What Köttermann does

Köttermann GmbH is a German manufacturer of steel-based laboratory furniture and fume hood systems, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Hänigsen (Uetze), Lower Saxony. Its product portfolio spans the EXPLORIS line of fume hoods (including the low-energy EcoPlus and TouchTronic electronic control platform), modular lab furniture, media supply systems, and hazardous-materials safety cabinets certified to EN 14470. All products are individually engineered to customer specifications rather than sold off-the-shelf. Köttermann is a subsidiary of Czech BHM Group a.s. and operates through wholly-owned entities in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark (Labflex, acquired March 2024) plus a German engineering subsidiary (Lab Concept GmbH, acquired June 2023).

The company serves educational institutions, hospitals and clinical labs, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and industrial customers, with named reference projects including TUHH, TUM Campus Straubing, Strahlenklinik Erlangen, and Münzing Chemie. Go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales via territorial Area Sales Managers in Germany, supplemented by subsidiaries in Benelux and Scandinavia, and channel partners in select markets such as Saudi Arabia (Gulf Bioanalytical). The Köttermann Academy certifies installation and service partners, and revenue streams include project-based equipment sales, installation, and recurring maintenance of safety-regulated equipment such as fume hoods and EN 14470 cabinets.

Commercially, Köttermann generates revenue through custom project quotes (no public price list), multi-year maintenance contracts, and project planning services, with project sizes ranging from roughly 130 to 1,500 sqm. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001 (first in its industry, since 1997), OHSAS 18001, and ISO 50001 certifications, and positions sustainability and 80-year brand heritage as central differentiators. Revenue is not publicly disclosed and the company remains privately held under BHM Group.

Name

Köttermann

Legal name

Köttermann GmbH

Website

https://koettermann.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Köttermann is a German steel laboratory furniture and fume hood manufacturer serving universities, hospitals, chemical, and industrial customers with custom-engineered lab infrastructure, operating under Czech BHM Group ownership across Germany, Benelux, Denmark, and select international markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Furniture and Equipment

NAICS

Household and Institutional Furniture and Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing (3371), Other Furniture Related Product Manufacturing (3379)

SIC

Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821)

akta.pro primary industry

Lab Furniture, Facilities & Utilities (Benches, Casework, Gas/Water Systems) (HLAGAIAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Science & STEM Lab Equipment & Supplies (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Makerspaces) (EDAEAIAC), Pneumatic Air Preparation & Distribution (FRL assemblies, manifolds, air headers) (IMAHAGAD)

Keywords

• Laboratory furniture systems
• Fume hood manufacturing
• Hazardous materials storage
• Media supply systems
• Steel laboratory equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Uetze

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Laboratory Furniture and Equipment Sales: Sale of customized laboratory furniture including fume hoods, lab benches, storage cabinets, and media supply systems. Products are individually planned and manufactured to customer specifications.
2. Maintenance and Service Contracts: Regular maintenance services for products such as fume hoods and safety cabinets which have statutory maintenance requirements. Certified maintenance partners trained through Köttermann Academy ensure quality standards.
3. Project Planning and Consultation: Comprehensive service from initial consultation through planning to installation of turnkey laboratory environments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Köttermann manufactures and supplies steel-based laboratory furniture and equipment, including fume hoods, laboratory benches, safety and hazardous materials cabinets, and modular media supply systems. All products are individually planned and produced to customer specifications, sold primarily to universities, hospitals, research institutes, and industrial customers. The company also provides project planning, 3D laboratory design (pCon software), installation, and certified maintenance services.

Product overview

Köttermann is a manufacturer of laboratory equipment and steel laboratory furniture based in Hänigsen, Germany, operating since 1946. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of laboratory infrastructure solutions organized under the EXPLORIS® product line. Core product categories include LABORABZÜGE (fume hoods) such as the EXPLORIS EcoPlus low-energy fume hood and TouchTronic electronic control system; LABORMÖBEL (laboratory furniture) including Unterschränke (underbench cabinets), Hochschränke (tall cabinets), Hänge- und Aufsatzschränke (wall-mounted cabinets), and Zellenschränke (cell cabinets); MEDIENVERSORGUNG (media supply) encompassing Medienzellen (service cells), Medienbrücken (service booms), Auftisch-Mediensäulen (bench-mounted columns), and Medienwände (media walls); and GEFAHRSTOFFSCHRÄNKE (hazardous materials cabinets) including VarioProtect, Sicherheitsschränke (Type 90 safety cabinets), Sicherheitsunterschränke (underbench safety cabinets), Säuren- und Laugenschränke (acid/alkali cabinets), and Sicherheitsschränke für Druckgasflaschen (gas cylinder cabinets). All products are manufactured from steel and are customizable to customer requirements. The company also provides a 3D planning software (pCon) with AR capabilities for laboratory design.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EXPLORIS: Product line featuring fume hoods (including EcoPlus, TouchTronic), laboratory furniture, safety cabinets, media supply systems, and related laboratory equipment.
• TouchTronic
• EcoPlus

Products and services

• EXPLORIS EcoPlus Fume Hood Low-energy fume hood with special airflow technology requiring only 275 m³/h air volume per meter of hood width, saving approximately 30% energy compared to standard fume hoods. In robustness tests, exceeds BG RCI safety requirements by 70%. Designed for laboratories seeking energy efficiency without compromising safety.
• TouchTronic Fume Hood Control System Electronic fume hood control and monitoring system uniting fume hood control and monitoring in one intuitive touch element. Features IPS touchscreen that recognizes touch with gloves, high computing power, and an integrated display for safety warnings. Designed for laboratory operators and EHS managers.
• Medienzellen (Service Cells) Vertical media supply cells for laboratory workbenches providing integrated access to utilities such as water, gas, and electricity. Made from electrolytically galvanized quality steel with transparent design. For laboratories requiring flexible utility access at workstations.
• Sicherheitsunterschrank (Safety Underbench Cabinet) Underbench safety cabinet for storage of flammable liquids according to DIN EN 14470-1 with Type 90 fire resistance. Available with swing doors and/or drawers. Designed for laboratories handling flammable hazardous materials requiring compliant underbench storage.
• Sicherheitsschrank Typ 90 (Type 90 Safety Cabinet) High safety cabinet for storage of flammable liquids, certified to EN 14470-1 with Type 90 fire resistance. Features thermally insulated double-walled doors and automatic thermo-mechanical closing in case of fire. For laboratories requiring compliant flammable liquid storage.
• VarioProtect Hazardous Materials Storage Cabinet Versatile hazardous materials storage cabinet offering multi-purpose safety storage capabilities. For laboratories requiring flexible safe storage solutions for various dangerous substance classes.
• Säuren- und Laugenschrank (Acid and Lye Cabinet) Safety cabinet for safe storage of corrosive non-flammable hazardous substances, acids, and alkalis. Cabinet body and drawer trays made of resistant polypropylene with liquid-tight drawers. For laboratories handling corrosive chemicals.
• Sicherheitsschrank für Druckgasflaschen (Gas Cylinder Safety Cabinet) Safety cabinet for storage of gas cylinders with Type 90 fire resistance, certified to EN 14470-2 and GS standards. Designed to shield stored substances from external fire. For laboratories using compressed or technical gases.
• Zellenschrank (Cell Cabinet) Cabinet unit designed for placement between media service columns, providing additional storage for utensils, reagents, and small equipment. Available with glass doors for transparent appearance. For laboratory workstations needing organized adjacent storage.
• Hänge- und Aufsatzschränke (Wall-Mounted and Top Cabinets) Wall-mounted and overhead cabinets for maximizing storage space in laboratories. Available in various configurations including hinged doors, glass sliding doors, and with optional ladder for top cabinets. For laboratories with limited floor space requiring elevated storage.
• Medienbrücken (Service Booms) Ceiling or wall-mounted media supply bridges for providing utilities to workstations without occupying bench space. Features telescoping support elements for variable positioning. For flexible laboratory layouts requiring movable utility access.
• Auftisch-Mediensäulen (Bench-Mounted Service Columns) Above-bench media columns providing 360-degree access to utilities including fittings, switches, and sockets. Ideal for training rooms or workstations with lower media density requirements. For educational and training laboratory environments.

Quantifiable outcome

• EcoPlus fume hood saves up to 1,000 euros per year in operating costs compared to standard fume hoods
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LabflexcoreOthers · 1 March 2024Danish laboratory infrastructure solutions manufacturer acquired by Köttermann Group. Focuses on industry, education, and biomedical supply sectors in Northern Europe. Specializes in Scandinavian design wood laboratory furniture with own production in Skive, Denmark.
• Gulf BioanalyticalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Local dealer in Saudi Arabia executing laboratory project for Zamzam water quality testing in Mecca. Köttermann supplies laboratory equipment while Gulf Bioanalytical handles local installation and project management.
• Lab Concept GmbHcoreOthers · 30 June 2023Engineering and production company in Kempten, Germany acquired in part by Köttermann Group. Specializes in innovative, intelligent, and high-quality products and services. Design and engineering company focused on turn-key laboratory infrastructure solutions with strong market presence.
• Anton Paar Netherlands B.V.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2023Joint showroom facility opened in Breda, Netherlands. Anton Paar develops, produces, and distributes precision laboratory instruments and process measurement systems. Köttermann supplied storage solutions, fume hood, and other equipment for the joint demonstration and training facility.
• Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryminorOthersResearch institution whose studies on fume hood energy consumption are referenced by Köttermann. Studies show fume hoods account for 40-60% of laboratory energy consumption. Köttermann's EcoPlus technology addresses these findings.
• Harvard UniversityminorOthersResearch institution whose study on laboratory energy consumption is referenced by Köttermann. Study found research spaces occupy about one-fifth of floor area but consume nearly half of total building energy.
• University College London (LEAF)minorOthersInitiative referenced by Köttermann that supports laboratories in minimizing environmental impact. LEAF helps labs use less plastic, water, energy, and other resources.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Waldner Laboreinrichtungen: German manufacturer of laboratory furniture, fume hoods, and complete lab infrastructure. Closely comparable to Köttermann in product range (fume hoods, lab benches, media supply, safety cabinets) and target customers (universities, hospitals, industrial labs) across the DACH region.
• Hettich Lab Technology: Division of the Hettich Group producing laboratory furniture and equipment for research, education, and healthcare. Competes head-to-head with Köttermann in European lab infrastructure projects, with comparable steel-based furniture offerings and project planning services.
• Düperthal Sicherheitstechnik: German specialist in safety storage cabinets for hazardous materials, including fire-rated safety cabinets (Type 90), acid/alkali cabinets, and gas cylinder cabinets. Directly competes with Köttermann's hazardous materials cabinet portfolio and serves overlapping pharmaceutical, chemical, and educational customers.
• Asecos: European leader in safety storage cabinets for flammable liquids, chemicals, and gas cylinders, with EN 14470-certified Type 90 offerings. Overlaps directly with Köttermann's VarioProtect and Sicherheitsschrank lines and targets the same institutional and industrial safety-compliance buyers.
• Thies / LSS Group: German manufacturer of laboratory furniture, fume cupboards, and safety cabinets, including steel-construction lab installations. Comparable to Köttermann in product mix, customer segments (universities, pharma, industrial), and project-based sales approach in DACH.
• Labconco: US-based manufacturer of laboratory equipment including fume hoods, lab furniture, and safety cabinets. While geographically distinct, the product portfolio and institutional/customer base are closely comparable, making it the most relevant North American peer for Köttermann's fume hood and lab infrastructure business.
• Mott Manufacturing: Canadian manufacturer of steel laboratory furniture, fume hoods, and casework, with comparable product breadth and education/healthcare customer focus. A relevant peer for benchmarking Köttermann's steel-based lab furniture and project delivery model.
• Renggli: Swiss laboratory furniture and fume cupboard manufacturer serving research, education, and healthcare customers. Comparable to Köttermann in custom-engineered lab infrastructure, DACH market presence, and project-based delivery.

Broad incumbents

• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Global life sciences conglomerate whose laboratory products division offers a broad portfolio of lab equipment, fume hoods, and furnishings. While much larger and not specialized in lab furniture, it is a relevant incumbent competitor on large institutional lab projects where buyers bundle equipment and furniture.

Emerging players

• Carl Roth: German laboratory supplies and equipment distributor with growing lab furniture offerings. Not a direct competitor at the project level, but a relevant peer in the German institutional lab supply channel where Köttermann's products are specified and procured.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@koettermann46
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/k-ttermann-systemlabor
• Instagraminstagram.com/koettermann

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries4 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 Köttermann