29 Sep Rhenus UK opens high-tech logistics centre near Heathrow

Global logistics provider Rhenus UK has opened a new 58,000 sq ft specialist handling facility for critical science and medical products near Heathrow Airport.

The state-of-the-art logistics centre will be the home for a new specialist pharmaceutical, life sciences and healthcare centre. It will also house the full vehicle logistics team, which manages the global transport of vehicles, as well as a new airfreight gateway.

The new life sciences and healthcare division will act as a one-stop-shop for all import and export logistics, offering a white glove service for temperature-controlled storage and distribution from end to end. 

The full vehicle logistics team will provide a dedicated service using a mix of air, ocean and road transport to move finished vehicles around the world for individuals, dealerships and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), who make components that are used in other products.

The new airfreight gateway is fully equipped with X-ray screening equipment, and will promote more sustainable airfreight by consolidating shipments, helping Rhenus and its customers to reduce their carbon footprint.

Spencer Davern, UK managing director at Rhenus Air & Ocean UK, said: “Our investment in this state-of-the-art facility and in our specialist teams has been designed to meet the future needs of our broad spectrum of customers to ensure the safe and secure handling of pharmaceutical and medical products.”

He added: “The facility is temperature controlled, requiring the installation of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning pipes or dire-jet sock systems that run across the warehouse ceiling.”

Rhenus UK is also announcing an initiative in partnership with Cancer Research UK, pledging to donate a penny to the charity for every kilogram of freight moved through the new facility.