Particle technology and the recycling of solvents used in labs: these are two of the niche markets in which FHI member Distrilab is active. In this second episode of Tech Stories we speak with Martijn Oosterhof, operations manager at Distrilab.
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Distrilab is an importer and distributor of laboratory equipment, reagents and analytical chemicals. The company has been active since 1978. |
Since its founding in 1978, Distrilab has been a member of FHI and active in the Laboratory Technology sector. According to Oosterhof, the company started with a simple basic idea: the technology of the product lines must be unique or of very high quality. The devices had to fit in the trunk of a car so that the representatives could easily demonstrate them.
After 23 years on Olmenlaan in Leusden, Distrilab has now been located on Leusderend (next to the FHI building) for 10 years. “The strategy is unchanged,” says Oosterhof: “We are still looking for product groups in niche markets, but we have abandoned the 'suitcase principle'. With our six-person team we now have a nice package of product groups.”
“Particles” have now gained the upper hand, but a number of the original Distrilab laboratory equipment product lines are still flourishing. “In recent years, Distrilab has also developed into a service organization for two sister companies,” says Oosterhof. “We sell particles on a micro/nano scale and for count control and calibration applications in pharmaceutical laboratories, among others. But these particles are also used, for example, in diagnostic tests. We also offer special particles that are used in the semiconductor industry. We mainly sell within Europe.”
Recycle solvents
At Distrilab, attention is also paid to sustainable solutions in the product range, says Oosterhof: “What we offer are solvent recycling systems that can purify solvents for reuse through distillation. In a lab, the solvents used in analyzes are traditionally removed and destroyed. Given the current environmental and sustainability requirements, labs are looking for ways to reduce their CO2 footprint. For example, a customer of ours in the food industry can recycle up to 80 percent of the solvents used with our equipment. Consider, for example, the recovery of methanol and ethanol.”
In September, Distrilab will participate LabNL, a new fair from FHI aimed at showcasing the latest innovations and products in the laboratory sector. “We do our marketing ourselves, but we don't know all the end users. In the past we have participated in the World of Technology & Science, but that fair was very large-scale and a bit too general for us. We therefore focus more on smaller events. By participating in LabNL we hope to find new customers,” says Oosterhof.
In addition, membership at FHI has more advantages, says the Distrilab manager: “An advantage of our membership is that you are kept well informed of developments in the field of legislation, such as in the HR field, because it is difficult for us to stay continuously informed. We also use the FHI general terms and conditions, which are available to members, and we make good use of the insurance and pension scheme for our staff in the context of the FHI collective insurance options. That certainly offers our team added value.”
A visit to LabNL is free, register directly via this link.
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