With Ireland’s pharma market accounting for nearly 50% of the country’s exports and there being a growing need for advanced temperature-controlled logistics to support this, UPS Healthcare has announced the opening of a first-of-its-kind facility to support this sector.
The €12m (US$13m) healthcare logistics facility in Dublin spans nearly 6,000m2 and has created an initial 30 new jobs.
The facility houses small package, freight forwarding and logistics and distribution capabilities, connecting customers from all industries to an integrated global network and precision, temperature-controlled logistics services.
End-to-end solution
Fitted with specialized technology, the facility provides in-demand storage and inbound and outbound transportation for a range of pharmaceutical and health tech products, providing an end-to-end solution for healthcare companies as they look to simplify their supply chains for their complex treatments.
Cathy O’Brien, vice president for international sales at UPS Healthcare, explained, “This investment marks our commitment to supporting Ireland’s world-leading pharmaceutical and medical device industries. We’re the only provider who can take our customers’ treatments from clinical trial right to the patient, turning logistics into a competitive advantage, one that will only help grow Ireland’s position as a central hub for the pharma industry. Most importantly, we can give patients the peace of mind knowing that their critical healthcare treatments and devices are in safe hands.”
Strengthening pharma exports
Last year, UPS introduced a new flight path between the USA, Ireland and the UK to strengthen the transatlantic trade lane and Ireland’s links with its largest pharma export markets. The flight serves Dublin and Stansted Airports, returning to UPS’s air hub in Louisville, Kentucky, and carries healthcare and small package goods between the three countries.
Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, the agency responsible for the attraction and retention of inward foreign direct investment into Ireland, said, “I would like to congratulate UPS Healthcare on opening their new Dublin facility which will support Ireland’s thriving pharmaceutical and medical technology sector. With this investment of €12m, UPS Healthcare is showing its commitment to innovation but also reinforcing Ireland’s reputation as a leading hub for excellence across the life sciences sector.”