NYK Logistics (UK) Ltd has underlined its commitment to the pharmaceutical sector with the launch of a dedicated Centre of Excellence for pharmaceutical storage and distribution.

Equipped with state-of-the-art hard and software, the strategically located facility underpins NYK’s ability to offer quality assured, high security supply chain solutions in line with the latest Good Distribution Practice, allowing its customers to focus on their core R&D, manufacturing and marketing activities.

Part of NYK’s flagship distribution complex in Northampton, the 175,000 sq ft, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency licensed facility has been converted into a purpose-built 1,000 pallet cold store with an additional 16,000 pallets in temperature-controlled ambient (temperate) storage.

To maintain a temperature between 2°-8°C in the cold store and between 8°-25°C through the remainder of the site, the whole facility is equipped with the latest temperature control and monitoring equipment. 46 Radio Frequency transmitters have been located throughout the facility, in order to monitor the temperature continuously. The system relays temperature data into a base station, which is linked to a fully networked computer system that can be accessed remotely. As well as audible alarms, warning messages are sent automatically to managers’ mobile phones should the temperatures deviate from the required settings.

The facility is also fully equipped with an emergency spillage area and staffs have received emergency response training, as well as specialist training in the use of equipment, including respirators.

General Manager Larry Walsh said: "Pharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly concentrating on core R&D, manufacturing and marketing activities and entrusting their storage and distribution to specialist third parties such as NYK.

"For obvious reasons, the pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, with both manufacturers and their suppliers being required to demonstrate adherence to strict quality, safety and security procedures.

"The investment in GP3 underpins our ability to do this and our commitment to the pharmaceutical sector and will allow us to continue to build on our experience of working with major pharmaceutical manufacturers."