DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight unit of DHL, opened a new dedicated Life ScienceCompetency Centre in Carolina, Puerto Rico, as part of a market leading initiative to provide a
global network of dedicated people, customized processes, and a quality controlled environment forthe life sciences industry sector.The new facility has a capacity of over 6503 sqm of warehouse space and is equipped with thelatest technology and security systems. The Life Science Competency Centre is designed specificallyaround the shipping requirements of the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device manufacturersdoing business in Puerto Rico. The facility will also serve as a regional training centre foradditional DHL facilities dedicated to life science and healthcare warehousing and shippingservices.
“This facility was specifically designed to provide our customers with the highest levels ofservice and to meet their increased demand for facilities that offer high security, standardisedprocesses, a clean environment, and are regulatory compliant,” said Archie Torrado, DistrictManager for DHL Global Forwarding.
In 2009, DHL will add temperature and humidity control rooms to the facility. DHL personnelare now trained and certified by Envirotainer, a leading provider of temperature-controlled aircargo containers, for safe and proper handling of its containers for customers with temperaturesensitive products at major airports across North America.
“Few industries pose as much of a challenge to shipping and logistics than life sciences andhealthcare. Temperature instability can impact the quality of the material, increase the productorder-to-delivery cycle time, and create additional process management costs,” said Angelos P.Orfanos, President Life Sciences & Healthcare, DHL Global Customer Solutions. “DHL’scapabilities for the life science and healthcare sector enable customers to safely and securelytransport small or large volumes of critical vaccines, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API’s),and other temperature sensitive pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostic and medical materials.”
DHL Global Forwarding has been serving the Puerto Rico market since 1958 providing a fullrange of freight forwarding services, including customs brokerage, domestic and air and oceanservices.
In June 2008, DHL Global Forwarding announced the expansion of its network of EnvirotainerQEP certified sites and, as a result, is now the largest mover of the air transportation containersmanufactured by Envirotainer. DHL leads the development of cold chain solutions, includingtemperature controlled package handling, in-transit visibility to shipments and best-in-classcontrolled environments for cold chain storage.
