Global logistics company DHL Global Forwarding has opened a new healthcare and life science logistics centre at Amsterdam-Schiphol in the Natherlands.
Next to the airport at the Schiphol Southeast Business Park, the Life Science Competence Centre will engage in the transport, transport preparation, temporary storage, and transport follow-up of active and passive temperature-controlled pharmaceutical and medicinal products.
The facility is 1000m² and includes 14 specially trained logistics specialists. It is claimed to be one of the largest modern facilities in the Dutch transport sector. One part of the facility will house pharmaceutical products at constant temperatures between 2°C and 8°C, while the second area can maintain a controlled temperature range between 15°C and 25°C. It also includes a special temperature-controlled loading area, with a loading dock for both ULD’s and pallets.
The centre also features multiple temperature and humidity sensors that immediately ring an alarm, if conditions fall outside of established parameters.
In addition, the center will offer DHL Thermonet product that will manage temperature sensitive air freight shipments. Featuring RFID SmartSensor technology, the Thermonet is said to offer seamless temperature visibility along the supply chain, round the clock proactive monitoring and intervention based on pre-determined touch points.
DHL Global Forwarding life sciences and healthcare global head Nigel Wing said: “The life sciences and healthcare industry is regulated by increasingly stricter compliance requirements that stretch beyond the historic boundaries of GMP& GSP (Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Storage Practice). At the same time, dealing with increasingly sensitive pharmaceutical products, often of high value, that have specific handling and temperature tolerances brings new complexity to the supply chain.”
Wing continued, “With its strategic location at Amsterdam Schiphol airport, this new competence center further strengthens our existing temperature-controlled network worldwide. The facility is certified as part of our network of DHL Thermonet stations and allows us to expand and share our knowledge and expertise globally, whilst meeting the high quality levels expected of the life sciences industry.”
