Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS), the UK’s largest independent supplier of scientific products, is delighted to announce the acquisition of Hilton Instruments Ltd, a leading laboratory equipment and service provider based in Aberdeen with decades of expertise in the Oil and Gas industry.

The acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for both businesses, but for Hilton Instruments’ customers and employees, it will be business as usual. The company will continue to operate as a standalone entity, with all staff retained in their existing roles, ensuring continuity of the same trusted service, technical expertise, and customer relationships that have defined Hilton’s success for over 35 years.

Founded in 1989, Hilton Instruments has built a reputation as a premier independent supplier of laboratory equipment, consumables, and calibration services to the global oil and gas industry, as well as to the food and drink, environmental, educational, and healthcare sectors. Under the leadership of Managing Director Kevin Norrie, the company has become synonymous with reliability, responsiveness, and technical depth — qualities that have earned it a loyal customer base and long-standing partnerships with leading global manufacturers.

Joining SLS offers Hilton customers significant advantages. With over 600,000 products from more than 4,000 suppliers, SLS provides an unrivalled portfolio that will broaden the range of solutions available to Hilton’s existing clients. This includes new product lines, enhanced supply chain resilience, and improved access to innovative technologies across diverse market sectors.

Ian Roulstone, Managing Director of SLS, commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome Hilton Instruments to the SLS family. Their strong reputation within the oil and gas sector, combined with their technical capabilities and customer-first approach, make them an exceptional fit for our group. There’s a great deal of crossover between Hilton’s expertise and the markets we serve, and we see enormous opportunity to share knowledge, products, and resources for the benefit of customers on both sides. Most importantly, both organisations share the belief that business success begins with people, with both business models built around the principle of people working with people.”

This shared ethos was a decisive factor for Hilton Instruments’ Managing Director Kevin Norrie, who chose SLS as the right partner to take the business forward.

Kevin Norrie, Managing Director of Hilton Instruments, added:
“When considering the future of Hilton Instruments, it was vital to find a buyer who would respect our team, our culture, and our customers. From the outset, it was clear that SLS was the perfect fit. Their people-focused approach, extensive product offering, and commitment to long-term relationships align perfectly with how we have always worked. This partnership ensures that Hilton Instruments will continue to grow and evolve while maintaining the high standards and personal service our customers expect.”

Hilton Instruments’ ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025 accreditations, along with its UKAS and SEQual memberships, reflect a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and technical excellence. The company’s top environmental performance, recognised by achieving the highest possible CDP score for an SME in 2024, further reinforces its alignment with SLS’s responsible business values.

With both companies united by shared principles of quality, integrity, and service, the acquisition represents a strong foundation for future innovation and growth across a wider range of scientific markets, from energy to education, and beyond.

About Hilton Instruments Ltd

Founded in 1989 and based in Aberdeen, Hilton Instruments is a leading independent supplier and service provider for laboratory equipment across the oil and gas, food and drink, environmental, educational, and healthcare sectors. With ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025 accreditations, Hilton Instruments is recognised for its commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability. The company provides sales, service, calibration, and bespoke laboratory solutions to clients worldwide.

About Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS)

SLS first began trading in 1991 and has grown to become the UK’s largest independent supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and consumables with a focus on delivering unrivalled customer service levels. Headquartered in Nottingham, the company operates a warehousing, technical storage, and logistics service across the UK and in several international territories. SLS works closely with leading international industry brands through a market-leading catalogue with an extended range of over 600,000 products.

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