Both the firms, which have been working together since 2007, have created a lean supply chain, prior to which the pharmaceutical firm’s manufacturing plants operated independently and managed their own transport.
Under the previous deal, AstraZeneca used Yusen’s solution, which was carried through the European pharmaceutical distribution network, the Superhighway.
As per the new deal, Yusen will distribute AstraZeneca’s prescription drugs and more than 200,000 pallets of products per year from manufacturing facilities and third party manufacturers in Europe as well as Australia, India, Japan, Puerto Rico and the US.
The logistics provider has already started deliveries to about 300 points across Europe, as far east as Russia and Turkey.
AstraZeneca Global Category freight and logistics lead Julian Wann said there are new requirements in the distribution network, Yusen Logistics has been proactive in developing solutions which meet the firm’s needs.
"We are looking for freight suppliers who bring valued solutions while continually delivering improvement in process and service. We feel that Yusen Logistics has delivered on all counts and therefore merits the extension to the current agreement," Wann added.