M&S Instruments
M&S Instruments is a Japanese importer and domestic distributor of scientific and analytical instruments, founded in 1966 and headquartered in Osaka. The company distributes globally branded laboratory equipment from manufacturers such as Gilson, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Covaris to Japanese research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1966
- HeadquartersOsaka, Japan
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What M&S Instruments does
M&S Instruments Inc. (エムエス機器株式会社) is a privately held Japanese company founded in February 1966 and headquartered in Osaka, with a secondary sales office in Tokyo. The company operates as a specialized import and domestic distributor of scientific and analytical instruments for the Japanese life sciences market, representing globally recognized manufacturers including Gilson (Pipetman pipettes, ASPEC solid-phase extraction systems, Pipetmax), Thermo Fisher Scientific (Orbitor RS2, Spinnaker 3, inSPIRE lab automation platforms, Cytomat incubators, cryogenic storage), Covaris (ultrasonic AFA processors), Azenta Life Sciences (XPeel plate seal removal), Singular Genomics (G4X spatial multiomics), Biolog (phenotype screening), and others. The portfolio spans liquid handling, sample preparation, chromatography (HPLC columns and prep systems), imaging (FUSION gel documentation, NEWTON in vivo imaging, CR35 Bio radioisotope imaging), cell and microbiology products, thermal control equipment, and specialty consumables.
The business model is fundamentally distribution-based: M&S Instruments imports hardware and consumables from its international principals and sells them to Japanese research institutions, universities, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms through direct sales (Osaka HQ and Tokyo East Japan Sales Division) and a domestic distributor/agent network. Revenue is generated through product sales, recurring consumables, and a meaningful after-sales service layer — including ISO/IEC 17025 accredited Pipetman calibration, repair services, annual maintenance contracts, and online training courses (three-course Pipetman program). The company reaches customers through industry exhibitions (JASIS, Interpharma), webinars, the annual Researcher Connection Forum, an extensive Japanese-language technical content library, and member programs (Pipetman Club, Agency Club). Pricing is quote-based across all categories with no public list pricing, and billing cadence indicates multi-year contracts on the service side.
M&S Instruments firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- M&S Instruments
- Legal name
- M&S Instruments Inc.
- Website
- https://technosaurus.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1966
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- M&S Instruments is a Japanese importer and domestic distributor of scientific and analytical instruments, founded in 1966 and headquartered in Osaka. The company distributes globally branded laboratory equipment from manufacturers such as Gilson, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Covaris to Japanese research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
M&S Instruments industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Scientific Instrument Distribution
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Analytical Instruments & Chromatography Systems (HLAGAIAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments (HLAGAIAE), Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments (HLAGAIAB)
Keywords
Where M&S Instruments is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Osaka
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
M&S Instruments business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Scientific Instrument Import & Distribution: M&S Instruments generates revenue by importing and domestically distributing scientific and analytical instruments from global manufacturers to Japanese research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms. Revenue is derived from product sales, accessories, consumables, and after-sales services including repair and calibration.
- After-Sales Service & Calibration: The company offers paid repair, calibration (ISO/IEC 17025), validation support, annual maintenance contracts, and online training courses for Pipetman products, generating recurring service revenue.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | All products — price upon inquiry |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
M&S Instruments product offering
Product offeringCore offering
M&S Instruments imports and domestically distributes scientific and analytical instruments from global manufacturers (Gilson, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Covaris, Azenta Life Sciences, etc.) to Japanese research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms. The company supplies pipettes, HPLC systems, lab automation platforms, sample preparation equipment, imaging systems, and cryogenic storage, complemented by ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration, repair, validation, and training services.
Product overview
M&S Instruments distributes a comprehensive portfolio of laboratory instruments and automation solutions primarily serving Japanese pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research institutions. The core product lines include Gilson pipetting solutions (Pipetman manual and electric pipettes), automated liquid handling systems (ASPEC solid-phase extraction, Pipetmax, Andrew+), chromatography systems (HPLC columns and preparative systems), sample preparation equipment (Covaris ultrasonic processors, Precellys homogenizers), imaging systems (FUSION gel documentation, NEWTON in vivo imaging, CR35 Bio), and laboratory automation platforms (Thermo Scientific Orbitor/Spinnaker/inSPIRE systems with Momentum software supporting 450+ devices). Additional specialized offerings include radioisotope analyzers for PET QC, thermal control equipment (thermoelectric chillers), cryogenic storage systems, and environmental solutions (VAPLOCK solvent management). The company also provides comprehensive service packages including ISO/IEC 17025 calibration and training for Gilson products. All products are research-use-only (RUO).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Pipetman (ピペットマン) Gilson-manufactured manual and electric pipettes for precise liquid handling in laboratory settings, including single-channel, multi-channel, fixed-volume, and specialty models (Pipetman L, Pipetman M, Pipetman FL, Microman E, Distriman, Platemaster).
- ASPEC Series (ASPECシリーズ) Fully automated solid-phase extraction systems (Model GX-271/GX-274 ASPEC) for sample concentration and cleanup using commercially available SPE columns.
- HPLC Columns (HPLCカラム) Analytical and preparative HPLC columns including HILIC, size exclusion (SEC), reversed-phase, hydrophobic interaction (HIC), and ion-exchange columns for protein and biomolecule separation.
- PrepHPLC Preparative HPLC systems (Models 305/306, 322, 333/334, VERITY 3240 series) for large-scale purification and separation applications, including HPLC modules and accessories.
- Covaris AFA Series (コバリス AFAシリーズ) Acoustic-focused ultrasonic processing systems for DNA shearing, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), FFPE nucleic acid extraction, and proteomics applications.
- Precellys / Minilys Bead-based homogenizers for sample disruption and homogenization in laboratory settings, with compatible bead kits and emulsion preparation kits.
- FUSION Series (FUSIONシリーズ) Western blot imaging and gel documentation systems for chemiluminescence, fluorescence, and colorimetric detection, including FUSION Absolute series.
- NEWTON In Vivo Imaging Systems In vivo imaging systems for small animals utilizing VIS/NIR-I and NIR-II fluorescence imaging modalities (NEWTON, NEWTON FT30).
- Cell3iMager NX Automated cell analysis system for cellular imaging and quantification in research applications.
- Violet 3.0 (QF-Pro) Spatial biology platform for quantifying protein functions at sub-10nm resolution, enabling protein proximity analysis.
- Laboratory Automation System (ラボオートメーションシステム) Thermo Scientific laboratory automation platforms featuring Orbitor RS2 and Spinnaker 3 microplate movers, inSPIRE collaborative automation, and Momentum scheduling software supporting 450+ devices.
- Andrew + Chip-based automated pipetting robot enabling drag-and-drop protocol creation for automated liquid handling.
- Pipetmax (ピペットマックス) Gilson benchtop automated pipetting system utilizing Pipetman technology for high-precision automated dispensing.
- BlueWasher Automated plate washer for ELISA and magnetic bead assays, automating washing and solution exchange processes.
- Cytomat (サイトマット) Thermo Scientific automated incubator/hotels with environmental control (temperature, humidity, CO2) available in models ranging from 2 to 72 stackers.
- XPeel Azenta Life Sciences automated plate seal removal system capable of processing up to 200 plates per hour with XTape rolls.
- Radioisotope Analyzers (GABI Nova / miniGITA / PETra / MUCHA / POMO Nova / Ramona Star / Mira Star) Radioisotope analyzers and TLC scanners for PET tracer quality control, supporting alpha/beta/gamma radiation detection in nuclear medicine and PET imaging applications.
- SpecPlate (PHABIOC) UV/Vis microplate with fixed optical path lengths enabling dilution series creation with single dispensing, suitable for protein quantification and absorbance measurements.
- PandaPure Protein extraction and purification kit utilizing magnetic beads for simple incubation-based purification.
- Liquid Nitrogen Cryogenic Storage Containers (液体窒素凍結保存容器) Thermo Scientific liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage containers including BioCane, Locator Plus, and Arctic Express series for biological sample preservation and transport.
- Thermoelectric Chillers (サーモエレクトリックチラー) Thermoelectric chillers including UC, ThermoCube II, NIKOLA, TCube series, and cooling water circulation systems for precise temperature control in laboratory and semiconductor applications.
- Absorbance 96 / Absorbance One Ultra-compact microplate readers and absorbance meters for spectrophotometric measurements (0.9 kg for Absorbance 96).
- CR35 Bio Imaging plate scanner for radioisotope detection and analysis in gel documentation and RI imaging applications.
- Biolog Phenotype Screening Phenotypic screening system for analyzing cellular physiological states and microbial metabolic preferences.
- G4X Spatial Multiomics Platform (Singular Genomics) Spatial multiomics platform enabling spatially resolved genomic and proteomic analysis with dedicated assay services.
Quantifiable outcome
- ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration available for Pipetman pipettes, ensuring regulatory-compliant measurement accuracy
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use M&S Instruments
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
M&S Instruments technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
M&S Instruments partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Gilson (ギルソン)coreGilson is a primary supplier partner for M&S Instruments, distributing Pipetman pipettes (manual and electric), Pipetman accessories, ASPEC solid-phase extraction systems (GX-271, GX-274), and related liquid handling products. Gilson's products represent a flagship category for M&S Instruments, with extensive after-sales support including calibration, repair, and training services.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (サーモフィッシャーサイエンティフィック)coreThermo Fisher Scientific is a key partner supplying lab automation systems (Orbitor RS2, Spinnaker 3, inSPIRE), Cytomat automated incubators/hotels, liquid nitrogen storage containers, chiller systems, and safety cabinets. M&S distributes these products throughout Japan with system integration and support services.
- Covaris (コバリス)coreCovaris supplies ultrasonic processing equipment (AFA series) used for DNA shearing, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), FFPE nucleic acid extraction, and proteomics applications. M&S Instruments provides comprehensive support including FAQ, application guides, and consumables for Covaris products in Japan.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves4 records
Expansion highlights4 records
M&S Instruments competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- As One Corporation: Japan's largest distributor of scientific instruments and laboratory supplies. Directly comparable to M&S as a multi-brand domestic distributor serving Japanese research institutions and pharma with overlapping product categories including consumables and instruments.
- Toyo Corporation: Japanese scientific instruments distributor with deep relationships in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic markets. Comparable to M&S as a specialized domestic importer-distributor offering a portfolio spanning chromatography, sample prep, and analytical instruments.
Broad incumbents
- JEOL Ltd. Japanese manufacturer of scientific instruments including mass spectrometers, NMR, and electron microscopes serving academic and pharma research. Comparable buyer base to M&S, though JEOL is a manufacturer with proprietary technology.
- Shimadzu Corporation: Major Japanese scientific instrument manufacturer covering chromatography, mass spectrometry, and life science instruments. Competes with the same Japanese pharma/research buyers that M&S serves, but as a manufacturer with proprietary technology rather than a distributor.
- Agilent Technologies: Global analytical instrument manufacturer covering chromatography, mass spectrometry, and cell analysis. Competes with multiple product lines M&S distributes (HPLC columns, Gilson-related workflows) and serves the same Japanese pharma and academic customers, often with overlapping product portfolios.
- Waters Corporation: Global leader in HPLC, mass spectrometry, and laboratory informatics. Competes directly with the HPLC/preparative chromatography products M&S distributes and serves the same Japanese pharmaceutical QA/QC market.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (Japan): Global scientific instrument and lab automation manufacturer that is simultaneously M&S's largest supplier and a potential direct competitor. Thermo Fisher's Japanese direct operations could compete with M&S in lab automation and cryo storage.
- Hitachi High-Tech: Japanese manufacturer and distributor of analytical instruments (electron microscopy, chromatography, life sciences). Overlaps with M&S in serving Japanese life science researchers and pharma, with a much broader portfolio including manufactured instruments.
- Yokogawa Electric (Life Science): Japanese conglomerate with a life science business focused on confocal and high-content imaging. Competes in adjacent instrument categories that M&S distributes (imaging systems) and shares the same Japanese research customer base.
Others
- Gilson (Japan operations): Primary supplier of Pipetman and liquid handling products distributed by M&S. Gilson's potential direct entry into Japan would be a key risk factor for M&S, making it an important peer to monitor despite being a supplier rather than competitor.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
M&S Instruments social profiles
Digital presenceM&S Instruments financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
M&S Instruments leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
M&S Instruments funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
M&S Instruments M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about M&S Instruments
What does M&S Instruments do?
M&S Instruments imports and domestically distributes scientific and analytical instruments from global manufacturers (Gilson, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Covaris, Azenta Life Sciences, etc.) to Japanese research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms. The company supplies pipettes, HPLC systems, lab automation platforms, sample preparation equipment, imaging systems, and cryogenic storage, complemented by ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration, repair, validation, and training services.
Is M&S Instruments a public or private company?
M&S Instruments is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was M&S Instruments founded?
M&S Instruments was founded in 1966. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is M&S Instruments based?
M&S Instruments is headquartered in Osaka, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does M&S Instruments make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Scientific Instrument Import & Distribution is the primary driver. The others are after-Sales Service & Calibration.
Who are M&S Instruments's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are As One Corporation and Toyo Corporation. Broad incumbents are JEOL Ltd., Shimadzu Corporation, Agilent Technologies, Waters Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Japan), Hitachi High-Tech and Yokogawa Electric (Life Science). Gilson (Japan operations) is listed as an others.
Does M&S Instruments have an API?
No public API is recorded for M&S Instruments.
What industry is M&S Instruments in?
M&S Instruments's product category is Scientific Instrument Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAA, Analytical Instruments & Chromatography Systems, with a secondary code of HLAGAIAE, Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments. Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.