Zuellig Pharma expands storage

MANILA, Philippines — Healthcare services provider Zuellig Pharma is expanding its cold storage warehouse capacity in the Philippines and other markets in Asia as it expects a surge in demand for storage and distribution of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines.

In a statement, Zuellig Pharma said it is investing to increase cold storage warehouse capacity in Asia, including the Philippines, over the next 12 months.

In the Philippines, Zuellig Pharma said it is adding 10 medical grade freezers to augment its existing capacity in -80 degrees Celsius storage.

The firm currently has capacity to store products at -20 degrees Celsius.

Apart from additional medical grade freezers, Zuellig Pharma is also adding five new cold chambers which include three in Manila and one each in Cebu and Davao by January next year.

Last September, the firm opened the new Metro Drug national distribution center, a certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED warehouse in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Covering 25,000 square meters (sqm), the facility is equipped with automation and energy efficient functionalities, including 10,000 sqm of solar panels, LED intelligent lighting and a water-chilled cooling system.

Apart from the Philippines, expansion of cold storage capacity is underway in Cambodia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand and South Korea.

“COVID-19 has severely tested our operations over these past few months, but it has also presented opportunities for transformational change at Zuellig Pharma.

We are focusing on innovation to lead the transformation of the healthcare system.

At the same time, we are working closely with governments, non-government organizations and manufacturers across the region to understand their needs and plan for the necessary logistical infrastructure in preparation for the COVID-19 vaccine.

We have brought forward our expansion plans to ensure that the vaccine will be accessible to those who need them most and are able to ramp up capacity quickly when needed,” Zuellig Pharma chief executive officer John Graham said.