Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 8, 2026

Rainin

Mettler-Toledo Rainin is a global supplier of laboratory pipettes, liquid handling instruments, consumables, and services for life science, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical research and development. Based in Oakland, California, Rainin is part of METTLER TOLEDO, a multinational supplier of precision instruments and services.

Last revised
Jul 8, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
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425 w
Citations
14
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Mettler-Toledo Rainin
Company type
Subsidiary
IndustryScientific instruments
PredecessorRainin Instrument Company
Founded1963 (1963)
FounderKenneth Rainin
HeadquartersOakland, California, U.S.
Key people
Products
ParentMETTLER TOLEDO

Mettler-Toledo Rainin is a global supplier of laboratory pipettes, liquid handling instruments, consumables, and services for life science, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical research and development. Based in Oakland, California, Rainin is part of METTLER TOLEDO, a multinational supplier of precision instruments and services.

History

Kenneth Rainin founded Rainin Instrument Company in 1963 as a distributor of laboratory instruments and supplies.12

Rainin began distributing adjustable volume pipettes in 1972 and manufacturing its own in 1980.34

In 1999, Rainin launched the LiteTouch System (LTS) to improve pipetting ergonomics by reducing tip loading and ejection forces.4 LTS pipettes have been recognized for their ergonomic benefits.56

METTLER TOLEDO acquired Rainin for $292.2 million in 2001.78

As a response to pipette tip shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic,910 Rainin was awarded a $35.8 million contract from the US Department of Defense to expand domestic production capacity for pipette tips.11 Rainin subsequently opened a new manufacturing facility in Vacaville, CA in 2022 and installed an in-house electron-beam sterilizer in 2023.1213

References

References

  1. Nolte, Carl (6 May 2007). "Kenneth Rainin -- entrepreneur, donor". SFGate. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  2. "What We Do". Kenneth Rainin Foundation. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  3. "Common lab tool at heart of federal trial". NBC News. 23 May 2005. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  4. "Celebrating 60 Years of Innovation". Rainin in 60. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  5. Lintula, Maija; Nevala, Nina (2006-03-01). "Ergonomics and the usability of mechanical single-channel liquid dosage pipettes". International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 36 (3): 257–263. doi:10.1016/j.ergon.2005.06.011. ISSN 0169-8141.
  6. Lichty, Monica G.; Janowitz, Ira L.; Rempel, David M. (2011). "Ergonomic evaluation of ten single-channel pipettes". Work (Reading, Mass.). 39 (2): 177–185. doi:10.3233/WOR-2011-1164. ISSN 1875-9270. PMID 21673445.
  7. "Mettler Toledo acquires Rainin". The Pharma Letter. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  8. "METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC. ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL Year Ended December 31, 2005". SEC Archives. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  9. Sheridan, Kate (28 April 2021). "How blackouts, fires, and a pandemic are driving shortages of pipette tips — and hobbling science". STAT News. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  10. "COVID-19 Testing Supply Shortages Disrupt 45% of Laboratories, CAP Survey Shows". College of American Pathologists. 11 March 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  11. "DoD Awards $35.8 Million Contract to Mettler-Toledo Rainin, LLC to Increase Domestic Production Capacity of Pipette Tips". US Department of Defense. 10 September 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  12. "Mettler Toledo Rainin expands facilities in Vacaville, California". Pharmaceutical Processing World. 13 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  13. "Sustainability at Rainin". Greener Pipetting. Retrieved 8 July 2025.