Eppendorf
Corporate brand
UnclaimedGerman life-science company supplying laboratory instruments, consumables, bioprocess systems, digital tools, and related services worldwide.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Eppendorf is a Hamburg-based laboratory technology company whose products and services are used in academic, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, food, clinical, environmental, forensic, and industrial laboratories. The company operates across the life-science research workflow rather than as a narrow single-product manufacturer. Its portfolio covers liquid handling, automated pipetting, laboratory consumables, centrifugation, temperature control, sample preparation and storage, cell cultivation, bioprocessing, PCR, laboratory shaking, and digital laboratory management. The company began in 1945 in the Hamburg district of Eppendorf, on the grounds of the University Hospital Eppendorf. Heinrich Netheler and Hans Hinz initially established a workshop for medical devices. Early developments included an ultrasound device, an electrical stimulator for the diagnosis and treatment of muscle and nerve disorders, and the Thermorapid electrical thermometer, which shortened the time required to measure body temperature. The founders' combination of medical engineering and practical laboratory problem-solving eventually moved the business toward research instrumentation. Eppendorf's most important early commercial breakthrough was the microliter pipette system introduced in 1961. Often associated with the Marburg Pipette, this piston-stroke instrument helped establish a repeatable method for transferring very small liquid volumes and became a foundation for modern molecular biology workflows. The company followed with microcentrifugation products and subsequently expanded into tubes, tips, plates, centrifuges, mixers, freezers, PCR equipment, cell-culture systems, and bioreactors. The Eppendorf name also became widely used informally for certain laboratory tubes and microcentrifuge formats, although the corporate portfolio is much broader than consumables. Today, Eppendorf organizes its business around three broad handling concepts: liquid handling, cell handling, and sample handling. Liquid handling includes manual and electronic pipettes, dispensers, burettes, pipette controllers, automated systems, and associated tips and consumables. Cell handling encompasses incubators, shakers, cell-culture equipment, fermenters, bioreactors, and systems for scaling biological processes. Sample handling includes centrifuges, thermomixers, PCR and amplification equipment, laboratory freezers, tubes, plates, cryogenic storage products, and related accessories. Automation and digitalization have become increasingly important strategic themes. The epMotion family automates applications such as PCR setup, nucleic-acid purification, normalization, serial dilution, plate reformatting, immunoassays, and next-generation sequencing library preparation. Eppendorf has also developed VisioNize Lab Suite, a cloud-based laboratory management platform intended to connect instruments, monitoring, maintenance, documentation, and equipment booking. Partnerships with eLabNext and Clustermarket have supported the company's effort to place instrument data into broader laboratory workflows. Eppendorf has grown through international expansion, internal product development, and acquisitions. Important additions have included the centrifuge manufacturer Heinz Janetzki KG, New Brunswick Scientific, the bioprocess specialist DASGIP, Calibration Technology in Ireland, and Japanese centrifuge-related operations associated with the Himac brand. These transactions broadened Eppendorf's capabilities in centrifugation, bioprocessing, service, and global distribution. The brand is positioned as a premium, precision-oriented laboratory supplier. Its value proposition emphasizes reproducibility, ergonomics, sample safety, instrument reliability, contamination control, workflow efficiency, and technical service. In addition to selling equipment and consumables, Eppendorf supports laboratories through application assistance, calibration, maintenance, training, refurbished equipment, software, and scientific outreach. Its sponsorship of research awards, including programs conducted with Nature and Science, reinforces its association with biomedical research and the wider scientific community.
History
Eppendorf traces its origins to 1945, when physicians and engineers Heinrich Netheler and Hans Hinz established a medical-device workshop in Hamburg's Eppendorf district. The workshop operated in connection with the University Hospital Eppendorf and initially addressed practical medical-technology problems. Its early work included an ultrasound device, an electrical stimulator for diagnosing and treating muscle and nerve damage, and the Thermorapid electrical thermometer, which made rapid body-temperature measurement possible. These first products gave the young company an engineering foundation in medical diagnostics and instrumentation. In 1954, the business adopted the name Netheler & Hinz GmbH as its activities expanded beyond the original workshop. The company gradually moved from hospital-oriented medical devices toward instruments for biomedical and laboratory research. A larger workforce and increasing demand led to additional premises outside the hospital grounds. In 1965, Eppendorf moved to its facility on Barkhausenweg in Hamburg-Hummelsbüttel, which became the location associated with its continuing headquarters. The decisive technological turning point came in 1961, when Eppendorf commercialized a piston-stroke microliter pipette. Developed in the tradition of the Marburg Pipette, the device used a spring-loaded piston and removable plastic tip to transfer small liquid volumes with much greater consistency than many earlier manual methods. This innovation helped make precise microliter work practical in routine laboratories and positioned Eppendorf at the center of the emerging molecular-biology research market. The company expanded this platform with disposable tips and related liquid-handling systems. A microcentrifuge followed in 1962, extending Eppendorf's role from liquid transfer into sample separation and preparation. During the following decades, Eppendorf broadened its product range through internal development and acquisitions. The company entered centrifugation more deeply through the acquisition of the Leipzig manufacturer Heinz Janetzki KG in 1991. Janetzki brought experience in laboratory centrifuges, including benchtop, high-performance, and ultracentrifuge products. The addition strengthened Eppendorf's sample-handling portfolio and contributed to the development of a broader centrifuge business. The company continued to evolve from a pipette specialist into a diversified laboratory-technology group. Its portfolio grew to include pipettes, dispensers, pipette controllers, centrifuges, mixers, thermal cyclers, laboratory freezers, incubators, shakers, tubes, plates, pipette tips, and other consumables. In bioprocessing, Eppendorf developed and acquired technologies for cell cultivation, fermentation, and parallel bioreactor experimentation. In 2007, it acquired New Brunswick Scientific, an American laboratory-equipment company, expanding its international footprint and product capabilities. In January 2012, it acquired DASGIP, a German specialist in parallel bioreactor systems, strengthening its position in bioprocess development. Calibration Technology in Ireland was acquired in 2016 to extend the company's service presence. The company's legal and corporate identity also changed as it grew. In 2000, Eppendorf Gerätebau, Netheler und Hinz GmbH was renamed Eppendorf AG. The organization subsequently operated as Eppendorf SE within the privately held Eppendorf Group. Despite these changes, the Eppendorf name remained the central commercial identity across instruments, consumables, services, and international subsidiaries. Management succession has reflected several strategic phases. Klaus Fink led the company for many years before Dirk Ehlers became chairman of the executive board in 2011. Thomas Bachmann took over the chairmanship in 2015 and was succeeded in 2019 by a dual-CEO structure consisting of Eva van Pelt and Peter Fruhstorfer. In 2024, the company reorganized its management board, appointing Hans-Christian Stuff as chief financial officer and Christine Munz as chief executive officer. In the 2010s and 2020s, Eppendorf placed greater emphasis on automation, connected instruments, and digital laboratory management. Its epMotion family automated repetitive and complex liquid-handling procedures, including PCR setup, nucleic-acid purification, normalization, serial dilution, plate reformatting, immunoassays, and next-generation sequencing library preparation. The company also developed VisioNize Lab Suite as an open, cloud-based platform for instrument monitoring, notifications, maintenance planning, documentation, and equipment booking. A 2022 collaboration with eLabNext and Clustermarket was intended to bring instrument data into wider laboratory information workflows. Scientific outreach has remained part of the company's public identity. Eppendorf established the Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigators in 1995, its fiftieth-anniversary year, in partnership with Nature. In 2002, it and Science/AAAS established the Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology. Both programs support early-career researchers and connect the brand with biomedical, molecular, cellular, and neurobiological research. By the mid-2020s, Eppendorf had become a global laboratory supplier spanning liquid handling, sample handling, cell handling, bioprocessing, consumables, digital tools, and technical services.
- 2024
Management board reorganized
[7]Hans-Christian Stuff became CFO and Christine Munz became CEO as Eppendorf implemented a revised management structure.
- 2022
Digital-laboratory partnerships announced
[10]Eppendorf partnered with eLabNext and Clustermarket to connect instrument information with digital laboratory workflows through VisioNize Lab Suite.
- 2021
Sixtieth anniversary of the microliter pipette
[9]Eppendorf marked six decades since the launch of its commercial piston-stroke pipette.
- 2019
Dual-CEO structure introduced
[8]Eva van Pelt and Peter Fruhstorfer became co-chief executive officers and continued the company's transformation agenda.
- 2016
Calibration Technology acquired
[1]The Irish acquisition strengthened Eppendorf's calibration and service capabilities in Ireland.
- 2015
Thomas Bachmann assumes executive-board chairmanship
[1]Thomas Bachmann became chairman of the executive board during a period of strategic modernization and international development.
- 2012
DASGIP acquired
[1]The acquisition of DASGIP expanded Eppendorf's parallel bioreactor and bioprocess-development capabilities.
- 2007
New Brunswick Scientific acquired
[1]Eppendorf acquired the American laboratory-equipment company New Brunswick Scientific.
- 2002
Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology established
[6]Eppendorf and Science/AAAS launched an international prize supporting young researchers in neurobiology.
- 2000
Corporate name changed to Eppendorf AG
[1]Eppendorf Gerätebau, Netheler und Hinz GmbH was renamed Eppendorf AG.
Products and positioning
Premium laboratory technology brand focused on precision, reproducibility, ergonomics, sample protection, workflow automation, and reliability for life-science research and applied laboratory environments.
Manual pipettes
Research plus
Research plus is a family of mechanical piston-operated pipettes designed for routine and research liquid handling. The line emphasizes low operating forces, ergonomic handling, adjustable volumes, and compatibility with Eppendorf pipette tips. It is used for transferring liquids in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, clinical research, and related laboratory workflows where accuracy and repeatability are important.
Electronic pipettes
Xplorer
Xplorer electronic pipettes support repeatable and standardized aspiration and dispensing procedures. Programmable operating modes help users perform recurring tasks with consistent volume delivery, while single-channel and multichannel formats address different throughput requirements. The products are positioned for laboratories seeking greater process control and reduced manual effort in routine liquid handling.
Repeating pipette and dispensing system
Multipette and Combitips
The Multipette and Combitips system is designed for repeated dispensing and for handling liquids that may be difficult to process with conventional air-displacement pipettes, including viscous or volatile liquids. Its closed tip-and-dispenser configuration supports repeated aliquoting and helps improve consistency in serial dispensing applications.
Automated liquid handling
epMotion
epMotion is Eppendorf's family of automated liquid handlers. Depending on the model, the systems can automate PCR and qPCR setup, nucleic-acid purification, normalization, serial dilution, tube-to-plate transfer, plate reformatting, immunoassays, and next-generation sequencing library preparation. The platform combines configurable worktables, interchangeable tools, thermal or mixing modules, and software intended to make automation accessible to laboratory users without extensive robotics programming.
Centrifugation equipment · 1962
Eppendorf Centrifuges
Eppendorf's centrifuge portfolio ranges from compact microcentrifuges to multipurpose, high-speed, refrigerated, and ultracentrifuge systems. These instruments support sample preparation, nucleic-acid work, cell separation, protein research, and other laboratory processes. Product families such as the Centrifuge 5424 and Centrifuge 5910 Ri represent the company's focus on reproducible separation, ergonomic operation, sample protection, and broad rotor and accessory compatibility.
Laboratory consumables
Eppendorf Tubes and Plates
Eppendorf tubes, conical tubes, microplates, cryostorage vials, and related consumables support sample collection, processing, storage, amplification, and analysis. The portfolio includes formats for molecular biology, microbiology, cell culture, PCR, and cryogenic storage. Materials, purity grades, coding features, and sterile options are selected for different experimental and sample-management requirements.
Pipette tips
epT.I.P.S.
epT.I.P.S. is Eppendorf's pipette-tip family, offered in multiple formats and purity grades for manual and automated liquid handling. The tips are designed to work with Eppendorf pipettes and systems while supporting contamination control, reliable liquid transfer, and application-specific requirements such as PCR cleanliness, forensic DNA work, sterility, and low-retention handling.
Digital laboratory management
VisioNize Lab Suite
VisioNize Lab Suite is an open, cloud-based digital platform for managing connected laboratory equipment and workflows. Its functions include device monitoring, notifications, maintenance planning, documentation, and equipment booking. Eppendorf has positioned the platform as a way to reduce fragmented data systems, improve traceability, support sample safety, and give laboratory managers a more centralized view of instruments and operations.
Cell handling and bioprocessing
Bioprocess and bioreactor systems
Eppendorf's bioprocess portfolio includes benchtop bioreactors, fermenters, single-use vessels, and systems for cell cultivation and process development. The products support work from research and development through scale-up, with applications in microbial fermentation, mammalian-cell culture, biotechnology, and production-process optimization. The acquisition of DASGIP added expertise in parallel bioreactor experimentation.
Marketing campaigns
- 2002Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology
Worldwide
Eppendorf and Science/AAAS created an international prize for young scientists conducting outstanding neurobiological research using experimental molecular, cellular, systems, or organismic approaches.
Outcome. The program established a continuing platform for recognizing early-career neuroscientists and publishing their work through Science and related channels.
- 1995Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigators
Europe · International scientific community
Eppendorf established an annual award for early-career European researchers conducting biomedical research with molecular, cellular, systems, or organismic methods. The program is presented in partnership with Nature and includes scientific recognition, editorial exposure, and a personal monetary prize.
Outcome. The award became a recurring scientific-outreach program linking Eppendorf with emerging biomedical researchers and the European life-science community.
Brand decisions
2024
Restructure the management boardStrategyBackground
Eppendorf introduced a revised governance model as part of its Empowering Eppendorf program.
Action taken
Hans-Christian Stuff became CFO in April 2024 and Christine Munz became CEO in October 2024.
Aftermath
The appointments replaced the prior co-CEO structure and established a CEO-CFO leadership configuration.
2022
Develop connected laboratory-management workflowsStrategyBackground
Laboratories increasingly required instruments, maintenance information, reservations, and experimental data to be managed across fewer disconnected software systems.
Action taken
Eppendorf partnered with eLabNext and Clustermarket to integrate laboratory-instrument data with VisioNize Lab Suite.
Aftermath
The initiative extended Eppendorf's strategy from standalone instruments toward connected laboratory infrastructure and digital workflow management.
2019
Adopt dual-CEO leadershipStrategyBackground
Following Thomas Bachmann's departure, Eppendorf continued its be Eppendorf 2021 transformation program, which emphasized sales development, product innovation, and corporate culture.
Action taken
The supervisory board appointed Eva van Pelt and Peter Fruhstorfer as co-chief executive officers.
Aftermath
The dual-leadership arrangement guided the company through the early 2020s before a new management structure was introduced in 2024.
2016
Acquire Calibration TechnologyM&ABackground
Eppendorf wanted to broaden its service and calibration presence in Ireland.
Action taken
Eppendorf acquired Calibration Technology Ltd, headquartered in Limerick, Ireland.
Aftermath
The acquisition expanded Eppendorf's local service infrastructure and calibration offering.
2012
Acquire DASGIPM&ABackground
Eppendorf aimed to strengthen its position in bioprocess development and parallel cultivation systems.
Action taken
Eppendorf acquired DASGIP, a German manufacturer of parallel bioreactor systems.
Aftermath
The deal expanded Eppendorf's bioprocess portfolio and added capabilities for parallel bioreactor experimentation.
2007
Acquire New Brunswick ScientificM&ABackground
Eppendorf pursued international expansion and portfolio growth in laboratory equipment.
Action taken
Eppendorf acquired New Brunswick Scientific, an American laboratory-equipment company.
Aftermath
The acquisition broadened Eppendorf's international operations and product capabilities.
1991
Acquire Heinz Janetzki KGM&ABackground
Eppendorf sought to expand its centrifugation capabilities and add the experience of a German laboratory-centrifuge manufacturer.
Action taken
Eppendorf acquired Heinz Janetzki KG, a Leipzig-based centrifuge producer.
Aftermath
The transaction strengthened Eppendorf's sample-handling portfolio and supported its development as a broader laboratory-equipment supplier.
Recent events
Reported
Eppendorf launches CP-NX and CS-(F)NX ultracentrifuges[13]
Eppendorf formally launched the CP-NX and CS-(F)NX series ultracentrifuges worldwide in 2022.
Reported
Eppendorf agrees to acquire Koki's centrifuge business[14]
Eppendorf AG and Koki Holdings Co., Ltd. reached an agreement for Eppendorf to acquire Koki's centrifuge business, including the himac brand. The companies signed a corresponding agreement in Tokyo; the purchase price was not disclosed.
Eppendorf announces production capacity expansion in Oldenburg[15]
Eppendorf announced plans to build two new production halls at its Oldenburg site, with operations at the two sites planned to begin in the second half of 2020 and increase Eppendorf Polymere GmbH’s overall capacity.
Sources17 sources
- 1Eppendorf (company)en.wikipedia.org
- 2Eppendorf Liquid Handlingeppendorf.com
- 3Eppendorf Core Competencieseppendorf.com
- 4Eppendorf Popular Productseppendorf.com
- 5Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigatorscorporate.eppendorf.com
- 6Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiologycorporate.eppendorf.com
- 7Eppendorf 2024 Annual Reportannual-report.eppendorf.com
- 8Eppendorf with new CEO dual leadershipcorporate.eppendorf.com
- 9Eppendorf celebrates 60 years of the pipettecorporate.eppendorf.com
- 10Fully connected: Eppendorf, eLabNext, and Clustermarketeppendorf.com
- 11Business renamed Netheler & Hinz GmbHcorporate.eppendorf.com
- 12Heinz Janetzki KG acquiredcorporate.eppendorf.com
- 13Eppendorf推出CP-NX和CS-(F)NX系列超速离心机prnasia.com
- 14Eppendorf同意收购Koki的离心机业务labmate-online.com
- 15Eppendorf宣布扩大奥尔登堡生产能力chemeurope.com
- 16Eppendorf acquires centrifuge business of Koki Holdings Co., Ltd.chemeurope.com
- 17Eppendorf Significantly Expands Capacities For The Production Of Consumablespharmaceuticalonline.com
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