A groundbreaking cryogenic storage facility has been launched by Astoriom in Tramore, County Waterford, significantly enhancing the capabilities for biological sample preservation in Ireland. This new state-of-the-art facility aims to meet the growing demands of life sciences, offering a reliable solution for industries requiring safe long-term storage of biological materials.
The official launch, which took place on December 13, 2024, was attended by notable figures including Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, and Con Hurley, Astoriom Account Manager, who symbolically cut the ribbon to mark this important occasion. The event was further supported by other members of the Astoriom team, including Tramore Site Manager Raul Garcia Kidd and Victor Vargas, Strategic Lead for QuickSTAT, a subsidiary of Kuehne Nagel.
Astoriom is recognised as a global leader in the life sciences R&D sample stability and biorepository storage sector. The new cryogenic suite represents a significant milestone for both the local community and Ireland’s expanding life sciences industry. The facility is designed to cater to pharmaceutical companies, IVF clinics, and other organisations that require the secure storage of biological samples.
The cryogenic storage suite boasts an impressive capacity and can maintain precise temperature conditions of -196°C, ensuring the safe preservation of sensitive biological materials. This facility not only responds to the immediate storage needs of local businesses but also plays a vital role in disaster recovery plans, addressing new requirements from regulatory bodies for robust disaster recovery strategies.
Lori Ball, CEO of Astoriom, stated, “The launch of this dedicated cryogenic suite signifies our confidence in the growing demand for biological sample storage, not only in Ireland but in the global market.” She emphasised Astoriom’s commitment to expanding its services in Tramore, positioning the company as a critical partner for industries needing reliable and secure storage solutions.
The launch of the cryogenic suite aligns with the company’s recent strategic acquisitions, including the takeover of Nottingham-based MTS Cryo Stores and Cool Repair Scientific UK, as well as operations from Flagship Biosciences in North Carolina. These expansions underline Astoriom’s ongoing efforts to enhance its portfolio and service offerings.
Gerald Hurley, reflecting on the significance of this development, remarked, “Waterford is a city of opportunity and innovation, a global leader in research and technology. The expansion of Astoriom goes right to the heart of this.” He noted that the life sciences sector is essential for economic development in Waterford and the wider southeast region, highlighting the positive impact of Astoriom’s presence in Tramore.
The new facility, adhering to the highest industry standards, including ISO 9001 certifications, ensures compliance with global regulatory requirements, setting a benchmark for quality and reliability in biological sample storage. As Astoriom continues to strengthen its position in the market, this facility marks a significant step forward in safeguarding critical biological samples and contributing to the advancement of the life sciences industry in Ireland.
