Eppendorf is a provider of equipment for the field of biotechnology. The company develops, produces and distributes devices and systems for use in life science research laboratories worldwide. Eppendorf was founded on the campus of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (Germany) in 1945 and has approximately 2,500 employees worldwide. The company operates subsidiaries in 20 countries and is represented in all other major markets by distributors.
The product range includes pipettes, dispensers, mixers, and laboratory centrifuges as well as consumables such as micro test tubes, micro plates, and pipette tips. In addition, Eppendorf provides instruments and systems for cell manipulation, automated devices for liquid handling, as well as a broad range of equipment for DNA amplification (polymerase chain reaction). Independent of the brand, the 1.5 mL micro test tube is known as the “eppi†tube in most laboratories and has become a genericized trademark like Kleenex.