UPS expands healthcare network to simplify Latin American market access
UPS held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the state of Mexico on 4 April, celebrating the addition of three healthcare-dedicated facilities to address high-growth medical device and pharmaceutical consumption markets throughout Latin America. Over the coming months, UPS will open and expand new facilities near Mexico City, Mexico, São Paulo, Brazil, and Santiago, Chile, highlighting its continued investment in the region.
With these expansions, UPS’ network in the region reaches nearly 70% of the total healthcare consumption and manufacturing markets in Latin America. The region includes two of the top 15 healthcare consumer markets worldwide and the UPS facilities are located in the largest consumption cities in these countries, enabling efficient market access.
“Latin America represents a strong growth opportunity for healthcare companies and providers who rely on UPS’ network of dedicated facilities, air freight and safety and compliance expertise to support their business goals,” said John Menna, UPS vice president, Global Healthcare Strategy. “These facilities offer greater access to the best-in-class logistics solutions for pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies serving Latin America, giving global healthcare customers the confidence they need.
The growing middle-class is said to be driving increased healthcare demand across emerging markets worldwide, including Latin America. Reaching new markets was identified by nearly 80 percent of healthcare executives in UPS’ most recent annual ‘Pain in the (Supply) Chain’ study, which measures decision makers’ concerns in healthcare logistics.
Specifics of the healthcare expansions include:
Mexico — Located in Cuautitlan Izcalli, state of Mexico, this new multi-client facility serves what is claimed to be the second largest medical device and pharmaceutical consumption market in the region. The existing building now includes nearly 7,246 m2 of healthcare-dedicated space. UPS has been operating in Mexico since 1989.
Brazil — Brazil is said to be the largest pharmaceutical consumption market in Latin America and this is UPS’ second healthcare-dedicated facility in the country. This new location in São Paulo will open in the third quarter of this year and includes 7,432 m2 of space. UPS has been operating in Brazil since 1989.
Chile — Scheduled for completion this fall, this expansion will include 1,951 m2 of healthcare-dedicated space in Santiago, Chile, a manufacturing country for many healthcare multinational corporations. UPS has been operating in Chile since 1991.
Each facility is compliant with global, regional and local regulations and designed to support ambient healthcare products for both pharmaceutical and medical device companies. UPS healthcare clients can also take advantage of a single global IT platform, intended to provide a seamless experience and end-to-end supply chain visibility.
UPS, www.ups.com/healthcare.