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Irish-based pharma wholesaler United Drug has announced a €40m investment in its Dublin facility to boost technology and innovation.
United Drug, one of the country’s largest pharmaceutical wholesalers, has plans to significantly upscale its research and technology at its Citywest headquarters, to the tune of €40m.
According to The Irish Times, the investment will allow United Drug to provide further support to Ireland’s pharmacies, increasing its distribution numbers by two-thirds in the first step of a three-year expansion.
This latest announcement follows the refurbishment of its 300,000 sq ft Dublin facility, with a second phase of site development now on the cards.
This will include upgrading the centre’s various IT services, including analytics, as well as production with better temperature controls. It should be completed by the end of this year.
United Drug said that this investment will enable it to keep up with demand, and improve its customer service and delivery options.
“At any one time, we have 30m packs in our Dublin warehouse,” said United Drug’s managing director, Paul Reilly.
“We run a huge operation that, for the more than 1,800 pharmacies we serve – many twice a day – it is important that operations are as tightly scheduled and as efficient as possible, to ensure that important medicines reach patients when they need them.”
He continued: “That we have more than doubled our efficiency over the past two years, and are already seeing a return on this latest investment, means that our customers can continue to get the excellent service that they have come to expect from United Drug, and more.”
The company – bought by American pharma giant McKesson last year – now employs more than 650 staff in its Irish operations, which, aside from its Citywest base, include Swords, Ballina and Limerick.
