Sanofi Gulf’s new 2,740 sqm. Logistics and Distribution Centre in Dubai Logistics City is one of the largest of its kind for pharmaceutical logistics and a stand-out in the region
Global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi inaugurated its new regional logistics hub in Dubai South’s Dubai Logistics District in the presence of HE Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. Also present at the inaugural ceremony was HE Raja Rabia, the Consul General of France in Dubai.
One of the largest facilities of its kind in the Middle East pharmaceutical industry, the 2,740 sqm. distribution centre will serve as the company’s new regional logistics headquarters and facilitate the delivery of over 22 million packs of medicines every year to treat the health conditions of patients in six countries, including the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq.
“An efficient supply chain is fundamental to ensuring access to quality treatment for many. This is an important priority for the UAE, and we applaud Sanofi for its efforts and contribution towards the continued achievement of this goal in the country,” affirmed Dr Al Amiri.
The new logistics centre is located in Kuehne+Nagel’s facility and occupies a 4,000 pallets location for ambient temperature control storage locations and a 450 pallets location for cold chain products storage.
Well-equipped facility
The distribution centre is equipped with the latest warehousing and cold chain technologies that adhere to the strictest global quality standards required to preserve the integrity of medication before it reaches pharmacies, and eventually the patients.
Speaking on the inauguration of the distribution centre, Jean-Paul Scheuer, Country Chair and General Manager, Sanofi Gulf, said that moving to the new facility has enabled the company to increase its storage capacity by 68%.
“Beyond expanding operationally, this investment, more importantly, translates into a faster ability to respond to patients’ needs, delivering innovative treatments and fostering better access to healthcare. The realisation of this commitment, for which Sanofi stands very strongly, is possible because of the world-class healthcare infrastructure that the UAE offers,” he asserted.
Sanofi began its operations in the Gulf in the 1970s and established its very first affiliate in 1987 in the UAE. The company offers health and well-being solutions with a focus on diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, oncology, immunology, multiple sclerosis, rare diseases, and vaccines.
LogisticsGulf.com spoke to Jean-Paul Scheuer, Country Chair and General Manager, Sanofi Gulf, on the sidelines of the inaugural ceremonies at the new Sanofi Logistics and Distribution Centre in Dubai Logistics City, Dubai South. The following are excerpts from that interview:
On the significance of the event:
“This inauguration of this large facility is a milestone in our corporate journey in the UAE and the region. This marks an important accomplishment for Sanofi Gulf as it would streamline our logistics and distribution operations. It would enable us better monitor and bring efficiencies into the system. The facility will function under highly controlled temperature and storage conditions.
Our investment in this facility, one of the largest of its kind for pharmaceutical logistics in the region, is indicative of our long-term commitment here. We are also very gratified by the support and encouragement received by the Ministry of Health and the Government and Regulatory Authorities.”
On the partnership with Kuehne+Nagel:
“Our partnership with Kuehne+Nagel is professional yet friendly and there is good synergy between us. We have cooperated in this project for several months and a lot of joint expertise, experience and efforts. In Kuehne+Nagel we have found the right logistics partner.”
On future expansion in the region:
“We are a growing company and expansion is certainly on the cards as also new products introduction. Research and development is strongly etched in our DNA and we are constantly innovating and examining new possibilities.”
Vision for the future:
“Our current employee numbers for the region exceed 500, drawn from over 35 nationalities. My vision is to continue to grow in the region expanding into newer territories even as we continue to serve families and community. We are committed to enabling individuals live longer and better and to this end we will stay focused on our mission. We offer healthcare solutions in health and well-being, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, oncology, immunology, multiple sclerosis, rare diseases, and vaccines. Expansion will be the logical outcome of these sustained efforts.”
