What ERWEKA does

ERWEKA GmbH is a German manufacturer of pharmaceutical testing equipment, headquartered in Langen, Germany, founded in 1951 and operating as part of the Verder Scientific Division of the Verder Group. The company specializes in tablet and dosage-form testing instruments organized into three product lines: dissolution testers (covering USP methods 1-7 plus a world-exclusive chewing-gum tester), physical testers (tablet hardness, disintegration, friability, tapped density, vacuum leak, granulate flow, and suppository testing), and R&D equipment (all-purpose drives, single-punch tablet presses). Products span entry-level manual devices through fully automated high-throughput systems such as the RoboDis II+ with robotic sample handling. All instruments are designed for compliance with USP, EP, and JP pharmacopeial standards and are supported by proprietary software suites — Disso.NET for dissolution testing (21 CFR Part 11 / GAMP 5 validated) and MC.NET/Export Manager for physical testers — with integrations to major HPLC platforms (Agilent, Waters, Shimadzu, Perkin Elmer, Hitachi, Analytik Jena), bidirectional LIMS interfaces, Active Directory, Crystal Reports, and TeamViewer-based remote support.

ERWEKA's commercial model is built on quote-based hardware sales with associated software licenses and recurring service contracts, sold via direct field sales through wholly-owned subsidiaries in India (ERWEKA India Pvt. Ltd.) and the USA (Verder Scientific, Inc.), complemented by a global network of trained regional distributors across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Go-to-market is event-driven (Analytica, CPHI, AAPS PharmSci 360, regional pharma exhibitions) and content-led through multi-language websites, webinars, and technical documentation. Customers are primarily large pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmaceutical R&D laboratories, with secondary demand from research and test laboratories, life-sciences companies, and academic institutions.

The company has steadily refreshed both core lines in 2025 (TBH II, DT 950 software update, MultiCheck 6) and introduced new service plans to expand recurring revenue, while continuing to operate as a stable, privately-held subsidiary of the Verder Group's 9-center Scientific Division. Corporate leadership comprises Managing Directors Dr. Björn Breth, Claus Elsner, Martin Kühn, and Dr. Jürgen Pankratz. No public ownership, venture capital backing, or M&A activity is present in the available data.

Name

ERWEKA

Legal name

ERWEKA GmbH

Website

https://erweka.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

ERWEKA GmbH is a German manufacturer of pharmaceutical tablet and dosage-form testing equipment, serving pharmaceutical manufacturers, R&D laboratories, life sciences firms, research labs, and universities with USP/EP/JP-compliant dissolution testers, physical testers, and R&D equipment distributed globally via subsidiaries and distributors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceutical Testing Equipment

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Release Testing & Batch Certification (QC) (HLAGADAC)

Keywords

• Pharmaceutical testing equipment
• Dissolution testers
• Physical testers
• Tablet hardness testers
• R&D equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Langen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical Testing Equipment Sales: ERWEKA generates revenue through the sale of specialized pharmaceutical testing equipment including dissolution testers, physical testers, and R&D equipment. The company offers various configurations from entry-level to fully automated systems. Revenue is primarily one-time hardware sales with associated software licenses and ongoing service contracts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ERWEKA manufactures specialized pharmaceutical testing equipment, including dissolution testers (USP methods 1-7), physical testers (tablet hardness, disintegration, friability, tapped density, granulate flow, vacuum leak, suppository), and R&D equipment such as tablet presses and all-purpose motor drives. The portfolio is complemented by proprietary control and data-management software (Disso.NET, MC.NET, Export Manager), automated sample-handling systems (RoboDis II+), and HPLC/UV-Vis-integrated dissolution workcells. All products comply with USP, EP, and JP pharmacopeial standards and are targeted at pharmaceutical manufacturers, life science companies, contract test laboratories, and academic institutions.

Product overview

ERWEKA is a manufacturer of pharmaceutical testing equipment with over 65 years of experience, specializing in dissolution testers, physical testers, and R&D equipment. The product portfolio is organized into three main categories: Dissolution Testers (including DT 950, DT 9510, DT Light, BioDis RRT 10, DFZ II Flow-Through Cell, DRT Chewing Gum Tester), Physical Testers (tablet hardness testers TBH/EasyCheck/MultiCheck series, disintegration testers ZT series, friability testers TAR II, tapped density testers SVM II, vacuum leak testers VDT/S, granulate flow testers GT/SMG, suppository testers PM/SBT/SSP/ST), and R&D Equipment (AR 403 all-purpose equipment, EP-1 tablet press). Automated systems extend the dissolution tester offerings with robotic sample handling (RoboDis II+) and integration with UV-Vis and HPLC analyzers. Software includes Disso.NET for dissolution control and MC.NET/Export Manager for physical testers. All products comply with USP/EP/JP pharmacopeial standards and are part of the Verder Scientific division.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DT 950 Dissolution Tester Digital dissolution tester with 6-8 test stations and TestAssist supporting USP methods 1, 2, 5, and 6 for tablet and capsule dissolution testing, targeted at pharmaceutical QC laboratories.
• DT 9510 Dissolution Tester Digital dissolution tester with 12-14 test stations and TestAssist designed for higher throughput dissolution testing per USP methods 1, 2, 5, and 6 in pharmaceutical QC environments.
• DT Light Dissolution Tester Entry-level dissolution tester for simple testing using USP methods 1, 2, 5, and 6, with 6 or 8 test stations and fixed drive head, targeted at smaller labs, R&D groups, and educational institutions.
• BioDis RRT 10 Dissolution Tester Dissolution tester for USP methods 3 and 7 that simulates pH changes within the human body for extended and sustained release dosage form testing, featuring automatic sample transport between rows; 100% USP/EP/JP compliant.
• DFZ II Flow-Through Cell Tester USP 4 flow-through cell tester for testing poorly soluble products and low-dose formulations with sustained release using various cell types, featuring improved leak-tightness, optimized tubing with quick locks, and individual cell heating capability.
• DRT Chewing Gum Tester World-exclusive specialized dissolution tester for in vitro release testing of substances from chewing gums and other dosage forms requiring mastication, with 1-6 test stations and pneumatic-cylinder-driven mastication with revolving upper jaw movement.
• RoboDis II+ Automated Dissolution System Fully automated dissolution test system with robotic arm for sample handling, media preparation, vessel cleaning, and integrated video monitoring; supports up to 10 or 40 batches without user intervention, controlled by Disso.NET software; described as the only simultaneously operating fully automatic dissolution system on the market.
• MediPrep Media Preparation System Standalone media preparation equipment for automated preparation of 8 and 16 liters of dissolution medium, including vacuum degassing and preheating, designed to feed ERWEKA dissolution testers.
• Disso.NET 4 Software Proprietary dissolution testing software providing method programming, data processing, comprehensive reporting, audit trail, Active Directory user administration, Crystal Reports, and bidirectional LIMS XML integration; 21 CFR Part 11 compliant per GAMP 5.
• TBH 125 Tablet Hardness Tester Basic manual tablet hardness tester for hardness testing or hardness/diameter combinations, offering robust and reliable performance for routine QC use.
• TBH 325 Tablet Hardness Tester Manual tablet hardness and combination tester with integrated product memory for up to 50 products.
• TBH 425 Tablet Hardness Tester Half-automatic tablet hardness and combination tester with integrated star-shaped magazine for testing up to 10 samples.
• TBH II Tablet Hardness Tester Manual 5-parameter tablet hardness tester with redefined user experience, offering comprehensive tablet hardness, diameter, thickness, weight, and combination testing.
• EasyCheck Tablet Hardness Tester Fully automatic tablet hardness combination tester measuring 5 parameters with simplified operation.
• MultiCheck 6 Tablet Hardness Tester Next-generation automated tablet hardness and combination tester with Oblong Navigator for automated tablet alignment and handling of several batches, including high volume tablet separation.
• ZT 120 Light Disintegration Tester Entry-level disintegration tester compliant with USP/EP/JP standards for quality control testing of tablets and capsules.
• ZT 320 Disintegration Tester Disintegration tester with individual testing capability and automated runtime counting.
• ZT 730 Disintegration Tester Automated disintegration tester featuring AirBasket technology for automated detection of disintegration time.
• TAR II Friability and Abrasion Tester Advanced friability and abrasion tester with TestAssist and direct balance connection for determining tablet durability under mechanical stress.
• SVM II Tapped Density Tester Tapped density tester with intelligent SwitchPlate system offering flexibility with one device and five variations; 100% USP/EP compliant.
• VDT/S Vacuum Leak Tester Vacuum leak tester for blister packs and other packaging forms used in leak testing applications.
• GT Series Granulate Flow Tester Granulate flow testers determining flow behavior of powders and granules using various measurement methods; 100% EP compliant with up to 5 methods.
• PM 30 Suppository Softening Time Tester Suppository softening time tester measuring the softening time of suppositories.
• SBT 2 Suppository Breaking Strength Tester Suppository breaking strength tester measuring the load under which suppositories break.
• MC.NET Software Software solution for ERWEKA Physical Testers providing data management and export capabilities.
• AR 403 All-Purpose Equipment Powerful motor drive for all-purpose equipment allowing connection of various attachments for R&D formulation and small scale production.
• EP-1 Tablet Press Single punch eccentric tablet press for R&D and small batch production, producing up to 4000 tablets per hour.
• ERWEKA Service Plans Annual maintenance contracts, extended warranty coverage, and discount programs for ERWEKA laboratory equipment, providing recurring post-sale service and support for pharmaceutical testing customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 40 batches tested without human intervention with RoboDis II+
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Verder Scientific DivisioncoreOthersERWEKA is a subsidiary of the Verder Group's Scientific Division, which encompasses 9 manufacturing centers for quality control and R&D equipment. Verder Scientific companies serve research institutions, analytical laboratories, and manufacturing companies worldwide.
• Biogrund GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman partner representing ERWEKA at European events including Vitafoods Europe and CPHI Frankfurt.
• AntTeknikminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTurkish distributor and partner hosting joint workshops with ERWEKA.
• Total Laboratory Services (TLS)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based partner representing ERWEKA at Lab Innovations exhibition.
• ERWEKA India Pvt. Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDirect subsidiary handling sales and service operations in the Indian market.
• Verder Scientific Inc. USAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS subsidiary representing ERWEKA at AAPS PharmSci 360 and Interphex events.
• Smarteq (Smart Resources for Equipment)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorERWEKA partner for CPHI Middle East exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
• Grupo RaschminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMexican partner representing ERWEKA at Expofarma Mexico.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Copley Scientific: Copley Scientific (UK) manufactures pharmaceutical testing equipment including dissolution testers and inhaler testing apparatus, with comparable target customers in pharma QC and formulation R&D.
• Electrolab: Electrolab (India) manufactures USP-compliant dissolution testers, disintegration testers, and friability testers directly competing with ERWEKA's dissolution and physical tester portfolio, particularly strong in the Indian market.
• Teledyne Hanson Research: Teledyne Hanson (US) provides dissolution and physical testing instruments for the pharmaceutical industry, including USP Apparatus 1-7 testers and automated systems, directly overlapping ERWEKA's core product categories.
• Logan Instruments: Logan Instruments manufactures automated dissolution testers and physical testers for the pharmaceutical industry, with comparable USP apparatus coverage and target customer base of pharma QC and formulation labs.
• Pharma Test Apparatebau: Pharma Test (Germany) is a German-headquartered direct peer manufacturing dissolution testers, disintegration testers, and friability testers with overlapping product categories and similar German mid-market positioning to ERWEKA.
• Distek: Distek (US) specializes in pharmaceutical dissolution instruments with the eDRAGON, 2100C, and 2500 Select series, directly competing with ERWEKA's DT 950 and RoboDis II+ product lines in QC and R&D labs.
• Sotax: Sotax (Switzerland) is a leading direct competitor in pharmaceutical dissolution and tablet testing equipment, offering USP 1-7 apparatus, physical testers, and automated systems with overlapping product lines to ERWEKA.

Emerging players

• Campbell Electronics: Campbell Electronics is an India-based manufacturer of pharmaceutical testing instruments including dissolution testers, offering cost-competitive alternatives to ERWEKA in emerging markets.

Broad incumbents

• Waters Corporation: Waters is a broad analytical instrument incumbent whose HPLC and chromatography systems integrate with ERWEKA's dissolution testers via RoboDis II+; competes at the system-of-systems level for complete dissolution-HPLC workflows.
• Agilent Technologies: Agilent is a broad analytical instrument incumbent integrating HPLC with dissolution workflows; its dissolution HPLC systems directly overlap ERWEKA's HPLC-integrated RoboDis II+ offering, though Agilent operates across a much wider portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/erweka-gmbh

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ERWEKA