Construction starts on new headquarters for Spectrum Instrumentation

Since its founding in 1989, Spectrum Instrumentation has grown from a small development team into a globally recognised manufacturer of PC-based high-performance measurement technology. Founder and CEO Gisela Hassler has led the company for 36 years and is now bringing about the next milestone in the company’s history. To accommodate the company’s steady growth, a state-of-the-art headquarters is being built at the technology industrial park in Ahrensburg near Hamburg, Germany. 

“Our initial focus was on customised solutions, but as early as 1991 we developed and produced our first PC card,” says Gisela. “This product for digitising electronic signals was a success and remained on the market for 17 years – an early sign of the longevity and customer-oriented service that characterises our company to this day.”

Gisela Hassler (CEO) leads the company together with chief engineer Oliver Rovini (CTO), who joined the company in 1995, and Carsten Gralla (MD), who has been part of the management since 2021.

In 2000, the development team implemented a modular concept: using different base cards combined with many plug-on modules. An enormous range of over 200 models was created for digitising and generating electronic signals. According to Spectrum, the result is a unique product range in the industry. Later, the company developed the stand-alone measuring instruments of the Netbox series, controllable from any PC, which are another international success story.

Today, customers include leading corporations like Intel, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Philips and Bosch, as well as universities all around the world. Spectrum’s measuring instruments are used in aerospace and quantum research, materials science, medical and energy technology, automotive and aircraft construction, laser and fiber-optic based equipment, as well as communications and semiconductor automated testing systems. Applications are as diverse as research into dolphin communication and volcano early-warning systems. Some 140 Spectrum PC boards control the world’s largest particle accelerator at CERN.

Spectrum stands for quality, a five-year warranty, and fast support directly from the hardware and software developer. Spare parts and services are available for 15 to 20 years – a rarity in the fast-moving electronics industry.

The new company building will provide Spectrum Instrumentation with the opportunity to continue its steady growth. All company departments, including research and development, production, sales and administration, will have spacious, ultra-modern facilities. The building design incorporates high-tech infrastructure with collaborative spaces and quiet areas. The aim is to achieve a workspace that delivers flexibility, convenience, comfort and productivity. Spectrum’s new building is also positioned to allow further expansion whenever required. Many other innovative high-tech companies have already settled in this industrial area on the northeastern outskirts of Hamburg.