Life Science

Cryogenetics opens new Lab

DSCN8569 (1)DSCN8569 (1)Woburn, MA – Cryogenetics, a leader in fish reproduction products and services, announced the official opening of the company’s U.S. division.

Cryogenetics hosted an opening ceremony and reception in January to mark the opening of its new facility. The ceremony was held in collaboration with the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) and MassBio.  Among the guests were  Carrie Charmichael, Cyrogenetics lab manager;  Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D, president & CEO of  Mass.Life Sciences Center;  Jorn Ulhiem, managing director of Cryogenetics;  Woburn Mayor Scott Galvin; and Peter Abair,  director of economic development & global affairs, MassBio.

The 5,400sf facility will house both individual zebrafish tank rooms and separate cryopreservation labs for zebrafish and finfish. Storage will be provided for frozen sperm samples in liquid nitrogen dewars at the facility in Woburn.

In addition, Cryogenetics will have a second repository location offsite to ensure a secure back-up of valuable genetic material.

Cryogenetics has developed successful protocols for cryopreservation of milt (sperm) from more than 10 fish species, and provides products and services worldwide. Among the clients are some of the world’s largest salmon producers and nature conservation programs in several countries.

The Norwegian based company  holds divisions in Chile, Canada and the USA in addition to the headquarters in Norway.

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“The Boston area was a natural first choice for locating our unit based on the area’s reputation of being the world leading cluster for biotechnological development,” said Jorn Ulhiem, Managing Director of Cryogenetics.  “Our Woburn unit is a world class cryopreservation laboratory and the most advanced unit Cryogenetics has constructed. The company expects this lab to become a significant and trusted service provider for the U.S. zebrafish community, setting a new global standard for effective use and backing of valuable genetic lines.”

“Thanks to our growth strategy of investing in education, innovation and infrastructure, Massachusetts continues to lead the world in life sciences,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “We welcome Cryogenetics Inc. to Massachusetts and look forward to their contributions to our thriving life sciences community.”

“On behalf of the Center, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Cryogenetics Inc. as they open their first U.S facility here in Massachusetts,” said Susan Windham Bannister, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, the agency charged with implementing Governor Patrick’s 10-year, $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative.  “Massachusetts is a great choice for Cryogenetics – we are a global leader in genetics research and our strong technology-oriented workforce will provide the talent base that Cryogenetics needs as they grow their business here.”

“Cryogenetics’ decision to grow in Massachusetts highlights the strength of the cluster here in the Commonwealth and underlines our reputation for being a place for global companies to find a home,” said Robert Coughlin, President & CEO of MassBio. “We’re thrilled to have such a cutting-edge, growing company join the Massachusetts supercluster.”

“Cryogenetics is exactly the type of innovative life sciences business we are trying to attract to the Commonwealth and to the city of Woburn,” said Rep. Dwyer. “I look forward to working with them to help provide them with the tools to create jobs and thrive as a business.”

“Woburn has long maintained a strong commitment when it comes to smart economic planning—particularly given this area’s talented workforce and Woburn’s great location at I-95 and I-93,” said Mayor Scott Galvin. “Global leadership in biotechnology and life sciences innovation are essential components of this area’s economic fabric, and we are pleased to welcome Cryogenetics to the City of Woburn.”