Logistics provider GXO plans to open a 20,000m2 warehouse dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector in Caleppio di Settala in Milan, Italy, by the end of June 2022.
The location was chosen for its proximity to major surface transportation arteries to help enable pharmaceutical companies to meet the stringent lead times required for deliveries to hospitals, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies and wholesalers.
The warehouse layout has been designed for storage, distribution, co-packing and returns management activities, including prescription medications and a quarantine area.
The use of energy-efficient equipment will enable GXO to keep the entire warehouse at a controlled temperature, with different ranges depending on the needs of specific products and activities.
The warehouse will also feature an automated system for agile picking as well as intensive pallet racking structures served by wire-guided trilateral trucks with semi-automatic positioning. Environmental systems in the warehouse include LED lighting, solar panels and heat pumps – also used in refrigeration units – and the facility will be thoroughly insulated to reduce temperature dispersion, energy consumption and consumption-related emissions.
In April 2022, GXO released its inaugural environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) report updating on the company’s progress toward its ESG goals and its plans for continued progress. In 2021, GXO received an ‘AA’ ESG rating from Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI).
Richard Cawston, president of GXO in Europe, said, “The pharmaceutical industry and life sciences are key growth opportunities for GXO, and this new site is a tangible example of how we are investing to grow. We’re pleased to create an efficient, technologically advanced and above all sustainable multi-client warehouse – the ideal site to store pharmaceutical products in an environmentally friendly way.”