AstraZeneca has extended its contract with Yusen Logistics for the global distribution of its products. Under the terms of the contract, Yusen handles product throughout the manufacturing process, from active ingredient and bulk materials to prescription drugs. The extension covers existing road business, air and sea volumes handled by Yusen Logistics.
The Yusen solution is based around its European Pharma Superhighway road network, with movements managed by a central control tower. The control tower also manages air movements via strategic gateways at Schiphol, Frankfurt and Chicago, as well as ocean movements to and from Europe, supported by Yusen’s GDP licenced warehouses in Antwerp and the UK, which deliver storage and customs clearance capabilities.
The Pharma Superhighway currently carries circa 250,000 pallets for AstraZeneca, all of which are tracked in real-time with full temperature monitoring, from manufacturing plants and third-party manufacturers to over 100 destinations in Europe and 50 countries worldwide.
The two companies have been working together since 2007, when Yusen Logistics was appointed to work with AstraZeneca on the creation of a lean supply chain. Andy Fitt, Deputy MD Yusen Logistics (UK) commented: “This renewal underlines the continued evolution of our collaboration with AstraZeneca. As a long-standing partner we are continuing to proactively deliver service and quality enhancements on a local, regional and global basis.”
Julian Wann, Global Category Lead: Freight & Logistics, at AZ, commented: “We are delighted to continue and further develop our strategic partnership with Yusen Logistics, working together to support AZ’s business objectives.”
Source: Yusen Logistics
