UPS has announced plans for the expansion of its temperature-controlled supply chain capabilities in Europe with the opening of a healthcare-dedicated air freight forwarding facility at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the Netherlands.
The new 600 sq m, GDP-compliant facility is designed to meet the highest standards in pharmaceutical freight forwarding, featuring 15 degrees C to 25 degrees C and 2 degrees C to 8 degrees C temperature zones as well as 24/7 monitoring and alarm systems to protect the integrity of temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments.
“With the rise of biologics and temperature-sensitive products as well as changing regulations governing the transportation of pharmaceuticals across different geographies, companies need increased control and protection of their products during transit,” said John Menna, UPS Vice President of Global Strategy, Healthcare Logistics. “The new life-sciences centre at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol allows us to process shipments under strict temperature conditions according to expectations set out in the EU GDP guidelines.”
Utilizing its own healthcare-dedicated, GDP-compliant facility at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol allows UPS to provide more control of the cross-docking and interim storage of healthcare shipments – helping customers mitigate risks and comply with standards. At the facility, UPS also provides for the assembly of insulated pallet packing options and the maintenance of actively-controlled container solutions. UPS staff on-site are trained to ensure appropriate handling and adherence to operating instructions of packaging suppliers.
