Brooks Automation, a supplier of automated bio-sample storage solutions, and Chart Industries, a manufacturer of equipment used in the production and storage of cryogenic gases, have partnered to develop and distribute automated cryogenic storage solutions. The collaboration began in early 2014, with the two companies expected to release their first joint product by the middle of this year.

“The partnership will leverage Brooks’ leadership position in automated sample storage and Chart’s leadership position in liquid-nitrogen cooled storage freezers,” says Dusty Tenney, president of Brooks Life Science Systems. “As the market for biologics and cell-based assays continues to evolve and expand, the industry is demanding automated sample storage, retrieval, and tracking technologies that operate at temperatures from -80°C to -150°C and below.”

The new product will build on Chart’s MVE series of cryogenic bio-sample storage systems, as well as Brooks’ automation expertise. The two companies will share distribution rights on the fruits of their collaboration.

“We are excited to partner with Brooks given their focus on innovative solutions in low-temperature biosample storage,” says Steve Shaw, president of Chart’s biomedical group.  “Our products have set the industry benchmark for safe, manual bio-sample storage, and we look forward to working with Brooks to enable the automated solution market.”

For more information, visit Brooks Automation and Chart Industries.