Labtech

What Labtech does

Labtech International Ltd is a UK-based boutique distributor and service provider of scientific laboratory instruments and consumables, founded in 1993 and operating as a subsidiary of the Calibre Scientific global life science distribution network. The company represents world-leading manufacturers across five core categories—molecular biology (including the Thermo Scientific NanoDrop microvolume spectrophotometers supplied since 2002, Sage Science automated NGS size-selection systems, thermal cyclers, electrophoresis, and Western blot reagents), cell biology (Logos Biosystems LUNA automated cell counters, Baker Ruskinn CO2 incubators and physoxia workstations, Lucid Scientific Resipher oxygen monitoring, cellZscope impedance systems, MSE centrifuges, and BIOSERA cell culture reagents), microbiology (Baker anaerobic/microaerophilic workstations, QUANTOM bacterial counters), light microscopy (Nikon microscopes, CoolLED illumination systems, Vilber Lourmat gel and blot imaging), and electron microscopy (DiATOME diamond knives, Safematic coaters, Kleindiek Nanotechnik micromanipulators). Products reach customers via a direct sales motion supported by field service engineers across the UK and Ireland, complemented by an e-commerce storefront for consumables and smaller equipment. The business model is two-stream: hardware/instrument distribution (largely quote-based pricing) plus a recurring service layer spanning Complete Care maintenance contracts, Preventative Maintenance, Health Check visits, and Extended Warranty packages. Customers span academic and research laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotech companies requiring regulatory-compliant workflows, and educational institutions, all served from the company's headquarters at the R-evolution Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, UK. Strategic positioning is reinforced by ISO 9001 certification held for over 10 years and a brand presence of more than 30 years, though the company has no AI/ML capabilities and limited proprietary R&D given its distributor business model.

Name

Labtech

Legal name

Labtech International Ltd

Website

https://labtech.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Labtech International Ltd is a UK-based boutique distributor of scientific laboratory instruments and consumables, serving academic, pharmaceutical, and educational customers in the UK and Ireland with a portfolio spanning molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, light microscopy, and electron microscopy, supported by an in-house field service engineering team.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Equipment Distribution

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821)

akta.pro primary industry

Laboratory Consumables & Plasticware (Tips, Tubes, Plates, Filters) (HLAGAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Maintenance, Service Contracts & Equipment Repair (Field Service, Parts) (HLAGAIAN), Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation (Pipettes, Robots, Workstations) (HLAGAIAD)

Keywords

• Laboratory equipment distribution
• Scientific instrument supply
• Cell biology reagents
• Laboratory service contracts
• Electron microscopy accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Heathfield

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Laboratory Equipment Distribution: Labtech generates revenue primarily through distributing scientific laboratory equipment, instruments, and consumables from world-leading manufacturers to UK research institutions, pharma companies, and academic laboratories. Products span molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, and electron microscopy categories.
2. Service and Maintenance Contracts: Comprehensive after-sales service offerings including Complete Care (annual maintenance with unlimited repairs), Preventative Maintenance, Health Check visits, and Extended Warranty packages. Service team provides calibration, repair, and validation for laboratory equipment across the UK.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Labtech distributes innovative scientific laboratory instruments, equipment, and consumables from world-leading manufacturers to research institutions, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, and educational bodies across the UK and Ireland. The product portfolio spans molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, light microscopy, and electron microscopy categories. Beyond distribution, Labtech operates a UK-wide field service engineering team providing installation, calibration, repair, validation, and tiered maintenance contracts.

Product overview

Labtech is a boutique laboratory equipment distributor serving the UK scientific community for over 25 years, founded in 1993. The company operates as a single unified product and service platform offering a comprehensive portfolio of laboratory equipment and consumables across five main categories: Molecular Biology (including NanoDrop spectrophotometers, Sage Science automated size selection systems, thermal cyclers, electrophoresis equipment, and Western blot detection reagents), Cell Biology (featuring Logos Biosystems LUNA automated cell counters, Baker Ruskinn CO2 incubators and physoxia workstations, Lucid Scientific Resipher oxygen monitoring systems, cellZscope impedance systems, MSE centrifuges, and extensive cell culture reagents including foetal bovine serum and media), Microbiology (Baker anaerobic/microaerophilic workstations and QUANTOM bacterial counters), Light Microscopy (Nikon microscopes, CoolLED illumination systems, X-CLARITY tissue clearing, and Vilber molecular imaging), and Electron Microscopy (Diatome diamond knives, Safematic coaters, plasma cleaners, and EM consumables). The company provides field service engineering support with multiple coverage tiers. Key branded products include LUNA-FX7 automated cell counter, ReCO2ver rapid recovery CO2 incubator, ClinoStar clinostat incubator, and Invivo2/InvivoO2 300 physoxia workstations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LUNA Automated Cell Counters (Logos Biosystems) Award-winning family of automated cell counters from Logos Biosystems including the LUNA-FX7 (multi-sample, pharma and bioprocess ready with optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliant CountWire software), LUNA III (brightfield, autofocus), LUNA II (brightfield with optional thermal printer), and LUNA FL (brightfield and dual fluorescence for challenging primary cells and PBMCs). Distributed in the UK by Labtech for cell counting applications.
• NanoDrop Spectrophotometers (Thermo Scientific) Microvolume spectrophotometer family from Thermo Scientific including the NanoDrop Eight (next generation 8-sample with advanced contaminant ID), NanoDrop Ultra (next generation with DNA/RNA differentiation and flexible data export), and NanoDrop Lite Plus (compact standalone for nucleic acid and purified protein quantification). Xenon light source, direct measurement using surface tension, no consumables required, Acclaro contaminant identification and correction. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• Baker Ruskinn Physoxia and Hypoxia Workstations Physiologically relevant oxygen control workstation family from Baker Ruskinn including the InvivO2 (hypoxia/physoxia workstation), InvivO2 300 Compact (smallest lab bench area with interlock), SCI-tive (for cell therapy and stem cell research), and PHO2xBox (gas controlled physoxia system). Labtech also supplies the CondoCell transportable hypoxia containment vessel. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• Sage Science Automated DNA Size Selection Systems Automated size selection and fractionation systems from Sage Science including the Blue Pippin pulsed-field automated DNA size selection system, SageELF automated DNA and protein fractionating system, Pippin Prep, PippinHT, and Sage HLS extraction and library prep system for NGS applications. Labtech has been Sage Science's UK distributor for over seven years.
• MSE Centrifuges Benchtop and microcentrifuge range from MSE with over 80 years of essential laboratory equipment heritage, including the Harrier R air-cooled refrigerated centrifuge (4 x 250mL swing-out capacity) and the Hawk R refrigerated centrifuge. Distributed in the UK by Labtech for sample preparation.
• Alpha Cycler Thermal Cyclers High performance thermal cyclers from Alpha Cycler available in single, dual, and four block configurations for PCR applications. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• CURIO Thermal Cycler Compact and adaptable PCR machine with multiple functions and applications for a wide range of PCR experiments, providing ease-of-use, speed, and reliability. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• Vilber FUSION Blot Imaging Systems User-upgradable chemiluminescence imaging platform for Western blot detection from Vilber Lourmat including the FUSION series, providing better than film sensitivity and flexible detection for protein research laboratories. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• Nikon Microscope Range Microscope-based optical and imaging technology range from Nikon (Nikon Healthcare Business Division) including Ci Series upright clinical and laboratory microscopes with LED illumination, Ts2 and Ts2R inverted microscopes, SMZ stereo microscopes (SMZ1270, SMZ25/18, SMZ745, SMZ800N), and Ei/Si Series upright educational and professional microscopes. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• CoolLED LED Illumination Systems LED fluorescence illumination systems from CoolLED offering energy-efficient, stable, instant-on alternatives to mercury and laser light sources for microscopy. Range includes single wavelength pE-100 up to 16 channel pE-800 illumination systems and the pT-100 transmitted light source. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• CELENA Digital Imaging Systems (Logos Biosystems) Digital cell imaging systems from Logos Biosystems including Celena S (affordable 3 colour benchtop imaging with fluorescence overlays) and CELENA X (fully featured, fully automated high content imaging configurable to meet application needs). Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• QUANTOM Bacterial Counters and Consumables (Logos Biosystems) Fluorescence based automated bacterial counting systems from Logos Biosystems including the QUANTOM Tx (total and viable bacterial counts without culturing) and QUANTOM M50 cell counting slides and staining kits. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• ReCO2ver Rapid Recovery CO2 Incubator Rapid recovery CO2 incubator providing precision control over humidity, temperature, and CO2 with unprecedented recovery after door openings. Features active humidity control and HEPA filtration. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• ClinoStar Clinostat CO2 Incubator Clinostat CO2 incubator enabling 3D cell culture with a unique anti-gravity design providing low shear stress and active diffusion for creating in-vitro models. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• Resipher Oxygen Consumption Rate System (Lucid Scientific) Real-time oxygen consumption rate monitoring system from Lucid Scientific that converts a 96-well microplate into a precise OCR monitor using existing workflow, media, and plates. Enables continuous metabolism measurement under physiologically relevant conditions. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• cellZscope Automated Impedance System Automated impedance measurement system for barrier-forming cells, used for cell line quality control and monitoring drug or toxin influence on barrier function. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• X-CLARITY Electrophoretic Tissue Clearing System Second generation electrophoretic tissue clearing system from Logos Biosystems for fast and efficient clearing of biological samples ranging from Arabidopsis to zebrafish. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• Newton 7.0 In-Vivo Imaging System In-vivo optical imaging system for small animal imaging from Vilber Lourmat. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• zenCELL Owl 24 Channel Brightfield Microscope Compact 24 channel brightfield microscope designed for incubator or workstation use, enabling automated remote monitoring of cell cultures. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• Baker Ruskinn Anaerobic and Microaerophilic Workstations Anaerobic and microaerophilic workstation family from Baker Ruskinn including the Bugbox and Bugbox Mx (compact and flexible oxygen control) and the Concept series (accurate control of oxygen levels within chamber and interlock) for primary isolation of anaerobes. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• Electron Microscopy Accessories (DiATOME and Safematic) Electron microscopy product line including DiATOME ultra, cryo, and histo diamond knives with knife resharpening service, Safematic high and standard vacuum carbon and sputter coaters (with unique carbon thread loading and plug-and-play modules), and Kleindiek MM3A micromanipulators and plugin tools, cryo FIB lift-out systems, and specialised heating, cooling, and force measurement stages. Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Labtech.
• Laboratory Equipment Field Service and Maintenance Contracts Comprehensive after-sales service offering from Labtech's UK-wide team of multi-skilled field service engineers and internal service team. Packages include Complete Care (annual maintenance visit, unlimited repairs, priority support, all spare parts included), Preventative Maintenance (reduced labour charges), one-off Health Check visits, and Extended Warranty extending manufacturer coverage. Services include installation, calibration, repair, and validation of laboratory equipment across the UK.
• Cell Culture Reagents and Animal Serum (BIOSERA) Animal serum, cell culture media, salts, buffers, supplements, and antibiotics from BIOSERA manufactured according to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 in France. Labtech offers batch testing services for cell culture reagents and free sample and batch reservation for foetal bovine serum products. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.
• WesternBright ECL Detection Reagents and Advansta Western Blot Products HRP substrate reagents from Advansta for chemiluminescent Western blot detection, including WesternBright ECL spray, WesternBright Quantum HRP substrate, and WesternBright Sirius femtogram HRP substrate. Distributed in the UK by Labtech.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 7 years successful partnership with Sage Science as UK distributor
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sage Science Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLabtech has served as Sage Science's distributor in the UK for over seven years. Sage Science products include the Blue Pippin pulsed-field automated DNA size selection system, SageELF automated DNA and protein fractionating system, and Sage HLS extraction and library prep system. The partnership is described as highly successful with Labtech selling to all key institutions.
• Baker RuskinncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBaker Ruskinn (from Baker) provides physiologically relevant cell culture solutions including InvivO2 hypoxia/physoxia workstations, anaerobic workstations, and CO2 incubators. Labtech supports the scientific community to increase physiological relevance of cell biology and hosted collaborations including work with Nobel laureate Sir Peter Ratcliffe on physoxia research.
• Logos BiosystemscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLogos Biosystems provides the LUNA range of automated cell counters, QUANTOM bacterial counters, Celena digital imaging systems, and X-Clarity tissue clearing systems distributed by Labtech in the UK. The LUNA FX7 is a multi-award-winning automated cell counter described as pharma and bioprocess ready.
• NikoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNikon is a leader in microscope-based optical and imaging technologies for life sciences, part of Nikon Healthcare Business Division. Labtech distributes Nikon's range of microscopes including upright, inverted, and stereo microscopes as well as imaging systems.
• Vilber LourmatcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVilber Lourmat is a leader in molecular imaging with over 60 years of UV technology expertise. Products include gel documentation systems, Western blot imaging (Fusion systems), and transilluminators used in over 20,000 laboratories worldwide.
• Thermo Scientific (NanoDrop)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLabtech has proudly supplied and supported the NanoDrop range since 2002. NanoDrop spectrophotometers are described as the original micro-volume spectrophotometer since their launch in 2001, featuring xenon light source and no need for warm-ups.
• BIOSERAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBIOSERA is one of the world's leading suppliers of animal serum and cell culture media, manufactured according to ISO 9001 and 13485 standards in France with proximity to collection centres. Products include foetal bovine serum, media, salts, buffers, supplements, and antibiotics.
• CoolLEDcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCoolLED provides cutting-edge LED fluorescence illumination systems for microscopy, offering alternatives to mercury and laser light sources with improved energy efficiency, stability, and no warm-up time requirements.
• Calibre ScientificcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLabtech International Ltd operates as part of Calibre Scientific, a global network of life science distributors. Calibre Scientific c/o is the registered address for Labtech, indicating they are part of a larger scientific distribution organization.
• DiATOMEcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiATOME provides unparalleled quality diamond knives for electron microscopy including ultra, cryo, and histo diamond knives, with knife resharpening service available.
• SafematicminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSafematic produces high and standard vacuum carbon and sputter coaters for EM applications with unique carbon thread loading system and plug-and-play modules.
• Kleindiek NanotechnikminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKleindiek provides MM3A micromanipulators and plugin tools for electron microscopy, cryo FIB lift-out systems, and specialized stages for heating, cooling, and force measurement.
• Lucid ScientificcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLucid Scientific's Resipher System turns 96-well plates into precise real-time oxygen consumption rate (OCR) monitors. Labtech offers special package pricing combining Resipher with Baker InvivO2 300 workstation for studying metabolism under physiologically relevant conditions.
• AdvanstaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdvansta provides novel solutions for blot detection including WesternBright ECL spray, WesternBright Quantum HRP substrate, and WesternBright Sirius femtogram HRP substrate for chemiluminescence detection.
• Clare Chemical ResearchminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorClare Chemical Research pioneered Blue LED-based excitation over 20 years ago. Their Dark Readers have reputation for durability, performance, and safety in minimizing DNA damage and improving cloning efficiency.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Bio-Rad Laboratories: Manufacturer and supplier of life science research instruments and reagents (including PCR, electrophoresis, cell biology) directly overlapping Labtech's molecular and cell biology categories.
• Antylia Scientific (formerly Cole-Parmer): Distributor of scientific equipment and consumables for life science and industrial labs, overlapping with Labtech's molecular biology, cell biology and spectroscopy categories.
• Fisher Scientific (part of Thermo Fisher): Global broadline laboratory equipment and consumables distributor serving the same pharma, biotech, and academic customers in the UK, operating at much larger scale.
• Avantor (including VWR): Global laboratory supplies distributor offering equipment, reagents, and services across life sciences, directly overlapping Labtech's UK research and pharma accounts.
• Carl Roth: European supplier of laboratory chemicals, consumables and small instruments with similar multi-vendor distribution approach, serving comparable academic and biotech customers.

Direct peers

• Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS): UK-based distributor of laboratory consumables, instruments and chemicals with a multi-vendor portfolio directly comparable to Labtech's boutique UK life-science distribution model.
• Alpha Laboratories: UK-based specialist distributor of clinical and research laboratory diagnostics and consumables, serving NHS, academic and pharma customers in a similar niche-distributor model.
• Camlab: UK laboratory equipment supplier distributing instruments and consumables to academic, clinical and industrial labs, comparable in size and product breadth to Labtech.

Emerging players

• Starlab International: European distributor of laboratory consumables and liquid handling products with comparable UK distribution footprint and customer base in academic and biotech research.
• Eppendorf: Premium laboratory equipment manufacturer with a direct UK presence in liquid handling, cell handling and sample preparation, competing with several of Labtech's distributed brands.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/labtechcom
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/labtechcom
• Facebookfacebook.com/labtech.co.uk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1660358/admin

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 Labtech