Canadian health and pharma companies granted increased access to one of the largest cold-chain chambers in Canada
BURLINGTON, ON, Jan. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - UPS (NYSE: UPS) Canada celebrated the official opening of its expanded Canadian healthcare distribution network - a state-of-the-art 200,000 square foot facility at its Burlington, Ontario, campus. As one of the largest cold-chain coolers in the country, the new addition provides healthcare companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers increased access to a total 600,000 square-feet worth of temperature and humidity-controlled environments - effectively helping keep products in optimal conditions during storage.
In line with UPS's healthcare logistics global growth strategy, the Burlington facility is one of several North American expansions including facilities in Louisville, Ky., Mira Loma, Calif., Atlanta, Ga. and Reno, Nev. In total, UPS operates more than 6.4 million sq. ft. (nearly 595,000 square meters) of dedicated healthcare space. In Canada, the UPS network spans 11 facilities.
"UPS has made healthcare a strategic priority, and in Canada this investment in both the new healthcare space as well as the large cold chain chamber represents our commitment to driving innovation in healthcare logistics," said Kevin McConnell, Vice-President, Canada Distribution, UPS Supply Chain Solutions.
Several industry trends are driving the expansion of UPS's global healthcare network including increasing globalization, complex regulatory oversight, heightened focus on outcomes and a growing need for specialized healthcare services, such as temperature-sensitive solutions.
"Working with a partner like UPS affords us unique and customized shipping and warehousing solutions. These solutions support our stringent safety standards and our overall strategy to maintain a consistent supply of safe and effective biological medicines to Canadians living with serious illnesses," said Ralph Mueller, Director of Supply Chain, AMGEN Canada. "We look forward to utilizing their network and sophisticated facilities to further our mission to service patients."
"Critical and life-saving medicines, like those in the Amgen portfolio, often require very tightly controlled storage and distribution specifications," continued McConnell. "The cold-chain coolers have been designed with the strict requirements to maintain the integrity of the product before they are administered to patients."
UPS facilities also meet all applicable government accreditations, licenses and maintain geographic-specific regulatory requirements, such as those of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Health Canada, among others.
"We were excited to be part of the celebration and work with companies that understand the changing landscape of our health and pharmaceutical needs in Canada," explained Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health. "Creating solutions and networks that afford Canadians access to safe and secure medicine is a priority for our government and we are encouraged to see companies such as UPS playing a role."
"Not only will the Burlington expansion invigorate our local economy, this opening will help generate business throughout South-Western Ontario and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area," said Keith Hoey, President, Burlington Chamber of Commerce. "The Chamber is a uniting force for businesses looking to connect with one another and grow, and UPS shares this belief."
For more information on UPS's healthcare services, visit www.ups.com/healthcarelogistics.
About UPS
UPS (NYSE:UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at ups.com® and its corporate blog can be found at blog.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
Image with caption: "A commemoration amongst customers and government dignitaries on December 6th. The UPS Burlington Healthcare facility possesses one of the largest climate controlled coolers in Canada; effectively helping keep products in optimal condition during storage. (CNW Group/UPS Canada Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140107_C7390_PHOTO_EN_35371.jpg
SOURCE: UPS Canada Ltd.
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