From Lörrach to Normec: The Journey of the Normec Heppeler Institute

For more than seven decades, the Heppeler Institute has been a trusted name for precise, compliant, and timely pharmaceutical and water testing. Now, as the Normec Heppeler Institute, we carry this legacy forward — combining our established expertise with the strength and resources of Normec. This is our journey.

Local Roots: From 1947 to a Modern Laboratory

Our history reaches back to 1947, when Laboratorium Dr. Fritz Heppeler opened its doors in Lörrach, focusing on food and beverage analytics. Under Dieter Heppeler’s leadership from 1965, the laboratory expanded its chemical and technical expertise.

In the 1990s, the next generation brought a new vision:

• 1995: Diplom-Chemiker Felix Heppeler joined and implemented our first Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to prepare for accreditation.

• 1997: We became Untersuchungsinstitut Heppeler GmbH, accredited under DIN EN 45001.

Growth Through Specialisation

The 2000s marked a new era.

• 2000: Dr. Axel Heppeler joined, adding medical-chemical and radiopharmaceutical expertise.

• 2003: We moved into our purpose-built 1,200 m² laboratory in Marie-Curie-Str. 7, Lörrach.

Over the next decade, we invested heavily in advanced analytical technologies:

• HPLC-MS, dissolution testing, capillary electrophoresis

• Multiple GC-MS/HPLC systems with a wide range of detectors

• ICP-MS for elemental analysis

• Later: HPLC-MS/MS, Orbitrap LC-MS, ICP-OES for trace impurity and contaminant identification under ICH-Q3D guidelines.

Quality Recognised Internationally

Our commitment to compliance and quality is proven:

• Successful GMP inspections by the Regierungspräsidium Tübingen and the FDA in 2004, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2016, 2021 and 2024 — each with no critical findings.

We built strong recognition in two key areas:

1. Pharmaceutical testing — from raw materials to finished product stability, batch released, impurity profiling, microbiology, and dissolution testing.

2. Water and environmental analysis — from water quality monitoring to soil and waste analysis, corrosion testing, and pesticide screening.

Joining Normec

In March 2024, we became part of Normec, a European leader in testing, inspection, certification, and compliance. This means:

• Access to a broader network of laboratories and experts.

• Investment in new technologies and expanded service capabilities.

• The ability to scale quickly for urgent or complex projects.

But some things remain unchanged — and always will:

• Our entrepreneurial culture

• Our agility in meeting unique client needs

• Our local presence in Lörrach, serving our region and beyond

Why It Matters to You

By combining local specialisation with European reach, we offer something different from the largest global labs:

• Trusted contact persons who know your projects

• Short communication lines and fast response times

• Tailored solutions for your project with short turnaround times