Shared Objectives and Growth in the Pre-Owned Lab Equipment Industry

As we celebrate our 30^th anniversary at LabX, we extend our gratitude to the pre-owned instrument and service providers that have served a formative role in our growth as a company. The secondary equipment marketplace is where we grew our roots, and the loyalty of our partners over the years has helped to seed a culture of success.

Certified Genetool (CGT) has been an important collaborator in this success. We have a shared history of growth and diversification, having become solutions providers and resources for the scientific community. As the next chapter for CGT begins, we take time to celebrate achievements, successes, and future-forward developments.

Growth and Reliability

CGT has served the scientific community as a high-quality, certified laboratory instrument provider for over 20 years. The company began with a clear mission: to make high-performance laboratory equipment more accessible and cost-effective for the scientific community.

In the early years, the company focused on refurbishing key lab technologies that were often out of financial reach for smaller institutions. Over time, their commitment to OEM standards and customer service allowed them to earn the trust of leading universities and research labs. Key milestones include the expansion of their service technicians, customized service contracts, The Research Forward Initiative Program, Partnership with ISAC’s Instruments 4 Science Program, and most recently, the acquisition by Surplus Solutions in 2025. This has positioned CGT to scale even further, building on two decades of growth and reliability.

Certified Refurbished Equipment

CGT offers equipment certification, installation, service repairs, warranties, and maintenance contracts. The equipment certification process is rooted in precision and accountability. Every instrument refurbishment undergoes a rigorous multi-point inspection performed by skilled technicians with deep OEM training. Components are either reconditioned or replaced to meet original manufacturer specifications. Instruments are then tested for functionality, calibration, and safety using industry-standard protocols. Before leaving the facility, each unit is issued a Certificate of Compliance and backed by a comprehensive warranty, giving customers peace of mind that they are receiving equipment that performs like new—at a fraction of the cost.

A Story of Customer Success

Having grown to encompass academic institutions, biotechnology firms, and pharmaceutical companies, there are a few exceptional stories of success to be told. One standout example is CGT’s partnership with a leading university research center that was facing budget constraints due to funding cuts. This group initially approached CGT with a request for a certified flow cytometer. Over time, that relationship expanded into a service contract covering multiple instruments, allowing their core facility to remain fully operational without stretching limited funds. Through continued support, the institution not only maintained research continuity but also increased equipment uptime and extended the lifespan of their instrumentation—ultimately improving research output and grant competitiveness.

Supporting Labs on a Larger Scale

The new chapter for CGT and merger with Surplus Solutions represents a transformative step forward. The combined forces now represent one of the largest certified lab equipment platforms in the world. Together, they are rolling out new initiatives including a global inventory hub, enhanced logistics for faster turnaround, and expanded service coverage across North America and Europe. Most importantly, this partnership allows CGT to continue its mission—now on a larger scale—supporting labs from procurement through service and sustainability.

“This acquisition represents another important milestone in our strategy to build a world-class equipment lifecycle management platform,” said Joe Reale, CEO of Surplus Solutions. “Certified Genetool brings a complementary footprint, customer base, and technical knowledge that enhance our ability to support customers at every stage of the equipment lifecycle, particularly in the area of flow cytometry. We’re excited to welcome their talented team to Surplus Solutions.”

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” affirmed Dr. Brian Qian, CEO of Certified Genetool. “Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for quality, reliability, and customer focus in the lab equipment space. Joining forces with Surplus Solutions allows us to expand our reach, enhance our services, and continue delivering value on an even larger scale.”

The acquisition expands Surplus Solutions’ national presence and deepens its refurbishment and resale operations, reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality, cost-effective solutions for customers seeking pre-owned laboratory equipment.

Learn more by visiting the 30th Anniversary showcase page and viewing CGT listings on LabX.com