Equipment Spotlight
Built to Last: Memmert Units from 1977 and 1979 Still Going Strong
Some equipment earns its place in the lab not just through performance, but through decades of uninterrupted service. We've recently come across two remarkable examples that speak for themselves, a 1977 and a 1979 Memmert, both still in active operation today.
That's nearly half a century of reliable laboratory performance, a testament to the engineering philosophy that has defined Memmert since its founding. For the team at John Morris Group, encountering these units was a genuine reminder of why Memmert has remained one of the most trusted names in temperature control technology.
When equipment made in the 1970s is still earning its place in today's laboratory, that isn't just durabilityy, it's a design philosophy proven across generations.
The Units at a Glance
📅 1977 Memmert Unit
Approximately 48 years old and still in daily laboratory operation. A striking example of what precision German engineering looks like over the long run.
📅 1979 Memmert Unit
Approximately 46 years old and still performing reliably today. Another classic example of Memmert's enduring build quality in action.
What Makes Memmert Equipment Last?
Memmert's reputation for longevity isn't accidental. Since 1933, the German manufacturer has built its products around a philosophy of robustness, repairability, and precision — values that are increasingly rare in modern laboratory equipment. Several qualities define why Memmert units continue performing long after most alternatives have been retired.
🏭 German Engineering
Designed and manufactured in Schwabach, Germany, with an uncompromising focus on material quality and manufacturing precision.
🌡️ Consistent Temperature Control
Memmert's temperature uniformity and stability have been hallmarks of the brand across every generation of product.
🔧 Serviceability by Design
Units are built to be maintained and serviced, not simply replaced — a philosophy that extends product lifespans well beyond industry norms.
🔬 Broad Application Range
From incubators and ovens to humidity chambers, Memmert's range serves life science, industrial, and research laboratories worldwide.
Nearly 50 Years — In Perspective
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1933 | Memmert GmbH + Co. KG founded in Germany |
| 1977 | First unit we encountered manufactured, still operating today |
| 1979 | Second unit manufactured, still operating today |
| 2025 | Both units encountered in active laboratory use, 46 and 48 years on |
The Modern Memmert Range
Today's Memmert portfolio carries that same philosophy forward with the addition of modern connectivity, digital interfaces, and advanced humidity and CO₂ control, all while retaining the build quality that keeps 1970s units in service. The current range includes universal ovens, incubators, climate chambers, water baths, and Peltier-cooled units, available through John Morris Group across Australia and New Zealand.
The Units Up Close
These photos capture the units as we found them — original controls, original hardware, original Memmert branding — decades on and still doing the job.
If you're still running a classic Memmert unit, or looking to invest in equipment that will serve your laboratory for decades, our team is here to help.
John Morris Group & Memmert
John Morris Group has been Australia and New Zealand's trusted partner for scientific instruments and laboratory equipment since 1962. We supply and support the full Memmert range, backed by local application expertise and after-sales service. Whether you're looking to invest in a new system or need support for an existing Memmert unit, our team is ready to assist.
To explore the Memmert range or speak with our team, get in touch today.
John Morris Group
Australia & New Zealand's trusted partner for scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and technical solutions since 1962.
