What Techlab Systems does

Techlab Systems, S.L. is a privately-held Spanish manufacturer of physicomechanical quality control testing equipment, headquartered in Lezo, Gipuzkoa, with a North American sales office in Itasca, Illinois. Founded around 1984 and operating with 11–50 employees, the company serves laboratories, research institutions, and industrial manufacturers across the paper, corrugated cardboard, plastics, rubber, and wood-packaging sectors. It sells through two main sub-brands — TLS, covering paper and cardboard compression, burst, SCT, RCT, and pulp-and-paper laboratory equipment, and METROTEC, covering universal testing machines, melt flow index meters, and Charpy-Izod impact pendulums for plastics and composites.

The product portfolio centres on electromechanical testing machines: sample compression testers (CDM-5, SCM-1 SCT), box compression testers (VAL-50, VAL-150, VALIDATOR), Mullen burst testers (BT-10/C100), universal testing machines (MTE-1/MTE-1L), PFI and Valley refiners, a Rapid-Köthen automatic sheet former, Bauer McNett fiber classifiers, pulp disintegrators, and a tissue paper water absorption tester (WAT). Machines are built for compliance with ISO, TAPPI, DIN, FEFCO, SCAN, APPITA, and PAPTAC standards. A proprietary T-LAB laboratory data management software integrates with the equipment for test-data capture and statistical analysis. The company also delivers custom-engineered machines adapted to customer-specific capacity, plate size, travel, and finish requirements, and provides calibration, retrofit, training, and technical-support services.

Revenue is generated through quote-based hardware sales (no published pricing) and recurring service revenue from calibration, maintenance, retrofit, and training. Distribution is exclusive-regional: TTS Nortest in UK and Ireland, ALL4TEST in Germany, DGTS in Italy, Benelux Scientific in Belgium, PT VISITEK SINERGI INTERNASIONAL in Indonesia, Kvalitest in the Nordics, Lanzetta Rengifo in Colombia, with direct sales for Spain and Portugal plus the US office. Demand generation relies heavily on trade-show presence (HISPACK, K Fair, CONTROL, ANDINA PACK, ACCCSA, FEFCO Technical Seminars, ISTA TransPack, SPAPER) and memberships in FEFCO, AFCO, and the Basque Paper Cluster. The company is closely held, with no disclosed venture, private-equity, or institutional funding.

Name

Techlab Systems

Legal name

TECHLAB SYSTEMS, S.L.

Website

https://techlabsystems.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Techlab Systems manufactures physicomechanical quality control testing equipment for paper, cardboard, corrugated packaging, plastics, rubber, and pulp research, sold under the TLS and METROTEC brands via exclusive regional distributors in 40+ countries from its Lezo, Spain base.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Lezo

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Testing Equipment Manufacturing and Sales: Techlab Systems designs, manufactures, and sells quality control testing equipment for materials testing. Revenue is generated through direct sales and distributor networks. The company serves laboratories, research institutions, and industrial manufacturers in the paper, cardboard, packaging, and plastics sectors. Products include compression testers, burst testers, universal testing machines, sheet formers, refiners, sample cutters, and accessories. Pricing is quote-based; no public pricing is listed.
2. Technical Services, Calibration, and Training: The company provides technical support, on-site calibration, preventive and corrective maintenance, fault diagnosis, equipment repair, installation, and technical training for operators and maintenance personnel. These services support customer retention and generate recurring service revenue alongside equipment sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Techlab Systems designs, manufactures, and sells physical and mechanical quality control testing equipment for paper, cardboard, corrugated board, plastics, and rubber materials. The product portfolio spans compression testers (box compression testers, short-span compression testers, ring crush testers), universal testing machines, melt flow index meters, Charpy-Izod impact pendulums, sheet formers, refiners, and ancillary laboratory equipment, marketed under the TLS and METROTEC brands. The company complements equipment sales with custom engineering, calibration, technical support, retrofit, and training services.

Product overview

Techlab Systems is a quality control testing equipment manufacturer with 40 years of experience, operating two main product brands: TLS (specializing in paper and cardboard testing equipment) and METROTEC (offering universal testing machines, melt flow index meters, and impact testers for plastics). The product portfolio includes compression testers (CDM-5, SCM-1, VAL series), universal testing machines (MTE series), refiners (PFI and Valley types), sheet formers, burst testers, and sample preparation equipment. The company also provides integrated services including custom engineering, T-LAB software for laboratory data management, technical support/calibration, retrofitting, and training. Products feature RS-232 output interfaces for data connectivity and are compatible with the T-LAB Laboratory Management System.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• METROTEC: Brand focused on universal testing machines (tension, compression, flexion), melt flow index meters for thermoplastics, and Charpy-Izod impact pendulums for plastics testing.
• TLS

Products and services

• Compresometro de Muestras CDM-5 Multi-test sample compression tester for paper and corrugated cardboard, supporting RCT, CMT, CCT, CLT, ECT, FCT, and PAT tests with 5 kN capacity (optionally 10 kN), 150x150 mm plates, parallelism error under 1/2000, RS-232 interface, and T-LAB compatibility; intended for paper mills, corrugated board manufacturers, and packaging QC laboratories.
• Compresometro en Corto (SCT) SCM-1 Short-span compression tester (SCT) for measuring compressive strength of packaging paper on 0.7 mm specimens, with 0–300 N range, 0.02 N resolution, selectable lbs/in or kN/m units, jaw tightening force of 2300 ± 500 N, and T-LAB system compatibility; for paper mill QC labs.
• Compresometro VAL-50 Box compression tester with 50 kN capacity and 1250x1250 mm plates for BCT and stacking tests on cardboard boxes, available with extended stroke options for large packaging formats; for corrugated box manufacturers and accredited testing labs.
• Compresometro VALIDATOR Compact box compression tester with 25 kN capacity, 800x800 mm plates, and 910 mm stroke for primary packaging compression applications; for paper and packaging quality control labs.
• Compresometro VAL-150 High-capacity box compression tester with 150 kN capacity for wood pallet bending, compression, and structural resistance testing; for wood packaging manufacturers, pallet producers, and logistics research centres.
• Máquina Universal de Ensayos MTE-1 / MTE-1L Electromechanical universal testing machine for tensile, friction, packaging opening resistance, and compression tests on plastics, flexible packaging, and other materials; for plastics, rubber, and packaging QC labs and R&D centres.
• Medidor Índice de Fluidez MFI-500/AP Melt flow index meter for gravimetric and volumetric determination of thermoplastic flow properties; for plastics manufacturers, compounders, and polymer QC laboratories.
• Péndulo de Impacto Charpy-Izod PIT-25 Charpy-Izod impact pendulum for plastics, measuring impact resistance of plastic materials; for plastics manufacturers, compounders, and materials testing laboratories.
• Equipo WAT de Absorción de Agua Automatic water absorption tester for tissue paper per ISO 12625-8, with touch screen operation, automatic calculation of absorption time and capacity in g/g, and automatic statistical results; for tissue paper manufacturers and paper QC laboratories.
• Medidor Resistencia al Estallido Mullen BT-10/C100 Mullen burst strength tester for paper, solid cardboard, corrugated cardboard, and aluminum foil, with capacities up to 10,000 kPa; for paper mills, corrugated converters, and packaging QC labs.
• Molino Refinador PFI PFI-type laboratory refiner for standardizing pulp refining conditions and defiberization of semi-cooked fibers, with 5–40 g capacity and adjustable refining pressure; for pulp and paper research labs and paper mills.
• Refinador Pila Valley VB-50 Valley-type laboratory refiner for pulp refining under standardized conditions, with 25 L tank volume and 360 g maximum sample capacity; for pulp and paper research laboratories.
• Formador de Hojas Rapid-Köthen (RK-4C) Automatic sheet former for producing paper sheets under controlled laboratory conditions, available in 4-dryer configuration with white water recirculation system; for pulp and paper research laboratories.
• Desintegrador de Pulpa PD-10 Pulp disintegrator for standardized disintegration of cellulosic pulp in suspension, with 2 L stainless steel vessel and 2975 rpm motor; for pulp and paper research and QC laboratories.
• Clasificador de Fibras Bauer McNett CF-05 Bauer McNett fiber classifier for determining fiber length distribution of cellulosic paper fibers through classification, with 5 classification units; for pulp and paper research laboratories.
• Secador de Hojas Digital SRD-900 Rapid sheet dryer for wet paper pulp sheets from laboratory sheet former, featuring adjustable temperature up to 180°C and 900x400 mm drying area; for pulp and paper research laboratories.
• Custom Engineering (Ingeniería a medida) Custom engineering services for designing and developing testing machines adapted to specific customer requirements, including specialized capacity, plate size, travel, and corporate color finishes; for industrial and laboratory customers with non-standard testing needs.
• T-LAB Laboratory Management Software Proprietary laboratory data management software for integral management of laboratory test data, compatible with Techlab Systems testing equipment via RS-232; for paper, cardboard, plastics, and rubber QC laboratories using Techlab Systems hardware.
• Technical Assistance and Calibration Technical support and calibration services including preventive and corrective maintenance, on-site equipment calibration, failure diagnosis, repair, installation, and in-situ calibration via distributors; for installed base customers.
• Retrofit and Equipment Modernization Equipment modernization and upgrade services to extend the life and capabilities of existing testing equipment; for installed base customers with legacy Techlab Systems or compatible machines.
• Training (Formación) Training services for operators and maintenance personnel on equipment operation, maintenance, and testing procedures; for customers and distributors of Techlab Systems equipment.

Quantifiable outcome

• PAConsult has been a customer for over 15 years, expanding across Germany, Switzerland, and Berlin with successive equipment purchases.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered key, flagship, regional and minor.

• TTS Nortest (John Tyrrell)keyChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 September 2025TECHLAB SYSTEMS appointed TTS Nortest as exclusive distributor for the METROTEC brand (Universal Testing Machines, Melt Flow Index testers, Pendulum Impact Charpy-Izod) in UK and Ireland. TTS Nortest, led by owner and Managing Director John Tyrrell with 30+ years of technical sales experience, provides local technical support, application advice, and in-situ calibration services to rubber, plastics, and composites industries.
• PT VISITEK SINERGI INTERNASIONAL (Rasiman Aguspen)keyChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 February 2025TECHLAB SYSTEMS appointed PT VISITEK SINERGI INTERNASIONAL as exclusive representative for TLS and METROTEC brands in Indonesia. Led by Rasiman Aguspen, who has deep knowledge of the company's machines and target industries, the partnership aims to strengthen market presence and deliver quality products with first-tier technical support to Indonesian customers.
• ALL4TEST (Martin Walther)keyChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 September 2023ALL4TEST was appointed as the new official distributor for TECHLAB SYSTEMS in Germany, responsible for sales and service of METROTEC and TLS products. Martin Walther, an experienced engineer with over two decades in the testing and measurement sector, leads the operations. The partnership strengthens TECHLAB SYSTEMS' presence in the German market.
• LABTECH ENGINEERINGflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTECHLAB SYSTEMS serves as the exclusive representative of LABTECH ENGINEERING (Southeast Asia) in Spain and Portugal. LABTECH ENGINEERING specializes in polymer processing equipment including extruders, film lines, and pelletizing systems. TECHLAB SYSTEMS supported LABTECH ENGINEERING at K 2025 fair in Düsseldorf, representing them at a 200 m² stand in Hall 7.
• DGTS (Benedetto Campana)keyChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDGTS, represented by Benedetto Campana, is the exclusive distributor of TECHLAB SYSTEMS equipment in Italy. DGTS facilitated the supply of a VAL-150 compression tester to CRIL (Centro Ricerche Imballaggi Legno e Logistica) in Italy, providing local sales and technical support.
• Benelux Scientific BVregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBenelux Scientific BV, represented by Bart Weymeels and Jan Teirlynck, is the official authorized distributor for TECHLAB SYSTEMS in Belgium. Representatives attended an advanced sales and technical seminar at TECHLAB SYSTEMS headquarters to receive comprehensive training on all equipment.
• KVALITETEST INDUSTRIAL LTDregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKVALITEST INDUSTRIAL LTD is the Scandinavian distributor for TECHLAB SYSTEMS. The distributor facilitated the installation of multiple laboratory equipment (PFI refiners, Rapid-Koethen sheet former, wet press, Gurley porosimeter) at LUT Lappeenranta University of Technology in Finland.
• PAConsult GmbHflagshipOthersPAConsult GmbH (Hamburg, Germany), one of Germany's most recognized accredited testing laboratories, has collaborated with TECHLAB SYSTEMS since 2011. Over 15 years, TECHLAB SYSTEMS has supplied custom compression testers to PAConsult in Hamburg, PAConsult Swiss in Neuhausen am Rheinfall (Switzerland), and expanded facilities in Ochsenhausen and Berlin. The relationship is managed by Javier Jimenez, Director of Sales and Marketing at TECHLAB SYSTEMS.
• Clúster de Papel de EuskadiregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerTECHLAB SYSTEMS became a collaborating member of the Basque Paper Cluster in June 2023. The cluster, founded in 1998, brings together organizations across the paper and cardboard value chain. TECHLAB SYSTEMS committed to collaborating with member companies to identify improvement opportunities, drive innovation, and develop technology solutions for the paper industry.
• FEFCO (European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerTECHLAB SYSTEMS (under its TLS brand) became a sympathizer member of FEFCO in April 2023. FEFCO promotes and defends the interests of corrugated board manufacturers in Europe. Membership enables TECHLAB SYSTEMS to contribute to quality standards development and policy formulation for the corrugated board industry.
• AFCO (Asociación Española de Fabricantes de Envases y Embalajes de Cartón Ondulado)regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerTECHLAB SYSTEMS joined AFCO as a sympathizer member in March 2024. AFCO represents and defends the interests of corrugated packaging manufacturers in Spain. Membership strengthens technological innovation in the sector and connects TECHLAB SYSTEMS with major Spanish corrugated board producers.
• LANZETTA RENGIFOregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLANZETTA RENGIFO is the Colombian representative for TECHLAB SYSTEMS, facilitating participation at ANDINA PACK 2023 trade fair in Bogotá and ongoing business development in the Andean region.
• Centro de Formación Profesional Don Bosco de RenteríaminorOthersTECHLAB SYSTEMS collaborates with Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Rentería through training activities, technical advisory, and student work placement programs. General Manager Aitziber Sasiain participates in the annual Don Bosco Awards ceremony, reinforcing the company's commitment to technical education.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Testing Machines Inc. (TMI): US-based manufacturer of physical testing equipment for paper, board, corrugated, plastic film and packaging materials. Closely aligned with Techlab in target customers (paper mills, packaging converters, test labs) and product categories.
• IDM Instruments: Australian manufacturer of physical testing instruments for paper, board, corrugated, packaging and tissue. Highly comparable product portfolio (compression, burst, RCT, SCT) and similar target customer base as Techlab's TLS line.
• Industrial Physics: Global manufacturer of physical and mechanical testing instruments for paper, board, corrugated packaging, plastics and film. Directly overlaps with Techlab's TLS compression, burst and SCT testing product lines.
• Thwing-Albert Instrument Company: Manufacturer of material testing instruments for paper, film, foil and packaging (tensile, tear, Elmendorf, burst). Overlaps with Techlab's METROTEC universal testing machines and paper-testing portfolio for similar packaging and laboratory customers.
• Lorentzen & Wettre: Part of ABB, specializing in pulp and paper laboratory testing instruments including compression, tensile and pulp property testing. Direct competitor in paper testing laboratories, the same primary segment Techlab's TLS brand serves.
• Messmer Büchel: European specialist in paper, board and corrugated testing instruments including compression, SCT and burst testers. Closely comparable niche player to Techlab TLS in European paper/packaging laboratories.

Broad incumbents

• ZwickRoell: Large global manufacturer of materials testing machines (universal, fatigue, melt flow, impact). Serves the same plastics and paper customers as Techlab's METROTEC brand but with significantly broader product portfolio and global scale.
• Instron (ITW): World-leading manufacturer of universal materials testing machines and accessories. Competes with Techlab's METROTEC universal testing machines for plastics, rubber and paper customers, but at much larger scale with broader industry reach.

Emerging players

• Mecmesin: UK-based manufacturer of force and torque testing equipment for packaging, plastics and materials. Overlaps with Techlab's compression and tensile product lines at the lighter-capacity end of the market.
• Emtec Electronic: German manufacturer of specialized testing devices for paper, tissue and nonwoven hand-feel and softness/strength. Niche overlap with Techlab's tissue water absorption tester (WAT) and paper-testing product line for pulp/paper customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/techlab-systems-s-l-

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 Techlab Systems