Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Marks 50th Anniversary of Japan’s First Gas Chromatograph, the GC-1A, With PittCon Display Plans

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments will display the first-ever Japanese-made Gas Chromatograph at the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, March 12-16.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary as a GC manufacturer, Shimadzu will have in its booth the GC-1A, an instrument that revolutionized the chemical analysis industry. The 100 kilogram instrument rarely leaves the world headquarters of Shimadzu in Kyoto, Japan.

Originally developed for the petrochemical industry, the GC-1A facilitated faster analysis, enabling plants to adjust their processes for more efficient production. In Japan, which was recovering from WWII at the time, the GC-1A spurred economic growth for Shimadzu and made them Japan’s leader in the petrochemical industry. The GC-1A was the foundation for the company’s worldwide growth and success today.

In 1956 the machine sold for $7,100 and would cost $142,000 in today’s market.

The instrument is called the GC-1A after the initial prototype, the GC-1.