A Gut Feeling – and the First Step into Laser Technology

A woman who took charge of her own career – and shows what female success can look like in high-tech environments.
And that in a field long considered a male domain: photonics.

In 2000, Sandra walked into the production hall of IMM Photonics back in those days, in Viechtach – not as an engineer, not as a manager, but as a production floor employee.

Work–life balance that works: Employees can bring their children to work when needed—showing true flexibility, especially for working moms.

Collaboration beats hierarchy: Progress is a team effort – and every door is open along the way.

Continuous learning is encouraged: Flexible work and further education is actively supported at IMM Photonics.

Equality in action: Gender and age don’t define career paths – skills and mindset do.

Production with purpose: Women lead in areas such as fine assembly, soldering, and fiber connector bonding – many of them coming from non-technical backgrounds like hairstyling or crafts.

Industry solutions for practical applications

Whether in digitalization, food inspection, the automation of industrial processes or in medical technology – our products make their contribution wherever reliability, precision and sustainability are required.

For example: our FIBERPOINT® series fibre optic testers help with fibre continuity testing and fibre breakage detection, enabling precise fault location and minimizing downtimes. They therefore make a decisive contribution to the construction and maintenance of modern fiber optic networks and at the same time help to reduce energy-intensive data transmissions via copper.

In the food industry, our laser systems support modern inspection systems: purity, sorting according to ripeness or packaging control – all this is done with the highest precision.

Stationary or for mobile use: with our high-precision UV curing systems from the ilumCURE series, UV adhesives can be cured particularly efficiently and reliably in industrial production processes – for greater process stability with reduced energy consumption.

Precision in alignment: Our laser modules support the precise set-up of complex production systems and ensure that systems function smoothly from day one. This saves set-up time, avoids errors and increases efficiency.

Laser-based sensor technology also plays a role in the early detection of heart attacks. Our optical systems help to make life-saving diagnostics faster and more reliable – further proof that photonics can be vital.

All of this shows that photonics is a key technology for many of the most pressing issues of our time – from sustainability to automation and healthcare.

Responsibility Beyond Factory Walls

At IMM Photonics, sustainability also includes social responsibility: with company-sponsored retirement plans, employer-funded health insurance, and full flexibility in choosing the place of work. Suppliers are equally required to commit to fair working conditions, ethical conduct, and environmental responsibility.

Bottom line: Sustainable business requires sustainable leadership – both internally and externally.

An unforgettable day: Girls’ Day at IMM Photonics

With a warm welcome from Christian Pritzl, Chief Operating Officer, we started Girls’ Day at our plant in Teisnach full of anticipation!

Both schoolgirls were welcomed with open arms and given an exciting tour of the plant. An important safety briefing was on the agenda, which also included valuable information on ESD protective clothing. After all, safety first!

Cleanroom adventure: a look behind the scenes

Equipped with special cleanroom clothing, the girls went into the ISO 6 class cleanroom. Here, the schoolgirls learned about the special requirements and working methods of a cleanroom.

Their manual skills were also put to the test, as they were allowed to try their hand at gluing lenses under the strict cleanroom conditions. A real adventure for the young talents!

A little refreshment and then off to the collimators!

After a well-earned break during which they fortified themselves with delicious buttered pretzels, the girls were full of energy to work on collimators. They had the opportunity to understand how these important optical components work and how they are constructed, and to get hands-on themselves. It was impressive how quickly they got to grips with the material!

A great moment – soldering with skill and precision

The highlight of the day was soldering! Here the participants were able to demonstrate their skill and precision by making their own workpieces. A real feeling of pride and success – when they held their creations in their hands! To round off the day, the girls received their self-made workpieces and promotional materials as a memento of this special day.

And what are your sustainability efforts beyond production and the supply chain?

Christian Raith: This also aligns with our broader strategic direction. Our entire vehicle fleet consists of electric cars, with the only exception being a plug-in hybrid. The building we lease in Unterschleißheim has won a sustainability award, and we actively contribute to efficient energy use there as well. In our offices, we rely 100 percent on LED lighting, and we’ve moved our entire server infrastructure externally to save energy. This has allowed us to reduce our electricity consumption by 50 percent compared to 2020.

Many companies complain about the additional work required by increased documentation and reporting obligations. Do you agree with that sentiment?

Christian Raith: It is indeed an additional administrative burden that’s noticeable. But we’re not doing this without reason; we’re working toward creating a livable future for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren. As a business owner and a person, this mission is very close to my heart. For example, I am currently working on transforming my private home into an energy-positive house, and I’m proud to say that I’m close to achieving that goal completely.

Three-Round Interviews

Candidates notice a difference from many other companies right at the interview stage. At IMM Photonics, time is taken to get to know applicants thoroughly over three rounds, introduce them to the team, and then hold a final one-on-one conversation. “The feedback is usually extremely positive,” says Raith. He’s even asked new employees later why they chose IMM Photonics. “The answer often was that while we didn’t offer the best package, we made the most effort to connect with them. The appreciation they felt upfront was a key factor—they could see that we genuinely value people.”

Corporate Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity

Once onboard, employees tend to stay. Whether in production in Teisnach or the office in Unterschleißheim, employees at IMM Photonics stay on average for around 13 years. Even longer tenures of 25 years or more are not uncommon. Another indicator of high satisfaction and loyalty is that, despite having the option to work remotely, the Unterschleißheim office is far from empty. Some even make one-and-a-half-hour commutes to work in person with their colleagues. When asked why his employees enjoy working there so much, Raith humbly credits the company’s 25-year corporate culture, which has developed naturally over time. However, he and his leadership team actively work to modernize the culture. They are moving toward a company-wide informal “you,” foster open, level-based communication, organize joint events and excursions, and provide ample opportunities for involvement and growth.

Even when well-trained professionals are hired, the existing team invests a lot of time in internal training and development. For instance, developers come from various fields, such as optics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. ‘Despite their excellent foundational training, new hires very rarely come with exactly the expertise we’re looking for. This means they specialize with us in the area where we need them,’ says CTO Marcus Gögelein. The same applies to the production roles in Teisnach.

Chief Operating Officer Christian Pritzl confirms: “We often spend half a year or more training new employees because the high level of dexterity and expertise required here can’t be found off the shelf.” Beyond this patient and intensive onboarding, IMM Photonics supports individual career paths and offers ongoing development opportunities. These range from language courses and additional training, such as safety specialist certifications, to support for further academic studies.

Attractive Employers are Flexible Employers

A significant challenge, especially for younger employees, is balancing family and work life. IMM Photonics therefore places high value on flexibility in scheduling: “We have 60 people with 30 different work schedules,” CEO Raith chuckles. “In our Teisnach production facility, some start at 6 a.m., while here in Unterschleißheim, some begin at 10 a.m. Employees with children might work in the morning, take a break, and continue in the evening—whether from home or on-site. All of this is possible.”

Helping Save a Piece of the World

Looking forward, IMM Photonics aims to enhance its collaboration with universities, particularly with professors in relevant fields. When asked why he would recommend IMM Photonics to young graduates, CEO Raith doesn’t hesitate: “Because they will find a truly exciting work environment here, where they enjoy a lot of freedom, can contribute significantly, and create something truly new. While we may be just one small cog in the machine of innovative solutions for medicine, bioanalysis, data transmission, or measurement technology, our components contribute a bit toward making the world a better place.

Unique, Better, Flawless

Clients approach IMM Photonics for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it involves developing a completely new laser system based on a detailed performance and requirements specification. Other times, it’s about replacing an old, discontinued optoelectronic component—but not with a simple drop-in replacement. Instead, clients request a solution that also accommodates their additional, highly complex applications. Occasionally, it’s troubleshooting an existing design where a desperate client seeks help from the experts or manufacturing small and micro-series production runs.

Beyond Standards

At IMM Photonics, innovation is part of the daily routine. Whether it’s laser modules, collimators, LEDs, detectors, or driver electronics, standard solutions often fall short in solving the complex challenges that clients face. In other cases, standard solutions aren’t sufficient to create the innovative products that deliver added value and secure competitive advantage. Each project starts with specific client requirements and needs from various industries, which are carefully analyzed and adapted accordingly.

But how does the development team proceed from there? Is there some sort of tried-and-true formula? “At the beginning, it often starts with classic brainstorming,” explains Head of Development Gögelein. However, the process that follows is almost never the same, as it depends on the specific customer requirements.

The only thing you could maybe say,” reflects Weder, “is that development is essentially always about taking the path of least resistance, even if that might sound totally unglamorous at first.” He explains with an example: “If a requirement is minimal, I don’t need to jump straight into a large simulation. Say a client simply wants light to hit a specific shape, size, and distance in a very basic form – I can start by just putting a lens in front of a light source and checking: does the spot fit in the back?” In this case, rather than diving straight into calculations, the first question would be: Is there something comparable already available?

From mechanical engineering and measurement technology to medical technology and bioanalytics, all these industries require custom solutions in laser, fiber optics, UV & UVC tailored to specific demands. For critical applications, standard products rarely provide the necessary precision, performance, or functionality. In such cases, specialized manufacturers are needed—those who can precisely meet customer requirements and offer development, design, prototyping, and production all under one roof.

But what sets one specialized provider apart from another? In this blog post, we’ve compiled five practical criteria that significantly contribute to customer satisfaction and long product lifecycles.

The first point of contact between you and your potential contractor is the sales team, where the groundwork for a successful and straightforward collaboration is already laid. It’s essential that your contact listens carefully, asks the right questions, and understands your requirements precisely. Ideally, the salesperson you’re speaking with has a technical background and a solid understanding of your needs.

Additionally, ensure that the development department is involved in your project at an early stage to evaluate the assignment from their specialized perspective. In this phase, all requirements and needs are reviewed, questioned, and refined in detail. This creates transparency and the highest possible planning security for both sides. Such a process is especially advantageous if you already have a finished design that needs production or optimization, as it allows for early identification of potential weaknesses, avoiding costly trial-and-error or unnecessary detours.

Similar advantages come from choosing a partner who not only supports your photonics project through the design and prototyping phases but can also guide it into series production. In such companies, manufacturing expertise feeds back into the development department. Through comprehensive support, the team keeps feasible manufacturing methods — both existing and new — in mind right from the start. This approach minimizes potential issues at the critical handoff from prototyping to series production. With continuous iteration and close collaboration, valuable synergies can be achieved.

If it only becomes clear later that a component cannot be implemented as planned due to manufacturing constraints, adjustments will need to be made. This almost inevitably leads to compromises that could impact both the quality and lifespan of your product.

Therefore, whenever possible, place development and manufacturing in the same hands. This increases the likelihood of receiving design proposals for lasers or optics that are truly feasible.

While development times in the consumer sector are often short, with production sometimes winding down after just one to three years, specialized applications in fields like medical technology, bioanalytics, and similar areas often require extended lead times. These can span around 10 years or more before the product reaches series production. For such an investment to pay off, the product must also remain on the market for a similarly extended period. For instance, IMM Photonics has been manufacturing one product for a client for nearly 30 years, with plans for it to remain in use for another two decades. If your project falls into a similar category, it’s essential to seek a manufacturer from the start who can ensure stability over long timeframes. These are usually well-established companies with a longstanding client base.

Depending on the market, components not only need to be available long-term but must also meet exceptionally high standards for durability. Factors like component selection, construction method, and cleanliness during production all impact longevity. Therefore, it’s essential to clarify your lifetime requirements for the product early in the engagement process. Additionally, outline the environmental demands the product must withstand in daily use. If necessary, the manufacturer should be capable of subjecting your prototype to specific stress, vibration, or climate cycle tests.

On the other hand, you may need to react quickly to new technologies and market trends. In this case, it’s important to address your expectations for time-to-market promptly. When speaking with different providers, ask them to illustrate typical timelines from product concept to market launch using example projects.

What qualifies as a fast or slower timeline naturally depends on the product’s complexity. Experienced manufacturers like IMM Photonics can design a simple collimator in about a week. After customer approval, it moves into production, and within roughly four weeks, you’ll have the first product developed specifically for you in hand. For highly complex, highly integrated systems, the timeline can easily extend to one and a half to two years.

Particle contamination is a major challenge in the optics field. In measurement applications, even the smallest particles within a module can significantly impact product quality and measurement accuracy — a risk that should ideally be avoided with a cleanroom.

There are two options for this: Flow boxes, a type of mini cleanroom, already provide enhanced cleanliness for optics. A more advanced step in cleanliness and quality is a dedicated, fully enclosed cleanroom specifically classified for the production of optical components. With specialized airflow technology, particles are even more effectively removed from the workspace.

This setup prevents even the smallest deposits on optical surfaces. Access to these cleanrooms is controlled through personnel airlocks, where specialized cleanroom attire is worn. Additionally, strict environmental conditions are maintained; temperature, humidity, and air pressure are precisely regulated to create optimal conditions for assembling optical components. Our tip: Address cleanliness requirements early in the engagement process and inquire about the specific measures taken to ensure particle-free production.