DHL Health Logistics Florstadt campus transforms to pharma hub

DHL Group is moving forward with the expansion of its Life Sciences & Healthcare (LSH) campus in Florstadt near Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

"The site's transformation into a European pharmaceutical hub is part of a global multi-billion investment in DHL Health Logistics. With the addition of the fourth new state-of-the-art logistics center, the campus now comprises a total of 100,000 square meters of warehouse space. With a footprint in excess of 14 soccer fields, the DHL site will in future offer capacity for more than 140,000 pallets for pharmaceutical and medical products, serving international customers from the biopharma, specialty pharma, medical technology and clinical research sectors with more than 600 highly qualified employees on site," says an official release.

The new climate-neutral Florstadt 4 warehouse spans over 30,000 square metres and has been specifically designed for the storage and distribution of high-value pharmaceutical and medical products, the release added. It features multiple temperature zones with the capability to reach as low as -70°C if needed. Particular focus is placed on the critical temperature ranges of 2-8°C and -20°C, ensuring compliance with the highest standards for handling temperature-sensitive products.

"A special feature on the premises is the integrated clean room which enables GMP-compliant processes for highly sensitive substances and raw pharmaceutical materials. This includes the handling of solid and liquid hazardous substances up to 1,000 litres - including active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and samples of active ingredients as well as analytical and microbiological tests. The clean room adheres to the most stringent European and international pharmaceutical standards and is an outstanding example of the advanced logistics solutions that DHL offers its customers. With this further expansion phase, the Florstadt site is also consolidating its strategic importance within the global DHL Health Logistics network."

Hendrik Venter, CEO, DHL Supply Chain for Europe, Middle East and Africa says: "With this fourth expansion, we are creating capacity for the future in Florstadt. From here, we can supply customers not only in Germany but throughout Europe and beyond. Our central location in the Frankfurt economic region, right in the heart of Europe, the close proximity to Frankfurt Airport and the strong local infrastructure all make Florstadt a key location for our activities and our ambitious growth agenda in the life science & healthcare sector."

Oscar de Bok, Global CEO, DHL Supply Chain and Executive Board Member responsible for the DHL Health Logistics brand, adds: "Florstadt 4 is a prime and concrete example of how we are implementing our Strategy 2030 - with investments totalling €2 billion by 2030, we are strengthening our global DHL Health Logistics network. Hubs like this one here in Florstadt near Frankfurt form the backbone of our end-to-end supply chain solutions, which we are increasingly offering customers from a single source. We are creating state-of-the-art, resilient supply chains for the next generation of therapies - from biopharma to cell and gene therapy. Our mission is to provide patients with the vital medicines they need, when they need them, all around the world."

With climate-neutral operations, solar thermal panels, air source heat pumps and a comprehensive energy concept with LED lighting control and a photovoltaic system, DHL is pursuing a holistic approach as a green logistics provider of choice. The site's DGNB Gold certification confirms high environmental standards and the future-oriented planning of the project, the release added.