SLS strengthens energy and industrial laboratory offering with acquisition of Aberdeen-based Hilton Instruments

Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS), the UK’s largest independent supplier of scientific products, has announced the acquisition of Hilton Instruments Ltd, a well-established laboratory equipment and service specialist headquartered in Aberdeen, widely recognised for its expertise within the oil and gas sector.

The move brings together two highly respected organisations and represents a strategic step forward in expanding SLS’s capabilities across energy, industrial, and applied laboratory markets. For Hilton Instruments’ customers and employees, day-to-day operations will remain unchanged. The business will continue to trade under its existing name, with its experienced team retained and its long-standing customer relationships preserved.

Established in 1989, Hilton Instruments has developed a strong reputation for supplying laboratory equipment, consumables and calibration services to the global oil and gas industry. Over more than three decades, the company has broadened its reach to serve the food and beverage, environmental, education and healthcare sectors, becoming known for its technical expertise, responsiveness and dependable service. Under the leadership of Managing Director Kevin Norrie, the business has built enduring partnerships with major global manufacturers and a loyal customer base.

As part of the SLS Group, Hilton Instruments’ customers will benefit from access to an expanded range of products and resources. SLS’s portfolio of more than 600,000 products from over 4,000 suppliers will provide enhanced choice, improved supply chain resilience and easier access to new and emerging laboratory technologies.

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 focus on people and culture was central to Hilton Instruments’ decision to join SLS.

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 holds ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025 accreditations and is a member of both UKAS and SEQual, underlining its commitment to quality and technical standards. The company’s strong environmental credentials were recognised in 2024, when it achieved the highest possible CDP score for an SME, reflecting its alignment with SLS’s wider sustainability priorities.

The acquisition creates a strong platform for future development, combining sector-specific expertise with national scale and infrastructure, and supporting customers across a broader range of scientific and industrial applications.