A project that Richard Distl started in 1986 in a spirit of the German youth science competition "Jugend Forscht" has been transformed into a successful global enterprise. Today, the company is the market leader for light measurement with a workforce of 148 employees and two sites in Germany. Major companies throughout the world and leading research institutes rely on measurement equipment from Instrument Systems for testing LEDs, displays and other optical light sources and components.
In December 2012, Richard Distl sold his company to Konica Minolta, Inc. Now that the transition phase has come to an end, he will be leaving the company on 31 May. "Even though I find it difficult to move on, it is now time to depart from Instrument Systems," explained Richard Distl. "I would like to thank all employees, customers and partners who have made this incredible success possible."
Dr. Markus Ehbrecht will take over the position of CEO. The graduate physicist has been working in the executive management of Instrument Systems since January of this year. "We have found an experienced and capable successor in Dr. Ehbrecht, who is ideally qualified to direct the company into the future," summarized Richard Distl. "I myself will continue to remain associated with the company and the LED and display industry and I will continue to play an active role in a number of scientific bodies and committees."
Over the past five years, Richard Distl has led Instrument Systems through an enormous phase of growth. A new record result in the history of the company was achieved in the business year ended 31 March 2014 with sales totaling € 53.7 million.