Yusen Logistics has opened its dedicated Pharma Gateway at Amsterdam Schiphol. This new operation represents the official launch of Yusen Logistics’ GDP-compliant global pharma airfreight services, the latest step in the company’s customer-driven development in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
President of Yusen Logistics, Hiromitsu Kuramoto, performed the official opening ceremony. He commented: ‘This opening represents the next step in the realisation of our global healthcare strategy, with this strategic European operation at its very heart. Yusen Logistics Europe is playing an outstanding and important role in leading our global business in this sector.
‘As we make this important step, I confirm Yusen Logistics’ commitment to further developing and improving our services to the healthcare sector. We shall work to support and maintain our strong relationships with our pharmaceutical manufacturing customers into the future, as they continue to develop evermore sophisticated products,’ he added.
This new operation has been developed in close consultation with Yusen Logistics’ pharma customers, who are increasingly looking for new ways to optimise flows within the constraints of GDP. The operation links Yusen Logistics’ Antwerp import/export consolidation centre and European central warehouse (EDC) with its Schiphol Air operations, to form a true multi-modal hub. This is managed from a single control tower, staffed by a UK-based international team linked to Yusen Logistics’ offices around the world.
Customers can now call off full or part load consignments for movement by air, sea or road through Yusen Logistics European Pharmaceutical Superhighway. This gives Yusen Logistics the flexibility to create efficiencies, driving down cost, providing value to customers in this highly demanding environment.
Bart Pouwels, Director Business Development Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Cargo, commented: ‘We welcome the opening of this new GDP pharma facility at Schiphol, which will form the heart of Yusen’s global pharma distribution system. Schiphol’s global network, frequency of service, choice of carrier, streamlined handling processes and supportive customs are all part of its unique pharma offering. Yusen is now positioned to take full advantage of these factors in developing its global pharma product.’
The European Pharmaceutical Superhighway is already contracted to carry more than 1.6 million pallets this year, providing shared and single-use solutions to highly complex supply chain requirements for our customers. The service is dedicated solely to the stringent requirements of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, with more than 50,000 delivery points in Europe alone. Yusen is currently making 20,000 deliveries per week across 36 countries.