UPS officially opens three new healthcare logistics facilities in Asia-Pacific

Continuing its years-long expansion of logistics resources globally, UPS Healthcare Logistics has announced the opening of three new facilities in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing the total number of dedicated healthcare-logistics facilities to 36. These new facilities complement the existing center in Singapore, opened last year. Collectively, the facilities serve both international and regional distribution needs for pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device manufacturers.

Hangzhou, with 22,000 sq. m. (204,000 sq. ft.) of space is primarily for pharma manufacturers locating in the region.

Shanghai, with 7,575 sq. m. (70,400 sq. ft.) of space in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, is adjacent to the UPS International Air Hub, and will primarily serve med device markets.

Sydney, with 5,388 sq. m. (50,000 sq. ft.), mostly to serve regional healthcare needs.

“Asia is our fastest-growing market for healthcare and we are seeing increased activity in the region, especially in China, where a growing demand for acute and chronic care has driven the need for reliable, flexible and compliant supply chains to serve a highly dynamic market,” said Bill Hook, VP, global strategy, UPS Healthcare Logistics.

Meanwhile, UPS’ corporate activity in Europe is still in a holding pattern: The company is addressing a “statement of objections” from the European Commission over its proposed acquisition of express-delivery firm TNT Express (Hoofdorp, Netherlands). UPS still expects to close the transaction in early 2013.