Park Systems Acquires RMN, A Bold Move to Control Nanotech Supply Chain

GWACHEON, South Korea – April 30, 2026 – Park Systems Corp., a global leader in atomic force microscopy (AFM), today announced its acquisition of Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology (RMN), a specialized U.S. manufacturer of high-performance AFM probes. The move, which marks Park Systems' first entry into probe manufacturing, is a significant strategic pivot for the South Korean giant, bringing a critical component of its supply chain in-house and signaling a decisive step toward vertical integration in the highly competitive nanometrology sector.

A Strategic Play for Supply Chain Dominance

In a market where precision and reliability are paramount, Park Systems' acquisition of the Salt Lake City-based firm is far more than a simple business transaction; it is a calculated maneuver to secure its technological future. The global AFM market, valued at over $550 million in 2025, relies on a complex ecosystem of hardware, software, and consumables. Among the most critical of these consumables are the probes—the ultra-sharp tips that physically interact with a sample surface to create nanoscale images.

The AFM probe segment, a substantial market in its own right projected to grow from $340 million in 2026 to over $640 million by 2035, has traditionally been populated by a handful of specialized manufacturers. By acquiring RMN, Park Systems moves from being a major customer to a manufacturer, insulating itself from potential supply chain disruptions, controlling quality at the source, and aligning probe development directly with its instrument roadmap.

"RMN's solid-metal probe technology is directly complementary to Park Systems' advanced electrical measurement modes and next-generation nanoprobing systems currently under development," stated Dr. Sang-il Park, Founder and CEO of Park Systems. "This acquisition represents a step toward that strategy — one that secures a stable supply of high-performance specialty probes our electrical measurement solutions are built upon."

This strategy is consistent with Park Systems' history of calculated growth through acquisitions, which includes previous purchases of Accurion GmbH and Lyncée Tec SA. By bringing RMN into the fold, the company not only gains control over a vital component but also captures the deep expertise and intellectual property of a two-decade-old industry veteran.

The Nanoscale Technology Fueling the Future

The strategic value of the acquisition is rooted in the unique technology developed by Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology. Founded in 2003 by Dr. Clayton Williams, a former IBM researcher and University of Utah professor, RMN carved out a reputation for producing some of the industry's most robust and precise probes.

Unlike more common silicon-based probes, RMN specializes in crafting tips from ultra-high-purity solid platinum and platinum-iridium alloys. This provides exceptional durability and conductivity, making them indispensable for a suite of advanced electrical AFM modes. With tip radii as small as 10 nanometers, these probes are the key to unlocking high-resolution data in applications like Conductive AFM (C-AFM), Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), and Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy (sMIM). These techniques are crucial for research and development in the semiconductor, data storage, and advanced materials sectors, where understanding a material's electrical properties at the nanoscale is essential.

By integrating RMN's technology, Park Systems can more tightly couple the development of its AFM systems with the probes that give them their power. This synergy is expected to accelerate the performance of the company's next-generation nanoprobing systems, particularly in high-voltage and other demanding electrical applications where RMN's solid-metal probes excel.

From Utah Niche to Global Stage

The acquisition also marks a new chapter for Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology. For over 20 years, the company operated as a highly respected boutique manufacturer, serving a dedicated global customer base of top-tier universities and corporate research labs from its Utah headquarters. The deal with Park Systems will propel its technology onto a much larger global stage.

As part of the integration, Park Systems plans to establish a dedicated probe production facility in South Korea, leveraging a technology transfer from RMN's established operations. This move aligns with Park Systems' broader expansion, which includes a new headquarters in Gwacheon and a major production facility in Yongin, backed by significant capital investment to increase manufacturing capacity. During the transition, RMN's U.S. facility will maintain full production to ensure an uninterrupted supply for its existing customers.

Dr. Clayton Williams, founder of RMN, expressed optimism about the future. "Joining Park Systems opens new possibilities for Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology — expanding the reach of our probe technology, enabling applications we could not have pursued independently, and strengthening our position in the global AFM probe market," he said.

Reshaping the Competitive AFM Landscape

Park Systems' entry into the probe manufacturing space is set to send ripples across the industry. Major competitors in the AFM probe market, such as Bruker Corporation, Nanosensors, and MikroMasch, will now face a vertically integrated powerhouse that controls a key part of its value chain. This could pressure other AFM system manufacturers to re-evaluate their own supply chain strategies, potentially leading to further market consolidation or new strategic partnerships.

For the scientific community, the long-term impact is expected to be positive. Park Systems has committed to maintaining product continuity for existing RMN customers and plans to introduce new probes and an expanded lineup under the combined organization. The tighter integration between the instrument and the probe could lead to more powerful, user-friendly, and reliable nanoscale measurement solutions.

By uniting RMN's specialized probe expertise with Park Systems' global R&D, manufacturing, and distribution infrastructure, the acquisition is poised to accelerate the pace of innovation. This fusion of niche craftsmanship and industrial scale will likely enable new discoveries in materials science, life sciences, and semiconductor technology, allowing researchers to probe the fundamental building blocks of the world with greater precision than ever before.