Image Credit: UPS Healthcare
In order for biologics and specialty pharmaceuticals to reach their full potential, it is imperative that the cold-chain logistics process allows products to arrive at the desired temperature and also on time. The importance of this process is brought to light with the fact that 80% of pharmaceutical products in Europe are in need of temperature-controlled transportation.1
Keeping this in mind, UPS Healthcare has decided to invest more than $21.6 million (€20 million) in over 200 state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled vehicles in order to boost its comprehensive cold-chain capabilities in the Netherlands, France Italy, and Hungary.2
“Whether it’s small parcels or large pallets, our pan-European end-to-end cold chain ground network is equipped to manage the most complex healthcare products,” commented Felipe Morgulis, president of UPS Healthcare, Europe and LATAM. “From transporting active ingredients or last-mile deliveries to hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, and patients, we provide control, adaptability, and real-time monitoring to simplify the most time and temperature-sensitive supply chains.”
The new vehicles add to the already existing cold chain fleet that contains more than 1,100 vehicles. They are expected to help meet the European healthcare industry demand across the entire region by supporting last-mile and long-haul deliveries. They also have dual-temperature capabilities, meaning that they can provide deliveries to various members of the pharma supply chain—between 2°C to 8°C and 15°C to 25°C. In fact, this good distribution practice (GDP)-compliant service features digital quality management systems alongside vendor management that can help must customers’ client requirements.
UPS Healthcare has been in the news over the past few months, after opening a healthcare logistics facility in Dublin, Ireland, which covers over 64,500 square feet and has created 30 new jobs thus far.3 The company also decided to further grow its European hub facility in Roermond, Netherlands4 by 235,299 square feet, and will be using that additional space for in-demand freezer farms, which serve as a collection of ultra-low cold storage units that preserve biological samples for long periods, a necessity for a bulk of biopharma products.
“Society’s healthcare needs are changing, and thanks to next generation treatments, practitioners can provide patient care like never before. These complex treatments are time-and-temperature-sensitive and require the highest level of precision end-to-end logistics solutions, from the lab to the patient,” said Anouk Hesen, operations director, UPS Healthcare West Europe. “By expanding this facility, we’re extending our cold chain capabilities to support a rapidly growing and innovating market.”
Reference
1. UPS Healthcare Invests More Than 20 Million EUR to Boost Temperature-Controlled Fleet in Europe. UPS Healthcare. July 3, 2024. Accessed July 4, 2024. Press release delivered via email.
2. Europe Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Logistics Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 – 2029). Mordor Intelligence. Accessed July 4, 2024. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/europe-pharmaceutical-cold-chain-logistics-market
3. Saraceno N. UPS Healthcare Opens Logistics Facility in Dublin. Pharmaceutical Commerce. May 16, 2024. Accessed July 4, 2024. https://www.pharmaceuticalcommerce.com/view/ups-healthcare-opens-healthcare-logistics-facility-in-dublin
4. Saraceno N. UPS Healthcare Grows Its Netherlands Plant. Pharmaceutical Commerce. June 13, 2024. Accessed July 4, 2024. https://www.pharmaceuticalcommerce.com/view/ups-healthcare-grows-its-netherlands-plant
