**Singapore:** DHL Supply Chain has launched a €10 million Pharma Hub in Singapore, featuring temperature-controlled zones for the safe storage of pharmaceuticals. This facility is part of a broader €500 million investment aimed at enhancing logistics capabilities in the Asia Pacific healthcare sector.
DHL Supply Chain has launched a new state-of-the-art Pharma Hub in Singapore, enhancing its logistics capabilities for the healthcare sector. The new facility, located at 8 Jurong Pier, represents a substantial investment of €10 million, positioned within the overarching €500 million commitment by DHL Group aimed at fostering growth in the Life Sciences and Healthcare (LSHC) segment across the Asia Pacific region.
This newly inaugurated Pharma Hub spans 8,200 square meters and features custom-built temperature-controlled zones designed to ensure the safe storage of sensitive pharmaceutical products. The facility includes ambient storage at temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C and cold rooms maintaining conditions between 2°C and 8°C. More importantly, it is compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, boasting advanced cold chain infrastructure to maintain consistent temperature stability during logistics operations.
Javier Bilbao, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Asia Pacific, stated, “At DHL Supply Chain, we are committed to supporting the rapidly growing LSHC sector in Asia Pacific where there is a growing demand for transformative healthcare solutions due to longer lifespans, personalized treatments and rising consumer expectations.” He further highlighted that the LSHC sector contributes EUR5 billion to DHL’s global revenue, reflecting its vital role in the company’s growth strategy.
Located strategically near the Tuas Bio-Medical Park, the new hub ensures enhanced connectivity to Changi Airport and Tuas Mega Port, which facilitates the efficient distribution of pharmaceutical products both regionally and globally. Eunis Hew, Managing Director of DHL Supply Chain Singapore, elaborated, “With the new Pharma Hub in Jurong, we have over 36,000 square meters of warehouse space in Singapore dedicated to LSHC operations.”
DHL’s investment is part of its broader Strategy 2030 initiative, which introduced the “DHL Health Logistics” brand to promote cross-divisional growth within the firm. As part of this strategy, DHL is not merely expanding its warehouse facilities, but is also developing a robust infrastructure that supports faster and more reliable delivery of life-saving medicines and healthcare products.
The establishment of this logistics hub comes amid a backdrop of rising healthcare demands in the Asia Pacific, with projections indicating that the region’s medical market could reach USD138 billion (~€127 billion) by 2030. DHL’s proactive measures in expanding its capabilities are aimed at addressing these emerging needs effectively.
DHL’s recent investments also reflect a focus on upgrading existing facilities and enhancing operational technology across the region, including €28 million in upgrades to logistics sites in New South Wales, Australia, and a €26 million automated facility in Auckland, New Zealand. The group’s extensive network is expected to continue growing, with the announcement of additional sites set to be established in South Korea for critical hospital deliveries and in Bhiwandi, India, further solidifying DHL’s presence in the healthcare logistics sector.
The company currently employs over 2,600 logistics experts and more than 40 full-time pharmacists across the Asia Pacific, underscoring the importance of having skilled personnel to manage the complexities inherent in healthcare logistics. These professionals are crucial in ensuring compliance with stringent regulations and maintaining the integrity of sensitive products throughout the supply chain.
In addition to robust infrastructure and skilled personnel, DHL Supply Chain is employing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and resilience in its operations. This includes the integration of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence for real-time visibility and improved decision-making across the logistics chain.
DHL plans to bolster its logistics network further, with operations extending to over 80 facilities covering more than 700,000 square meters of compliant warehousing across 13 countries in the Asia Pacific by 2030. The continuous investment into infrastructure and technology is aimed at equipping the group to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector, promoting effective research, development, and patient delivery logistics.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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