International Metrology Systems Ltd (IMS) was established in 1992, following the acquisition of the former Ferranti Metrology group, which invented the Co-ordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) technology in 1959 and had over 6,000 installations worldwide. This year, IMS celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the first CMM produced by Ferranti and throughout 2009; IMS will continue its awe inspiring developments.

Continuing the tradition of technology leader in the world of CMMs, IMS have invented many of its own world’s first innovative products. Just to name a few.. the first and fastest all aluminium structure CMM (Impact machine, 1994), the world’s first 16 bit and 32 bit transputer based motion controllers (M9 in 1994 and OnMotion CNC motion controller, 1999), a fully integrated contact and non-contact combined multi-sensor (VIP multi-sensor probe, 1996), the world’s first shop floor based Co-ordinate Measuring Gage (CMG) machine (Umpire machine, 1997), the world’s first and still probably the best Iconized DMIS & CAD based innovative measurement software (Virtual DMIS software, 1997), the world’s first and one-and-only fully carbon fibre based CMM superstructure (Premier machine, 2004), and state of the art optical/multisensor MI series machines (which make a Mission Impossible possible) in 2008. IMS also introduced the Minerva Horizontal Arm machine an area dominated by lesser accurate machines. The Minerva incorporates technology from the Premier machine, enabling it to offer higher accuracy at affordable pricing.

IMS worldwide headquarters is located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, in a facility dedicated to research and development in high precision CMM mechanical structures, leading-edge motion control technology and highly advanced special software applications. The facility in Edinburgh is also the manufacturing base of IMS CMMs to our European customers.

In October 2006, IMS officially opened a purpose built, state of the art manufacturing facility in South Korea, with an area of 30,000 sq ft, dedicated to manufacturing of the machines of the highest quality and workmanship. Both manufacturing plants are geared up to produce in excess of 300 machines per annum.

For the ongoing development of its world renowned Virtual DMIS software, IMS have a team of dedicated metrology software specialists at its software development headquarters in Orange city, just outside Los Angeles, California, USA, with significant contributions from other IMS facilities, notably United Kingdom, Korea and China. 

From an international perspective, IMS supply machines globally, fully supported by a team of highly trained and experienced distributors and agents over 50 countries, which are supported by IMS’ own offices and subsidiaries in the UK, Korea (Hwasung City), USA (Houston), Canada (Mississauga, Ontario) and China (Shanghai).

 Driven by A Passion for Perfection, our mission is to design, manufacture and supply innovative metrology products of the highest quality and superior technology. Our commitment to superior technology is only matched by our determination for total customer delight. .