Astell Celebrates 130 Years of Autoclave Manufacturing

The expression ‘from little acorns great oaks grow’ is particularly applicable to UK based autoclave manufacturer Astell Scientific, which is celebrating 130 years of success in the manufacture and supply of laboratory equipment this year. The Kent based company has in recent times seen its biggest growth in its core business:  the manufacture of autoclaves and sterilisers.

Sales and Marketing Director Dave Thomas says “Over the last few years we have continued to offer a range of high quality products that meet the requirements of modern laboratories. We have one of the most comprehensive ranges of standard autoclaves, with options to suit the vast majority of applications, but where Astell really comes into its own is in the manufacture of custom or ‘bespoke’ equipment. Many customers approach us when considering the purchase of a new autoclave where they have some sort of restriction on their requirement – whether it’s space, budget, a complexity in design, or an unusual application. In the past we offered a ‘one size fits all’ solution, but over the last decade we have become increasingly flexible as a manufacturer, to the point where we are now designing and manufacturing bespoke equipment on a regular basis. The fact that we are listening to our customers, and have the expertise and flexibility to offer the customer precisely what they require, has meant that we are now regarded as the ‘solution provider’ in the autoclave market. As a direct result of this, we have seen a significant increase in business in recent years”.

With 130 years of experience fuelling its current strong position in the UK market, Astell, which exports worldwide to more than 90 countries, has also experienced recent growth in the USA establishing its subsidiary Astell Inc. The numbers of visitors to the company website has also nearly tripled over the last three years. 

Coincidentally Labmate also celebrates an important anniversary this year. The publication was founded  40 years ago and has proved a strong partner for Astell over the years both in print and online. We are confident that these two well-known brands will continue to grow, diversify and enjoy mutual success in the future.