification, facility monitoring, tool and mini-environment integration, and investigation work. They are not aimed at the ultra-sensitive process monitoring where leading-edge fabs use sub-0.3 µm instruments from larger specialists.
That distinction also explains its presence in cleanroom certification and validation market coverage. Particles Plus is not primarily a certifier. It supplies the measurement instruments that certifiers and validators use, and it launched the 6000 Series specifically for certification and validation work at INTERPHEX 2026.
Business and revenue model
| Revenue stream | How it works | Publicly disclosed evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument sales | Sold directly and through distributors and resellers; pricing generally by quotation | UK reseller list prices of about GBP 2,300–3,700 for core models (Cleanroomshop, 2026) |
| Calibration and repair | Annual calibration, diagnostics, repairs, sensor calibration and firmware services | US price list on the RMA form (company website, 2026) |
| Extended and lifetime warranty | Lifetime defect cover depends on calibration at least every 365 days at an authorized center | Lifetime Warranty terms (company website, 2025) |
| Partner calibration licensing | Authorized centers pay an annual Calibration System License fee | Lifetime Warranty terms (company website, 2025) |
| OEM and private label | Sensors, CPC modules and vacuum pumps supplied to other instrument makers | OEM page (company website, 2026) |
| Technology licensing | The company describes itself as a technology licensing business | Home page (company website, 2026); terms not disclosed |
| Cloud and software | Free Instrument Management Software; cloud-based monitoring system; separate SaaS terms exist | Company website, 2026; pricing not disclosed |
| Training and venue use | Courses and training center reservations at Stoughton | Press release, May 2025 |
Instrument sales: How it works: Sold directly and through distributors and resellers; pricing generally by quotation; Publicly disclosed evidence: UK reseller list prices of about GBP 2,300–3,700 for core models (Cleanroomshop, 2026)
Calibration and repair: How it works: Annual calibration, diagnostics, repairs, sensor calibration and firmware services; Publicly disclosed evidence: US price list on the RMA form (company website, 2026)
Extended and lifetime warranty: How it works: Lifetime defect cover depends on calibration at least every 365 days at an authorized center; Publicly disclosed evidence: Lifetime Warranty terms (company website, 2025)
Partner calibration licensing: How it works: Authorized centers pay an annual Calibration System License fee; Publicly disclosed evidence: Lifetime Warranty terms (company website, 2025)
OEM and private label: How it works: Sensors, CPC modules and vacuum pumps supplied to other instrument makers; Publicly disclosed evidence: OEM page (company website, 2026)
Technology licensing: How it works: The company describes itself as a technology licensing business; Publicly disclosed evidence: Home page (company website, 2026); terms not disclosed
Cloud and software: How it works: Free Instrument Management Software; cloud-based monitoring system; separate SaaS terms exist; Publicly disclosed evidence: Company website, 2026; pricing not disclosed
Training and venue use: How it works: Courses and training center reservations at Stoughton; Publicly disclosed evidence: Press release, May 2025
The mix between product, service, subscription and licensing revenue is not publicly disclosed.
Value chain position
Particles Plus sits between component suppliers and end users. It buys parts largely from North American suppliers, designs and assembles the instrument, and sells through direct and distributor channels. It then services the installed base directly and through partners. Through OEM sales it also acts as a component supplier to other instrument manufacturers.
Customers and end-markets
Customer logos are displayed on the company website, but named customer contracts are not published in text. Its website lists these segments: aerospace, automotive, classroom monitoring, cleanrooms, construction, defense, electronics manufacturing, HVAC air duct monitoring, laboratories and research, life sciences, mining, operating rooms, office spaces, optics manufacturing, pharmaceutical, traffic monitoring and waiting rooms (company website, 2026).
Strategy
The company does not publish an annual report or investor day material. Its public statements point to six consistent themes:
Own the core technology: Vertical integration supports performance claims, warranty economics and supply resilience.
Reuse a common platform: Shared hardware and firmware allow broad coverage at lower support cost.
Turn compliance tools into diagnostic tools: Real-time particles-per-second data is positioned as a route beyond routine classification.
Build a local service network: Certified partners extend calibration and support capacity without requiring owned sites in every country.
Shape the field: Long-term work with IEST, IAQA and the Global Commission places the company close to standards, training and buyers.
Expand beyond cleanrooms: Indoor air quality, ambient monitoring, CPC research and OEM sales diversify end-market exposure.
Initiatives in the last 24 months
| Date | Initiative | Purpose and significance |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | Academic discount access to the 15000 Series CPC | Builds research credibility and a citation base |
| March 2025 | Platform communication on US-built counters and monitors | Consolidates brand message around architecture and usability |
| April 2025 | New Stoughton headquarters | Expands manufacturing, R&D, training and support capacity |
| May 2025 | Tom Grillo Training Center | Central site for partner and customer education |
| June 2025 | Next-generation education and mentoring | Supports talent pipeline and field education |
| July 2025 | Certified Calibration Partner program | Standardizes partner service globally |
| September 2025 | Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air participation | Gains a voice in indoor air policy and market development |
| April 2026 | 6000 Series launch | Adds a high-flow portable family for certification and validation |
| June 2026 | Training cleanroom hosts IEST HEPA course | Links facility investment with standards education |
| July 2026 | IAQA extension through 2035 | Secures exclusive Diamond Sponsor status and an advisory role |
| August 2026 | IEST extension through 2035 | Retains founding member status of the Alliance for Excellence |
January 2025: Initiative: Academic discount access to the 15000 Series CPC; Purpose and significance: Builds research credibility and a citation base
March 2025: Initiative: Platform communication on US-built counters and monitors; Purpose and significance: Consolidates brand message around architecture and usability
April 2025: Initiative: New Stoughton headquarters; Purpose and significance: Expands manufacturing, R&D, training and support capacity
May 2025: Initiative: Tom Grillo Training Center; Purpose and significance: Central site for partner and customer education
June 2025: Initiative: Next-generation education and mentoring; Purpose and significance: Supports talent pipeline and field education
July 2025: Initiative: Certified Calibration Partner program; Purpose and significance: Standardizes partner service globally
September 2025: Initiative: Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air participation; Purpose and significance: Gains a voice in indoor air policy and market development
April 2026: Initiative: 6000 Series launch; Purpose and significance: Adds a high-flow portable family for certification and validation
June 2026: Initiative: Training cleanroom hosts IEST HEPA course; Purpose and significance: Links facility investment with standards education
July 2026: Initiative: IAQA extension through 2035; Purpose and significance: Secures exclusive Diamond Sponsor status and an advisory role
August 2026: Initiative: IEST extension through 2035; Purpose and significance: Retains founding member status of the Alliance for Excellence
The company's clearest stated belief is Giandomenico's comment that "you cannot manage what you cannot measure" (Particles Plus, September 2026).
Medium-term financial targets, cost programs and guidance are not publicly disclosed. Quantified sustainability commitments are also not publicly disclosed.
Products & Services
Instruments share a common architecture and comply with ISO 21501-4 and JIS B9921, according to the company. Most offer data logging, remote diagnostics and Ethernet, USB or optional Wi-Fi communication. Platform features include storage of up to 45,000 records, 1,000 locations and 50 recipes (company website, 2026).
Portable particle counters: 6000 Series (launched April 2026)
| Model | Size range | Flow rate | Power and pump | Primary use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65,100 | 0.5–25 µm | 100 LPM | Internal pump and battery | Certification, validation and aseptic fill |
| 6,575 | 0.5–25 µm | 75 LPM | Internal pump and battery | Cleanroom monitoring and validation |
| 6,550 | 0.5–25 µm | 50 LPM | Internal pump and battery | Cleanroom monitoring and validation |
| 6,510 | 0.5–25 µm | 28.3 LPM | Internal pump and battery | Cleanroom monitoring and validation |
| 6,310 | 0.3–25 µm | 28.3 LPM | Internal pump and battery | Cleanroom monitoring with 0.3 µm sensitivity |
The 65100 has a 316L stainless steel enclosure, built-in printer, 7-inch touchscreen, six calibrated channels, a four-hour battery run time and a stated concentration limit of 430,000 particles/ft³ at 10% coincidence under ISO 21501-4. It reports to ISO 14644-1, EU GMP Annex 1 and FS 209E formats. It carries a two-year limited warranty, with extended and lifetime options (company website, 2026).
The series' main technical claim is real-time detection of particle events at up to 250,000 times per second, displayed as particles per second by channel. A proprietary sensor is stated to deliver a minimum 6:1 signal-to-noise ratio (Cleanroom Technology, April 2026). This turns the portable counter from a time-averaged classification tool into a diagnostic instrument, which is the main point of difference against traditional portable counters.
Handheld particle counters: 8000 Series
| Model | Size range | Flow rate | Key configuration | UK reseller price (GBP, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,306 | 0.3–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Six channels, internal pump and battery | 3,332.26 |
| 8,506 | 0.5–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Six channels, internal pump and battery | 3,265.39 |
| 8,303 | 0.3–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Three channels, internal pump and battery | 2,397.61 |
| 8,503 | 0.5–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Three channels, internal pump and battery | 2,332.36 |
| 8506-30 | Listed as 0.5–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Large-particle variant | — |
| 8,300 | 0.3–25 µm | 1.2 LPM | High-concentration handheld | — |
| 8301-AQM1 and AQM2 | Particle plus environmental | 2.83 LPM | CO₂ and Temp/RH; AQM2 adds TVOC | — |
| 8300-AQM1 and AQM2 | Particle plus environmental | 1.2 LPM | CO₂ and Temp/RH; AQM2 adds TVOC | — |
Calibration pricing and third-party listings also show an 8506-20 variant. An 8000 BASIC catalogue and legacy Airy Technology H Series remain visible through the Japanese business. The 8206 handheld, offering 0.2 µm sensitivity at launch in 2014, does not appear on the current US handheld page.
Benchtop particle counters: 7000 Series
| Model | Size range | Flow rate | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,301 | 0.3–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Internal pump and battery; UK reseller price GBP 3598.96 (2026) |
| 7,501 | 0.5–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Internal pump and battery |
| 7,300 | 0.3–25 µm | 1.2 LPM | Internal pump and battery |
| 7501-30 | 0.5–75 µm | 0.1 CFM | Large-particle model with internal pump and battery |
| 7301-AQM1 and AQM2 | 0.3–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Air quality versions with CO₂, Temp/RH and optional TVOC |
| 7300-AQM1 and AQM2 | 0.3–25 µm | 1.2 LPM | Air quality versions with CO₂, Temp/RH and optional TVOC |
Remote particle counters: 9000, 5000 and 2000 Series
| Series | Model | Size range | Flow rate | Vacuum and features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9,000 | 9,301 | 0.3–25 µm | 2.83 LPM | Critical orifice; up to 30 selectable sizes through software |
| 9,000 | 9,501 | 0.5–25 µm | 2.83 LPM | Critical orifice |
| 9,000 | 9,510 | 0.5–25 µm | 28.3 LPM | Critical orifice |
| 9,000 | 9301P | 0.3–25 µm | 2.83 LPM | Internal pump |
| 9,000 | 9501P | 0.5–25 µm | 2.83 LPM | Internal pump |
| 9,000 | 9300P | 0.3–25 µm | 1.2 LPM | Internal pump |
| 5,000 | 5,301 | 0.3–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Touchscreen at point of use |
| 5,000 | 5301P | 0.3–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Internal pump; UK reseller price GBP 3742.06 (2026) |
| 5,000 | 5,501 | 0.5–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Touchscreen at point of use |
| 5,000 | 5501P | 0.5–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Internal pump; UK reseller price GBP 3263.77 (2026) |
| 5,000 | 5300P | 0.3–25 µm | 1.2 LPM | Internal pump |
| 5,000 | 5501-30 | 0.5–75 µm | 0.1 CFM | Large-particle model |
| 5,000 | 5501P-30 | 0.5–75 µm | 0.1 CFM | Large-particle model with internal pump |
| 5,000 | 5,510 | 0.5–25 µm | 1.0 CFM | High-flow remote |
| 2,000 | 2,301 | 0.3–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Four fixed channels |
| 2,000 | 2,501 | 0.5–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Four fixed channels |
| 2,000 | 2301P | 0.3–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Four fixed channels, internal pump |
| 2,000 | 2501P | 0.5–25 µm | 0.1 CFM | Four fixed channels, internal pump |
| 2,000 | 2,510 | 0.5–25 µm | 1.0 CFM | Fixed channels |
| 2,000 | 2510-2 | 0.5–25 µm | 1.0 CFM | Fixed channels |
The 9000 Series is the most relevant family for fab and tool integration. It is compact, wall-mountable, small enough to sit around flow benches and process tools, and can feed cleanroom monitoring systems. The company also states that Modbus interfaces can emulate other manufacturers' register maps, which lowers switching barriers in existing facility monitoring systems (company website, 2026).
Indoor air quality monitors
| Model | Measurements | Flow rate | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5301-AQM1 and AQM2 | Particles, Temp/RH, CO₂, TVOC on AQM2 | 2.83 LPM | Remote with display |
| 5300-AQM1 and AQM2 | Particles, Temp/RH, CO₂, TVOC on AQM2 | 1.2 LPM | Remote with display |
| 7301 and 7300 AQM versions | As above | 2.83 or 1.2 LPM | Benchtop with battery |
| 8301 and 8300 AQM versions | As above | 2.83 or 1.2 LPM | Handheld with battery |
| In-Duct Air Monitor | Continuous duct particle monitoring | — | HVAC duct installation |
Ambient air and ultrafine monitoring
| Product | Key capability | Target user |
|---|---|---|
| Model 10000 | 0.3–25 µm at 1.2 LPM; six channels; NEMA 4 enclosure | Environmental networks and research |
| Model 11000 | 0.3–25 µm at 1.2 LPM; up to 30 channels; NEMA 4 enclosure | Roadside, urban and fence-line studies |
| 12000 Series CPC | Water-based pulse CPC presented in 2022 as an affordable design | Aerosol researchers |
| 15000 Series and 15000-OEM CPC | Water-based sensor covering 5 nm–3.0 µm; listed range of 0–100,000 particles/cm³ | Researchers and OEM integrators |
The company says its CPC and optical counter technologies together cover particle sizes from 5 nm to 25 µm in outdoor environments (company website, 2026).
Personal sampling, OEM, software and services
| Offering | Description |
|---|---|
| Air Sampler 1000 Series | Wearable sampler; 1,000–3,000 ml/min; ±5% flow control; 0.70 lb; more than 30 hours of run time |
| 9300P-OEM | OEM counter sensor; 0.3–25 µm at 1.2 LPM |
| 9301P-OEM | OEM counter sensor; 0.3–25 µm at 2.83 LPM |
| 15000-OEM | Water-based CPC module; 5 nm–3.0 µm |
| Rotary vane vacuum pumps | Brush and brushless pumps for vacuum or pressure, with compressed graphite rotor and vanes |
| Instrument Management Software | Free software for data retrieval, firmware updates, environmental sensor calibration and remote service |
| Cloud monitoring | Cloud-based site monitoring using device communications and Internet of Things functions |
| Certified Calibration Partner program | Tools, training and technical support for service centers and distributors |
Published US calibration and service prices
| Service | Price (USD, 2026 form) |
|---|---|
| 3-channel calibration | 570 |
| 4-channel calibration | 615 |
| 6-channel calibration | 645 |
| 2-channel at 1.0 CFM calibration | 645 |
| 4-channel at 1.0 CFM calibration | 695 |
| 6-channel at 1.0 CFM calibration | 745 |
| 10000 or 11000 Series calibration | 745 |
| 6-channel 30 µm calibration with optics cleaning | 1,395 |
| Repair diagnostic fee | 225 |
| As-found data | 185 |
| Temperature and relative humidity calibration | 110 |
| CO₂ or TVOC calibration | 225 each |
| Expedited service | 150 per unit |
| Firmware upgrade | 45 |
| 8303 to 8306 field upgrade | 1,400 |
Financial Narrative
Particles Plus does not publish financial statements. Revenue, gross profit, operating income, EBITDA, pre-tax income, net income, EPS, dividends, margins, total assets, cash, debt, equity, goodwill, working capital, operating cash flow, capital expenditure, free cash flow, buybacks and all return and leverage ratios are not publicly disclosed for any of the last five fiscal years.
The available indicators give only a rough idea of scale.
Commentary
Three qualitative signals suggest a business that has been investing rather than simply maintaining. The company moved to a larger headquarters in 2025 and added labs, training rooms and a training cleanroom. It launched a new high-flow platform in 2026. It also agreed long-term sponsorships through 2035 with both IEST and IAQA.
None of those events proves profitability. The investment amounts, financing and ownership of the Central Street facility are not publicly disclosed.
Two structural features would matter most to any reader assessing the business. First, calibration and service prices of about USD 570–745 per routine unit calibration, set against instruments costing several thousand dollars, create a recurring revenue layer that the warranty reinforces. Second, a common hardware and firmware platform should limit engineering and inventory complexity across a wide model range, although the company's resulting margin is not publicly disclosed.
Financial Detail
Commercial Line Details
| Commercial line | Contents | Principal users |
|---|---|---|
Cleanrooms | 6000 portable; 8000 handheld; 7000 benchtop; 9000, 5000 and 2000 remote counters | Semiconductor, electronics, pharmaceutical, life sciences, aerospace and optics manufacturers; certifiers |
Indoor air quality | AQM versions of the 5000, 7000 and 8000 platforms; In-Duct Air Monitor | IAQ consultants, industrial hygienists, building operators, schools and hospitals |
Ambient air monitoring | 10000 and 11000 Series; CPC technology | Researchers, public agencies, roadside and fence-line monitoring programs |
OEM | 9300P-OEM, 9301P-OEM, 15000-OEM, rotary vane vacuum pumps | Instrument manufacturers and system integrators |
Personal sampling | Air Sampler 1000 Series | Industrial hygiene and exposure sampling |
Calibration and service | Calibration, repair, training, remote diagnostics and partner certification | Installed base and distributor network |
Financial Analysis
| Indicator | Figure | Source and period |
|---|---|---|
Revenue band | USD 1–10 M | VisualVisitor, undated third-party estimate |
PPP loan | USD 173,293 | SBA PPP data through NewBizBot, 2020–21 |
PPP lender | Webster Bank, National Association | PPP Report, 2020–21 |
Employee range | 28–50 | Distill, October 2026 |
Earlier employee estimate | About 22 | EasyLeadz, 2022 |
Trademark portfolio | 7 registered marks | Gleanmark, filings 2018–2021 |
Issued patents | 26 | Company patents page, January 2026 |
Region Overview
| Region | Disclosed presence | Commercial signal |
|---|---|---|
North America | Stoughton headquarters, manufacturing, calibration and training | Core direct market; ESTECH, CETA, AIHA, AHR and INTERPHEX activity |
Central America and Mexico | Authorized centers in Panama and Mexico | Local calibration for warranty-covered instruments |
UK and Ireland | Connect 2 Cleanrooms in England; All-Ireland Lab & Cleanroom Expo in 2025 | UK reseller channel since 2015 |
Continental Europe | Business development coverage for Central and Eastern Europe since 2023; EAC participation | Distributor-led development |
Japan | Particles Plus, Ltd. in Tokyo; authorized calibration center | Long-running local sales and exhibition activity |
India | Patent 574926; AAC 2025 in Mumbai; ACIEQ 2023 in New Delhi | Technical and research engagement |
Turkey and Middle East | BioExpo Istanbul 2025; Arab Lab exhibition listing | Exhibition-led market development |
Metric by Reference
| Reference | Metric | Figure | Source and date |
|---|---|---|---|
Spectris take-private | Enterprise value | GBP 4.7–4.8 B | Deal reports, 2025 |
Spectris take-private | EV to FY2024 revenue | About 3.7x, using GBP 4.8 B and GBP 1,299 M | Derived from deal and revenue reports |
Spectris take-private | Offer per share | GBP 41.75 including dividend | AJ Bell, 2025 |
Rion | Share price | JPY 2,841 | Stock Analysis, 13 March 2026 |
Rion | Net profit margin | 10.85% | Simply Wall St, undated |
Rion | Debt-to-equity | 0% | Simply Wall St, undated |
Analyst Conclusions
Management guidance and consensus
Management guidance and consensus growth expectations are not publicly disclosed. Public communication points to continued product rollout, partner training, standards engagement and indoor air advocacy through 2035.
Bull case
-
Cleanroom build-out meets a new product cycle. SEMI expects 13 new 300mm fabs or lines to start operations in 2026 and 23 in 2027, just as the 6000 Series reaches certifiers and validators with a real-time diagnostic pitch.
-
Recurring service grows with the installed base. Annual calibration, partner licensing and warranty conditions create repeat revenue and customer contact that many small hardware firms lack.
-
Technology leverage reaches beyond its own brand. OEM modules, modular optical patents and CPC technology could scale through other manufacturers without equivalent growth in direct sales cost.
Bear case
-
The most valuable semiconductor applications remain out of reach. With a 0.3 µm optical catalogue floor and limited named fab references, the company may capture certification and facility work while premium process monitoring stays with PMS, Rion and similar suppliers.
-
Scale disadvantages widen. KKR-backed Spectris and capacity-investing rivals can spend more on service, software and global qualification than a company estimated at 28–50 people.
-
Long commitments could outrun growth. A new headquarters, lifetime warranty and ten-year sponsorships all add fixed or long-tail obligations, while financial capacity remains undisclosed.
Key catalysts and monitorables
| Catalyst | What to watch |
|---|---|
| 6000 Series adoption | Named certifier, pharma or semiconductor references and distributor pickup |
| New fab starts | Evidence of instrument orders tied to US and Asian projects |
| Sub-0.3 µm capability | Any new optical sensor or multi-wavelength product |
| OEM wins | Named instrument partners or volume supply agreements |
| Partner expansion | New authorized calibration centers in Asia and Europe |
| Global Framework follow-through | National blueprints and indoor air standards that drive monitoring |
| Patent output | Grants from the 16 pending applications |
| Leadership changes | Formal succession or additions to senior management |
| Strategic transactions | Sale, minority investment or a second acquisition |
Key catalysts (next 12 months):
6000 Series adoption: What to watch: Named certifier, pharma or semiconductor references and distributor pickup
New fab starts: What to watch: Evidence of instrument orders tied to US and Asian projects
Sub-0.3 µm capability: What to watch: Any new optical sensor or multi-wavelength product
OEM wins: What to watch: Named instrument partners or volume supply agreements
Partner expansion: What to watch: New authorized calibration centers in Asia and Europe
Global Framework follow-through: What to watch: National blueprints and indoor air standards that drive monitoring
Patent output: What to watch: Grants from the 16 pending applications
Leadership changes: What to watch: Formal succession or additions to senior management
Strategic transactions: What to watch: Sale, minority investment or a second acquisition
Analyst verdict
Particles Plus is best understood as a technically credible, founder-driven niche instrument company rather than a scaled semiconductor infrastructure supplier. Its credentials are stronger than its size suggests. The founders helped shape the modern particle counting industry, the company holds 26 issued patents, and it owns key subsystems that many small competitors would have to buy. Its 6000 Series gives it a clear story for 2026: portable counters should explain contamination events, not merely document averages.
The semiconductor opportunity is real but needs careful framing. New fabs create demand for certification, monitoring, investigation and calibration, and US reshoring suits a Massachusetts manufacturer. However, the current catalogue is better matched to controlled-environment and facility roles than to leading-edge process monitoring. Revenue exposure to semiconductors is not publicly disclosed, and the company names no fab customers in text. Its most realistic path into this market is through cleanroom certifiers, facility systems, OEM integration and tool-adjacent monitoring.
The more distinctive strategic feature is its recurring ecosystem. Lifetime warranty conditions, annual calibration, partner licensing, training and standards involvement combine into a service network that can defend margins and increase customer retention. The 2025–2026 headquarters investment and long-term IEST and IAQA agreements suggest management sees this as a decade-long platform.
The main limitation is visibility. Without accounts, investors and partners cannot test profitability, cash generation, debt, customer concentration or warranty costs. Key-person dependence is also significant. Particles Plus therefore looks attractive as a specialist partner, OEM supplier or acquisition candidate, but it should not be treated as a proven scaled leader until it shows named semiconductor wins, wider global service and clear financial evidence of operating leverage.
Sources
- Particles Plus website: Home, About, Patents, Why Particles Plus, Service, OEM, product pages, News archive and Lifetime Warranty (particlesplus.com)
- Particles Plus, "Particles Plus, Inc. Opens New Headquarters" (April 2025) (particlesplus.com)
- Particles Plus, "Completes 2025 Service & Calibration Training" (July 2025) (particlesplus.com)
- Particles Plus, "Completes Annual Calibration and Diagnostic Training" (July 2026) (particlesplus.com)
- Particles Plus, "Building Great Instruments Is Only Part Of Our Responsibility" (September 2026) (particlesplus.com)
- Particles Plus, "Joined the United Nations Global Compact Initiative" (January 2024) (particlesplus.com)
- IEST, 10-year partnership extension (August 2026) (iestblog.org)
- IAQA, eight-year partnership extension (July 2026) (iaqa.org)
- Cleanroom Technology, 6000 Series launch (April 2026) (cleanroomtechnology.com)
- Cleanroom Technology, market entry (March 2014) (cleanroomtechnology.com)
- Cleanroom Technology, Airy Technology acquisition (2014) (cleanroomtechnology.com)
- Fierce Electronics, Airy Technology acquisition (2014) (fierceelectronics.com)
- OEM Capital, Airy Technology transaction (July 2014) (oemcapital.com)
- Cleanroom Technology, David Wright appointment (2024) (cleanroomtechnology.com)
- Connect 2 Cleanrooms, calibration training (connect2cleanrooms.com)
- Cleanroomshop, Particles Plus prices (cleanroomshop.com)
- Owler, Particles Plus profile (owler.com)
- Distill Intelligence, Particles Plus profile (October 2026) (distillintelligence.com)
- VisualVisitor, Particles Plus profile (visualvisitor.com)
- EasyLeadz, David Pariseau profile (2022) (easyleadz.com)
- NAICS List, Particles Plus profile (naicslist.com)
- NewBizBot, Stoughton PPP records (newbizbot.ai)
- PPP Report, Stoughton records (pppreport.org)
- Gleanmark, Particles Plus trademarks (gleanmark.com)
- Patent Leaderboard, Particles Plus inventors (patentleaderboard.com)
- Justia and Trea patent listings (trea.com)
- IWBI, Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air (wellcertified.com)
- IWBI, Global Framework for Action (2026) (a.storyblok.com)
- SEMI, 300mm Fab Outlook (October 2026) (semi.org)
- AnySilicon, SEMI 300mm outlook summary (October 2026) (anysilicon.com)
- The Star, SEMI fab spending summary (October 2026) (thestar.com.my)
- Meticulous Research, SEMI equipment figures (meticulousresearch.com)
- DIResearch, Global Airborne Particle Counter market (2025) (marketresearch.com)
- APO Research, Global Airborne Particle Counter market (marketresearch.com)
- Global Info Research, Particle Counters for Cleanroom market (marketresearch.com)
- Kings Research, Particle Counter market (kingsresearch.com)
- MarketsandMarkets summary (2021) (ipsnews.net)
- Maximize Market Research summary (krajput.digitalpress.blog)
- GII / Bizwit, Global Cleanroom Technologies market (giiresearch.com)
- Rion, Financial Highlights (rion.co.jp)
- Quartr, Rion Q4 FY2026 summary (quartr.com)
- Envalith, Rion segment data (June 2026) (envalith.com)
- Stock Analysis, Rion (stockanalysis.com)
- Simply Wall St, Rion (simplywall.st)
- Wikipedia, Spectris (en.wikipedia.org)
- Mergr, KKR acquisition of Spectris (mergr.com)
- AJ Bell, Spectris results and KKR bid (2025) (ajbell.co.uk)
- ROIC.ai, Spectris (roic.ai)
Executive Leadership
Executive Leadership Team
| Name | Role | Tenure | Prior roles and background |
|---|---|---|---|
Adam Giandomenico | Co-founder and CEO | Since founding, 2011 | President at Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions; founder of Adams Instruments; Director of Business Development at TSI |
David Pariseau | Co-founder and CTO | Since founding, 2011 | Founder of Lighthouse Associates, Technology Plus and SinoEV; engineering consultant to Asyst, Intevac, Varian Semiconductor, LAM Research and others |
David Wright | Product Marketing Manager, Controlled Environments | Since March 2024 | Materials science, engineering and contamination control experience |
Ryan Wilmot | Product Marketing Manager | Named in April 2025 | Quoted on headquarters and training strategy |
Sotirios Papathanasiou | Air quality specialist and technical presenter | Since June 2022 | Air quality expert; presented CPC tutorials at AAAR 2023 |
Andrey Klochko | Business Development Manager, Central and Eastern Europe | Since June 2023 | About 25 years in laboratory equipment |
Bob Scannell | Calibration and service | 10 years as of October 2026 | Leads technical training activity shown in company communications |
Kozo Amemiya | Vice President of Business Development on 2014 appointment | From 2014 | Airy Technology founder; current role not publicly disclosed |
Competitive Landscape
Key Competitors
| Competitor | Ownership | Base | Main overlap | Relative position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Particle Measuring Systems | Spectris group, KKR-owned since December 2025 | USA | Cleanrooms, semiconductor and pharma monitoring | Premium incumbent with deep fab exposure |
TSI Incorporated | Private | USA | Cleanroom, IAQ, CPC, aerosol research | Broad instrument portfolio and strong research reputation |
Beckman Coulter Life Sciences | Danaher | USA | Pharma and life sciences counters | Strong global service and regulated-market reach |
Rion | Tokyo Stock Exchange 6823 | Japan | Semiconductor airborne and liquid-borne counters | High-sensitivity specialist with strong fab demand |
Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions | Private | USA | Cleanroom counters and facility systems | Closest heritage rival, with broader facility systems |
Met One Instruments | Private | USA | Remote, portable and ambient monitors | Established in both cleanroom and environmental markets |
Kanomax | Private | Japan | Aerosol, IAQ and ventilation instruments | Strong in Japan and research markets |
Climet Instruments | Private | USA | Cleanroom and pharma counters | Specialist cleanroom instrument supplier |
Fluke | Fortive | USA | Handheld industrial test tools | Strong brand and channel in portable tools |
GRIMM Aerosol Technik | — | Germany | Aerosol and environmental instruments | Strong scientific and European presence |
Setra Systems | — | USA | Remote counters and facility monitoring | Building and facility-monitoring channel |
Topas | Private | Germany | Aerosol generators and counters | Filter-test and aerosol specialist |
Suzhou Sujing and Honri Airclean | — | China | Lower-cost cleanroom instruments | Regional price pressure |
“—” = not publicly disclosed.
Peer Comparison FY2024
| Company | Ownership | Latest disclosed revenue | Growth | Margin | Particle business disclosure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Particles Plus | Private, founder-led | USD 1–10 M third-party band | — | — | Whole company |
Rion | Listed | JPY 28,501 M, FY to March 2026 | 2.2% | Operating margin 15.3% | Particle segment JPY 9,711 M; segment margin 24.6% |
Spectris (PMS parent) | KKR-owned | GBP 1,299 M, FY2024 | Not comparable after portfolio changes | Not publicly disclosed for PMS | PMS revenue not separately disclosed |
TSI | Private | — | — | — | Broad instrument company |
“—” = not publicly disclosed.
Peer Comparison FY2026
| Metric | FY2021 | FY2022 | FY2023 | FY2024 | FY2025 | FY2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rion net sales (JPY Mn) | 20,466 | 22,635 | 23,868 | 25,726 | 27,877 | 28,501 |
Rion particle counter sales (JPY Mn) | 5,172 | 6,265 | 6,619 | 7,559 | 9,546 | 9,711 |
Particle counters as share of Rion sales (%) | 25.3 | 27.7 | 27.7 | 29.4 | 34.2 | 34.1 |
Recent Developments
Newsflow is dominated by product, partnership, training and conference activity.
