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 | FRT looks back at many years of success and is ever eager to grow and extend its products and services. In the beginning, just over 10 years ago, FRT started its business by offering metrology contract measuring services.
A few years later, the first measuring system reached readiness for marketing and soon the range of products began to grow. Today, FRT offers a comprehensive line of highly sophisticated measuring (automatable) tools for many different applications and industries. Located near to Cologne, scientists and engineers research, develop, assemble and distribute systems from series-production to application specific projects for customers in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
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Thomas Fries, Ph.D., and his team of world-class scientists, engineers, software developers, technicians, and sales- and support staff.
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| Milestones in Corporate History
|  | On August 7th, 1995, Fries Research & Technology GmbH (FRT) is founded in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, as a service company for surface investigation. Being first in the market, the young company offers scanning probe microscopy (SPM) as a contract service and remains market leader in this niche until today.
|  | In search of new markets and opportunities FRT begins to develop the highly precise measuring system MicroGlider®. This heralds a new era for FRT because two more business divisions are added. “Manufacturing of measuring instruments” and “process control”. In the same year the company is honored with the Innovation Award founded by the Cologne Chamber of Commerce and the Gerling Insurance Group. With a total of three business divisions FRT reaches a new dimension and the staff count increases to ten employees in 1997. Distribution partners in the USA and Japan help to reach international markets. FRT now also offers highly precise measuring tools for labs and the industrial production control. The unique range of services and products are highly appreciated by the customers!
|  | In 1998, the success continues with the development of the MicroProf®. Also, FRT successfully establishes its subsidiary FRT of America which is located on the east and west coast with two offices.
| | | In 2001, FRT counts 25 employees. Additionally, FRT Suisse AG is founded and FRT completes its worldwide service and distribution network. By developing specialized metrology tools for car engine construction, FRT establishes itself in yet another industry. The automotive industry.
|  | In 2002, FRT begins to develop measuring tools to the investigation of wafers and MEMS. This way it is possible to enter the semiconductor sector. By the end of the year, the international distributor network counts 16 partners .
|  | In the year of 2004 FRT is awarded for excellent human resources and company organizational development.
|  | The story continues... in 2006 FRT opens its new branch office in Munich, moves into a new office building, expands its production capacities and introduces a new series of measuring tools called the MFE Series. Metrology for Frontend (MFE) is a line of products that are especially suited for use in clean room environments. They are setup in a mini environment, are equipped with automated wafer handling, and are multi-sensor capable. |
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