DHL Global Forwarding has opened a new logistics centre for life science and healthcare products at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
The Life Science Competence Center is located next to the airport at the business park Schiphol Southeast. It serves as a hub for the transport, transport preparation, temporary storage, and transport follow-up of active and passive temperature-controlled pharmaceutical and medicinal products.
The facility covers 1,000 square metres and was part of an investment of one million euros and is run by 14 trained logistics specialists.
DHL Global Forwarding says the facility is one of the largest and most modern of its kind in the transport sector in the Netherlands. One area is dedicated to pharmaceutical products that must be stored at constant temperatures between two and eight degrees Celsius, while the second one allocated to a controlled temperature range of between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
There is also special temperature-controlled loading area, with a loading dock for both ULD’s and pallets. Actively cooled containers can be charged and dry ice can be replenished.
The centre is equipped with numerous temperature and humidity sensors that immediately sound an alarm should conditions fall outside of established parameters. The centre also meets the latest safety standards and complies with all European directives that apply to such transportation and storage facilities.
DHL Global Forwarding global head of life sciences and healthcare, Nigel Wing says: “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.
“With its strategic location at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, 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.”
