The distribution center represents a significant capacity upgrade in DKSH’s healthcare infrastructure in Malaysia. The new facility in Hicom Industrial Estate, Shah Alam replaces DKSH Malaysia’s older Central Distribution Center in Petaling Jaya which was operating at full capacity.
Strategically located for fast inbound and outbound transportation with easy access, the distribution center will serve more than 13,000 healthcare customers including hospitals, clinics, dental centers, pharmacies and retail outlets throughout Malaysia. Hospitals, for example, can now even more rely on time-critical deliveries of crucially needed medical supplies.
DKSH president and CEO Dr Joerg Wolle said that the company has been in Malaysia since 1923 which is a key market for it.
"The new distribution center marks our commitment to continue our investments in Malaysia and allows us to leverage promising market opportunities coming from a growing middle class and an increasing trend for clients to outsource services to specialist providers such as DKSH. Most importantly, it offers DKSH Malaysia’s clients and customers the highest level of operational efficiency in logistics and distribution services as well as capacity for future growth and expansion," Dr Wolle added.
The distribution center is currently a leading service provider for clinical trial supply chain activities, addressing the increasingly complex clinical trial supply packaging, labeling and distribution requirements.
Built in line with DKSH Healthcare’s dedication to quality and compliance, the facility complies with Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as well as adheres to strict ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003 international standards.
The distribution center has set quality assurance benchmarks in Malaysia by being the first service provider to be awarded the Good Distribution Practice for Medical Devices (GDPMD) certification, strengthening DKSH Malaysia’s capabilities and service offerings along the entire value chain.
Its technologically-advanced cold chain and redressing facilities has one of the best standards in the industry for storage of vaccines and bio-tech products. With a capacity of over 20,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs), the distribution center is designed to store up to 11,000 pallets. Built for future growth, the 130,000ft2 distribution center offers an additional capacity of 60,000ft2 for expansion.
The distribution center is also a "smart" building, fully equipped with a building automation system that monitors the key parameters of the building equipment, humidity, room temperature, ventilation, and power back-up system.
In the event of any deviation, a real-time alert system is activated so that issues are addressed before there is any impact on safety and product quality. Other features include purpose-built storage systems and the latest material handling equipment including the newest model of reach truck system, drive-in racking system to maximize space usage, mezzanine area for value-added services, dock levelers and two-tier shelving system for medical devices.