Cardinal Health, Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System Announce Unique Collaboration To Promote Urban Renewal

DETROIT, May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Health, Detroit Medical Center (DMC) and Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) today announced a unique collaborative effort to spur urban renewal and bring jobs to the city of Detroit.

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As part of the economic recovery effort, DMC and HFHS have agreed to long-term distribution agreements with Cardinal Health, enabling the company to relocate a medical products distribution center to the midtown area from its current Romulus locations. The transfer will bring 140 jobs to the city of Detroit.

"DMC was focused on leveraging our partnership in a meaningful way to contribute to the city's revitalization. This new facility will fulfill Cardinal Health's commitment to relocate its Michigan based distribution operations within the City of Detroit, which was part of the negotiation of the DMC agreement. We are excited our 20 year partnership will continue and the relocation will be an opportunity for new construction within the midtown area," said Donald P. Groth, corporate vice president, Materials Resource Management, Detroit Medical Center.

"Henry Ford Health System is deeply committed to the revitalization of the midtown area and is pleased to be collaborating on what we envision as the first step in a major redevelopment effort," said Nancy Schlichting, HFHS CEO. "We're thrilled to be making progress and expect that this project will lead to further development not only in the areas of warehousing and office space but also in retail and residential space."

Cardinal Health has construction plans for a 273,520 square foot distribution center. The company has filed an application with the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and is awaiting a number of City Council approvals before details can be finalized. The company advises that its relocation to the site within city limits is dependent upon those approvals and a robust package of local, state and federal economic development incentives.

Pending approvals, Cardinal Health could begin construction by the end of 2012. Construction would be complete in approximately 12 months.

"We're pleased that we have entered new, long-term agreements with both Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Health System and that, as a result of our mutual long-term commitments, we're able to collaborate with these organizations in support of their commitment to the city of Detroit and its revitalization," said Steve Inacker, president, Medical Channel Management at Cardinal Health.

Cardinal Health will also serve surrounding areas in the state of Michigan as well as northern Ohio and northern Indiana from its new location.

About Cardinal Health

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is a $103 billion health care services company that improves the cost-effectiveness of health care. As the business behind health care, Cardinal Health helps pharmacies, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices focus on patient care while  reducing costs, enhancing efficiency and improving quality. Cardinal Health is an essential link in the health care supply chain, providing pharmaceuticals and medical products to more than 60,000 locations each day. The company is also a leading manufacturer of medical and surgical products, including gloves, surgical apparel and fluid management products. In addition, the company supports the growing diagnostic industry by supplying medical products to clinical laboratories and operating the nation's largest network of radiopharmacies that dispense products to aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of disease. Ranked #21 on the Fortune 500, Cardinal Health employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. More information about the company may be found at cardinalhealth.com and @CardinalHealth on Twitter.

About Detroit Medical Center

The Detroit Medical Center operates 10 hospitals and institutes, including Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Harper University Hospital, Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Hutzel Women's Hospital, Cardiovascular Institute, Kresge Eye Institute, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Sinai-Grace Hospital, and DMC Surgery Hospital.  

The Detroit Medical Center is a leading regional health care system with a mission of excellence in clinical care, research and medical education.

The Detroit Medical Center is proud to be the Official Healthcare Services Provider of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons.

About Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford Health System, one of the country's largest and most comprehensive integrated health care systems, is a national leader in clinical care, research and education. The system includes the 1,200-member Henry Ford Medical Group; four acute care hospitals; two residential behavioral health facilities; Health Alliance Plan, a 600,000-member health insurance and wellness company; Henry Ford Physician Network, a physician-led organization to drive clinical integration and quality and reduce costs; and 150 ambulatory, health-related and wellness sites throughout southeast Michigan. Henry Ford is a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient.

SOURCE Cardinal Health