Our journey
Comercial Labor S.A. began its journey in 1958 in Barcelona (Spain), with the aim of offering specialised solutions in the supply of material and equipment for laboratories. From its early days, the company focused on meeting the needs of highly demanding sectors such as the pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, health and food industries, with a commitment to quality products and a service close to its customers.
With a clear vision and a commitment to excellence, Comercial Labor S.A. began its operations by distributing a selection of essential materials for small and medium-sized laboratories. Thanks to its focus on quality and the building of solid business relationships, the company grew rapidly, expanding its catalogue and adding new brands and products. This growth allowed Comercial Labor S.A. to become a reliable reference for customers looking for everything from scientific instruments to cosmetic containers and bottles, covering every detail needed in laboratory work.
Over the years, the company has adapted to market trends and needs, expanding its product range to more than 2,000 items ranging from consumables and consumables to advanced technology equipment. Comercial Labor S.A. has maintained its focus on innovation and continuous improvement, which has enabled it to meet the changing needs of the industry and provide its customers with the right tools to drive their work forward.
Today, Comercial Labor S.A. is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction and its ability to offer tailor-made solutions in all types of laboratory environments. With a solid base in Barcelona and an eye on the future, the company remains true to its original values, working every day to simplify and improve its customers' scientific and professional experience.
Our chronology
Founding of LABOR (1st generation)
In 1956, Joan Sallés Gubern and a group of partners brought LABOR to life at 241 Lepanto Street in Barcelona. With a passion for science and a commitment to offer the best, they began their journey in the distribution of laboratory equipment, laying the foundations for what would become a history of innovation and service.
A new direction
Joan Sallés made a key decision: to focus entirely on sales to distributors, leaving behind direct sales to end customers. This change marked a new direction for LABOR, opting for a more specialised and efficient service.
20/09/1959
Creation of the company
With a new direction in mind, the two partners decided to go their separate ways. This led to the dissolution of the previous company and the birth of a new phase: the creation of the company Juan Sallés Gubern, marking the beginning of a project with its own identity.
20/09/1969
New additions (2nd generation)
With the arrival of the second generation, Josefina Sallés, daughter of Joan Sallés, and her husband, Octavi Gustà Vergely, joined the project, contributing new ideas and keeping alive the commitment to quality and service.
The creation of our name
Taking advantage of the entry into the company of his daughter and son-in-law, it was decided to create the current Comercial Labor SA, taking a new step in its history. The company was established in Carrer Grases, in Barcelona, consolidating its growth and commitment to the sector.
Joan Sallés Retirement
After 32 years at the helm of the company, Joan Sallés passes the baton to the second generation of the Sallés family, who will continue his legacy while maintaining his vision and commitment.
New addition (3rd generation)
Octavi Gustà Sallés, our current Administrator, decided to join the family business, and since then, the second and third generations of the Sallés-Gustà family have worked together to face the challenge of adapting to the changing times. Always with the same goal: to understand and satisfy the needs of our customers.
Retirement of Octavi G.V. and Josefina S.
Octavi Gustà Sallés, from the third generation, completely takes over the leadership of the company, becoming the sole director and shareholder. With this step, the work cycle of his predecessors, Octavi Gustà Vergely and Josefina Sallés, comes to an end, marking the beginning of a new stage for the company.
New addition (4th generation)
With great enthusiasm, in 2025, a new generation joins our history: the fourth. Carla Gustà Gómez, a graduate in Biotechnology, will be the one who in the coming years will take over this company that began its journey more than 75 years ago. Once again, this is a new stage full of energy and commitment to continue growing.
Meet our team
Specialised professionals who ensure our success
Octavi Gustà
Administrator
Octavi, our current manager at Comercial Labor, has been part of the company since 1989, when his parents were still running the business. He joined with a clear purpose: to take the company into the future with the advent of computers and create new catalogues that really responded to the needs of the market.
Since then, its mission has always been the same: to stay one step ahead, adapting to technological changes and industry trends to offer the best to our customers.
Thanks to his leadership, Comercial Labor has established itself as a benchmark in the sector. His vision and commitment have been key to the growth and expansion of the company, ensuring its stability and success in the future.
Carla Gustà
Product Specialist
Carla, a graduate in Biotechnology and Octavi's daughter, joined our company this year (2025). Her arrival marks the beginning of a new phase in which we continue to grow and evolve.
His goal is clear: to drive the company's growth and take it to the next level. With a strategic and forward-looking vision, he works to strengthen our market presence, always focusing on innovation.
At the same time, Carla understands that growing does not mean forgetting what has brought us this far. For this reason, she remains committed to the values that have always defined us: commitment, quality and trust. She knows that true success is not only achieved through innovation, but also by keeping intact the essence that has allowed us to get to where we are today.
Montse Orpi
Accounting and Invoicing
Since 2022, Montse has been part of our team, taking care of the invoicing with the same dedication and precision as always. If you have ever called the company, you are sure to have spoken to Montse, as she is the one who answers the phone with her characteristic friendliness.
Consistent and meticulous, she makes sure that everything is in order on each invoice, making the work easier for both clients and colleagues. Her approachability and patience make any management easier and more pleasant.
Rolando Moreno
Logistics Warehouse
Rolando has been part of our team since 2003 and is the heart and soul of the warehouse. He is in charge of preparing and supervising each order so that everything arrives on time and in perfect condition.
With over a decade of experience, he has become a mainstay in our daily operation, ensuring that every order is handled efficiently and accurately.
His extensive knowledge of the catalogue and each of the products we offer makes him the right person to answer any questions about the articles.
Joan Cabré
Logistics Warehouse
Joan joined our team in 2009 and is the most recent addition to the warehouse. Together with Rolando, he is in charge of preparing and supervising each order so that it arrives on time and in perfect condition.
Over time, it has become a key part of our daily operation, making sure that everything runs efficiently and error-free.
Moreover, he knows our catalogue in detail, so he is always ready to help you with any questions you may have about our products.
You can find our offices next to our warehouse located in the heart of Poble Sec (Barcelona).
