Located on Business Park Acht in Eindhoven, Thermo Fisher’s facility is a center of excellence for electron microscopy. Here, over 1,300 dedicated professionals with 46 different nationalities work collaboratively to create groundbreaking and reliable solutions in electron microscopy. The facility is also a hub for novel research applications of electron microscopes and provides service and support to users.

Thermo Fisher is an important global innovator in electron microscopy. Maurits Smits, Senior Director in Eindhoven, explains: “Bringing technical breakthroughs to the world is our daily goal and challenge. Our technology gives researchers eyes in places previously unthinkable. Our technology allows researchers to explore molecular structures, down to the scale of a picometer – much smaller than a nanometer. This capability enables them to make informed decisions to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Working on solutions to global challenges is incredibly fulfilling. Our microscopes are used by several Nobel laureates, and their feedback has driven further advancements in our technology.”

The versatility of electron microscopes extends across various fields. According to Maurits: “Our microscopes enable the study of atomic structures in materials like silicon and gallium, crucial for the semiconductor industry. For example, they can reveal atomic structures in lithium batteries, aiding in their durability and safety. In the world of life sciences, scientists are looking deeper and deeper into the cells of animals, humans and plants. Researchers use our microscopes to explore cellular structures and understand complex medical questions, such as why certain drugs work for some individuals but not others. Right now, we help to enable research on Alzheimer’s disease, among other medical conditions. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial images of the coronavirus proteins were captured using our electron microscopes. We can really make a difference for humanity.”

Thermo Fisher has ambitious plans for expansion in Eindhoven. In 2021, the company acquired an adjacent building, adding 1,100 square meters to boost production by twenty percent. Maurits explains: “Expanding involves many aspects, like obtaining permits and ensuring adequate electricity supply. The latter is important, as we are committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Additionally, grid congestion is a challenge in the Netherlands, potentially limiting our ability to grow. We have therefore actively looked for innovative solutions to meet our energy needs in a sustainable way. BOM has been instrumental in this process, offering expertise on smart energy solutions and connecting us with valuable contacts. We are now pursuing various alternatives: generating our own power, implementing battery storage, and collaborating with other companies at the Business Park Acht to optimize energy supply and demand among companies. We also reduce our own energy consumption by making our microscopes more energy efficient. In this way we are not only innovative in our product offering, but in every aspect of what we do. In our new building, for instance, we have started production without additional power requirements. In fact, energy challenges foster creativity and innovation.”