What Astell Scientific does

Astell Scientific Ltd. is a UK-headquartered, privately held manufacturer of steam sterilizers and autoclaves, operating from a single manufacturing facility in Sidcup, Kent. The company designs and builds a comprehensive range of benchtop, top-loading, front-loading, and square-chamber autoclaves with chamber volumes from 33 litres to 1,400 litres, supported by steam generators (24kW-72kW), batch effluent decontamination systems marketed under the AstellBio sub-brand, glassware dryers, and the heritage Hearson tobacco oven. Its core technology is PLC-based steam sterilization under pressure and temperature, differentiated by the proprietary Ecofill water-and-heat recycling system (up to 15 cycles per refill), the Swiftlock single-action door closure, and a colour touchscreen controller supporting up to 50 programmable cycles with USB and Ethernet data interfaces.

Astell sells primarily through a global network of over 20 international dealers and distributors covering more than 40 countries, supplemented by direct sales in the UK and a dedicated US distributor (PRI BIO) operating a separate US microsite. Its customers span research laboratories (Imperial College London, UCL, Cancer Research UK, James Hutton Institute), food and beverage quality control (Heinz, Nestle, Coca-Cola, Sharp's Brewery, Thatchers Cider), healthcare and medical device manufacturers (Vets Now, Cantor + Nissel), and industrial users (Green Biologics, Mast Laboratories), with named-logo diversity indicating a fragmented end-customer base rather than anchor-account dependency.

Revenue is generated through capital equipment sales of autoclaves and supporting hardware, complemented by recurring professional services including annual service contracts, UKAS ISO 17025:2017 accredited calibration and multi-point validation, and IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; sales are routed through dealer channels for international markets and direct contact ([email protected]) for UK customers. The company holds FDA 510(k) clearance, UKAS ISO 17025:2017, ISO 9001:2015, PED 2014/68/EU, BS EN 13060:2014, and ANSI/AAMI ST55:2010 certifications, and operates with 11-50 employees and no disclosed external equity backing.

Name

Astell Scientific

Legal name

Astell Scientific Ltd.

Website

https://astell.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1884

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Astell Scientific is a UK-based, privately held manufacturer of steam sterilizers and autoclaves (33L to 1,400L), serving research, healthcare, food and beverage, and industrial customers across more than 40 countries through a global dealer network and direct UK sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Sterilization Equipment

NAICS

Heating Equipment (except Warm Air Furnaces) Manufacturing (333414)

SIC

Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821)

akta.pro primary industry

Sterilization Equipment & Systems (Autoclaves, Low-Temp, ETO, H2O2, UV) (HLAHANAA)

Keywords

• Steam sterilizer manufacturing
• Laboratory autoclaves
• Biowaste decontamination systems
• Effluent decontamination equipment
• Sterilization validation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Sidcup

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Autoclave and Sterilizer Sales: Primary revenue from manufacturing and selling steam sterilizers and autoclaves in various sizes (33L to 1400L) including benchtop, toploading, front loading, and square chamber models.
2. Supporting Equipment Sales: Sale of supporting equipment including steam generators (24kW-72kW), glassware dryers (Nelldorn), effluent decontamination systems, and tobacco ovens.
3. Service and Maintenance Contracts: Annual service contracts, calibration and validation services (UKAS 17025 compliant), IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages, and technical training.
4. Calibration and Validation Services: UKAS 17025:2017 accredited calibration and multi-point validation services performed by trained engineers with full documentation packages.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Astell Scientific manufactures and sells steam sterilizers (autoclaves) in chamber sizes from 33 to 1,400 litres, spanning benchtop, top-loading, front-loading, square chamber, and dual-chamber configurations, complemented by steam generators, effluent decontamination systems, glassware dryers, and tobacco ovens. The company also delivers recurring UKAS-accredited calibration, validation, IQ/OQ/PQ documentation, and annual service contracts for installed units. Customers are laboratories, healthcare facilities, food and beverage manufacturers, and industrial producers in over 100 countries, served via direct UK sales and a global dealer network.

Product overview

Astell Scientific is a manufacturer of steam sterilizers and autoclaves established since 1884, offering a comprehensive portfolio of benchtop, top-loading, front-loading, and large square chamber autoclaves ranging from 33 to 1,400 litres. The product lineup includes the AMB Classic, AMB Ecofill, and AMB Ecofill Dry benchtop series; AMA Compact and larger top-loading models; Swiftlock front-loading autoclaves; Duaclave dual-chamber systems; SQUARE ECO, SQUARE, and SQUARE MAX square chamber models; and Double Door pass-through autoclaves for containment facilities. Supporting products include Batch Effluent Decontamination Systems, Stand Alone Steam Generators (24kW-72kW), Hearson Tobacco Oven, and Nelldorn Glassware Dryer. The range spans plug-and-play benchtop units requiring no plumbing to custom-configured industrial systems with heated jackets, vacuum systems, cooling options, and CL3/BSL3 containment compliance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AstellBio: Biowaste and Effluent Decontamination Systems
• Hearson

Products and services

• AMB Classic Benchtop Autoclave Compact benchtop steam sterilizer with 33, 43, or 63 litre chamber capacity. Compatible with CAT III (BSL3) containment upgrades, featuring touchscreen controller and energy-efficient single-litre water heating system. Designed for laboratories needing reliable benchtop sterilization.
• AMB Ecofill Benchtop Autoclave Benchtop autoclave with Ecofill water and heat recycling system in 33, 43, and 63 litre models. Saves water, processing time, and energy with an automatic water reservoir that can run 15 cycles before refilling. For laboratories needing sustainable, energy-efficient benchtop sterilization.
• AMB Ecofill Dry Benchtop Autoclave Benchtop sterilizer designed to sterilize and dry wrapped healthcare items including surgical packs, peel packs, and sterilization pouches. Features Ecofill system with hot filtered air circulation for post-sterilization drying. Complies with BS EN 13060:2014 and ANSI/AAMI ST55:2010 standards. For healthcare facilities needing validated drying of wrapped instrument loads.
• AMA Compact Ecofill Toploading Autoclave Compact top-loading autoclave with 63 litre capacity and Ecofill water recycling system. Plug-and-play design for laboratories without plumbing requirements. For labs needing easy installation without dedicated plumbing infrastructure.
• AMA Compact Classic Toploading Autoclave Compact top-loading sterilizer with 63 litre chamber. Classic model with optional CAT III/BSL3 compliance capability. For laboratories needing mid-capacity top-loading sterilization.
• 95-135 Litre Top Loading Autoclave Larger top-loading autoclave available in 95, 120, and 135 litre models. Customizable with heated jackets, integral steam generators, vacuum systems, and cooling options for versatile sterilization applications. For laboratories needing mid-to-large top-loading capacity.
• 120-344 Litre Front Loading Autoclave (Swiftlock) Front-loading autoclave with Swiftlock single-action door closure mechanism. Chamber capacities from 120 to 344 litres for larger laboratory and industrial sterilization needs. For mid-to-large laboratories requiring secure, rapid door operation.
• 120-344 Litre Sliding Door Circular Chamber Autoclave Front-loading autoclave with sliding door mechanism and circular chamber design for medium to large capacity sterilization applications. For facilities needing sliding-door access and circular chamber geometry.
• 33-63 Litre Duaclave Dual-chamber benchtop autoclave allowing two separate sterilization loads to be processed simultaneously with independent controls. For laboratories needing higher throughput from a single benchtop footprint.
• 120-153 Litre Duaclave Larger dual-chamber autoclave with 120-153 litre capacity, enabling parallel sterilization processes in larger facilities. For higher-throughput operations needing two simultaneous chambers at larger volume.
• 125-360 Litre SQUARE ECO Autoclave Square chamber autoclave with Ecofill system, available in 125-360 litre capacities. Energy-efficient design with square chamber for maximum volume per footprint. For laboratories needing larger capacity with water/energy savings.
• 125-735 Litre SQUARE Autoclave Square chamber autoclave with 125-735 litre capacity. Highly configurable for various load types including porous materials, liquids, and complex waste. For facilities needing mid-to-large square chamber flexibility.
• 600-1400 Litre SQUARE MAX Autoclave Maximum capacity square chamber autoclave with 600-1400 litre volume. Designed for high-throughput industrial and research facility sterilization. For large-scale operations needing the largest chamber capacity.
• 250-1200 Litre Double Door SQUARE Autoclave Pass-through autoclave with double-door design for CL-3/BSL-3 containment facilities, enabling transfer of sterilized loads between clean and dirty areas. Available in 250, 360, 490, 875, and 1200 litre capacities. For high-containment facilities and clean room environments.
• Batch Effluent Decontamination System Sterilization system for BSL-3 containment facilities to decontaminate liquid waste effluents. Available in 350, 500, 750, 1000, and 1500 litre tank capacities and operates on a run-standby system with multiple tanks. For high-containment laboratories needing bulk liquid effluent treatment.
• 24kW-48kW Stand Alone Compact Steam Generators Electrically heated steam generators providing instant steam supply for autoclaves and other equipment. Available in 24kW and 48kW ratings with stainless steel pressure vessels. For facilities needing dedicated steam supply for autoclave operation.
• 72kW Stand Alone Steam Generator High-capacity steam generator for larger autoclave systems requiring 72kW power rating for peak demand steam supply. For industrial facilities needing high-volume autoclave steam supply.
• Hearson Tobacco Oven Specialized oven for moisture testing in the tobacco industry. Features cylindrical drying chamber with 12 copper trays for sample pans and continuous pre-heated air flow for drying. For tobacco industry quality control and moisture testing laboratories.
• Nelldorn Glassware Dryer Glassware drying accessory for fast and efficient drying of laboratory glassware and plasticware after autoclave sterilization, making items ready for reuse. For laboratories needing fast post-sterilization drying turnaround.
• UKAS-Accredited Calibration and Validation Services UKAS ISO 17025:2017 accredited calibration and multi-point validation services performed by trained Astell engineers, including IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages, single-point calibration, and 12-Pen validation. For autoclave owners requiring regulatory-grade compliance documentation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ecofill autoclaves can run for 15 cycles before requiring refilling
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers24 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

46 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pacific Laboratory Products Pty LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralian distributor for Astell autoclaves and sterilizers. Located at Level 1, 15-33 Alfred Street, Blackburn VIC, Australia.
• Gulf Corporation for Technology W.L.LcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBahrain distributor for Astell products. Located in Manama, Bahrain.
• F. M. TraderscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBangladesh distributor for Astell autoclaves. Located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• BRScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBelgium distributor for Astell products. Located in Beersel, Belgium.
• MPS-Lab d.o.o. SarajevocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBosnia and Herzegovina distributor. Located in Sarajevo.
• LabPrimcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor for Bulgaria and Macedonia. Located in Sofia, Bulgaria.
• Blamis Dotaclones LaboratoriecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorColombia distributor. Located in Bogotá, Colombia.
• Purificación y Análisis de FluídoscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorColombia distributor. Located in Bogotá, Colombia.
• TAISA - Tecnologia Aplicada InternacionalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCosta Rica distributor for Astell products. Located in San José Province, Moravia, Costa Rica.
• Ohm LAB d.o.o.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCroatia distributor. Located in Zabok, Croatia.
• Buch & Holm A/ScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDenmark distributor for Astell autoclaves. Located in Herlev, Denmark.
• CedoteccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDominican Republic distributor. Located in Santo Domingo.
• CAP-LABcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrance distributor for Astell products. Located in Gallardon, France.
• BiolandcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGeorgia distributor. Located in Tbilisi, Georgia.
• TecTrading Ralph RichtercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGermany distributor. Located in Potsdam-Babelsberg, Germany.
• Unity Medical LimitedcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHong Kong distributor. Located in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
• Medor ehfcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIceland distributor. Located in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.
• PT Haes BrotherscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndonesia distributor. Located in Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Imen Darman Arshia Jam Trading CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIran distributor. Located in Tehran, Iran.
• Global MedicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIraq distributor. Located in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
• Davidson & Hardy Laboratory SuppliescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIreland distributor. Located in Dublin, Ireland.
• VWRcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIreland distributor. Located at Orion Business Campus, Northwest Business Park, Ballycoolin Dublin.
• OpalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJordan distributor. Located in Amman, Jordan.
• Averroes - Ibn Rushd Medical & Scientific Equipment CocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKuwait distributor. Located in Salmiya, Kuwait.
• F&S ScientificcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKenya distributor. Located in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Kumpulan Saintifik FE Sdn BhdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMalaysia distributor. Located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
• E.J. Busuttil Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMalta distributor. Located in Birkirkara, Malta.
• RG LaboratoriescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMexico distributor. Located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
• Beun de Ronde BVcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetherlands distributor. Located in Abcoude, Netherlands.
• Total Lab SystemscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew Zealand distributor. Located in Auckland, New Zealand.
• LS Scientific LimitedcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNigeria distributor. Located in Lagos, Nigeria.
• Continental Worldwide Trading Company (CWTC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPakistan distributor. Located in Karachi, Pakistan.
• Charpentier SRLcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorParaguay distributor. Located in Asunción, Paraguay.
• CimateccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPeru distributor. Located in Lima, Peru.
• Alchem Grupa sp. z o.o.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPoland distributor. Located in Toruń, Poland.
• Laboratorium SRLcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRomania distributor. Located in Târgu Bujor, Romania.
• DONAU LAB d.o.o.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSlovenia distributor. Located in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
• Rauserv CCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth Africa distributor. Located in Johannesburg South, South Africa.
• Wido Lab ABcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSweden distributor. Located in Onsala, Sweden.
• Nexbio (Thailand) Co., Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThailand distributor. Located in Bangkok, Thailand.
• Western Scientific LimitedcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrinidad and Tobago distributor. Located in Ramsaran Park.
• Al Mazroui Medical & Chemical Supplies LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUAE distributor. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
• PRI BIO (Progressive Recovery, Inc.)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUSA distributor. Located at 700 Industrial Drive, Dupo, IL 62239. Dedicated US website: www.astellautoclaves.com
• AldenorcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUruguay distributor. Located in Montevideo, Uruguay.
• Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerUK laboratory supplies company that distributes Astell products and awards recognizing sustainable features of Astell Ecofill autoclaves.
• UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUKAS provides ISO 17025:2017 accreditation for Astell's calibration and validation services, ensuring compliance with international quality standards.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Priorclave: UK-based autoclave manufacturer offering benchtop, top-loading, and front-loading steam sterilizers. Direct competitor in the UK lab market with overlapping product range and customer base in research and healthcare.
• Tuttnauer: Israel-based manufacturer of autoclaves and sterilization equipment for laboratory, medical, and dental markets. Direct head-to-head competitor in steam sterilizers across benchtop, top-loading, and larger chamber capacities.
• LTE Scientific: UK manufacturer of laboratory and sterilization equipment including autoclaves, incubators, and ovens. Geographic and product-line peer to Astell in the British lab equipment market.
• MELAG: German specialist in steam sterilizers and disinfection equipment, particularly strong in tabletop and medical-grade autoclaves. Closely comparable in product focus on steam sterilization and regulatory-grade units.

Broad incumbents

• Getinge: Swedish global medical technology company with a major sterilization and infection-control business. Overlaps with Astell in laboratory and CSSD steam sterilizers but serves a much broader hospital and life sciences customer base.
• Steris: Ireland/US-headquartered global leader in sterilization and infection prevention. Competes with Astell in steam sterilizers for lab and healthcare customers, with much larger service network and enterprise framework agreements.
• PHCbi (PHC Holdings): Manufacturer of laboratory and biomedical equipment including autoclaves, incubators, and freezers. Adjacent peer competing in the lab equipment space with broader portfolio but overlapping sterilization product line.
• Belimed: Swiss sterilization, disinfection, and infection-control solutions provider serving healthcare and life sciences. Competes with Astell in larger steam sterilizer systems but operates at meaningfully greater scale and product breadth.

Regional players

• BioClavis (Raypa): Spanish (R. Espinar) laboratory autoclave and sterilization equipment manufacturer. Comparable benchtop and freestanding steam sterilizer product line serving European research and clinical labs, with partial geographic overlap.

Emerging players

• Consolidated Sterilizer Systems: US-based manufacturer of laboratory and industrial steam autoclaves. Comparable as a specialist autoclave maker focused on research, pharma, and industrial customers, with overlapping product range.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/astell-scientific-ltd
• Xx.com/AstellSci

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Astell Scientific