"This custom-built warehouse forms part of our active delivery of healthcare and storage solutions in developing markets, where there is a dire shortage of warehouse facilities that meet the requirements for effective, quality assured pharmaceutical warehousing and distribution," says Imperial Health Sciences MD, Dr Iain Barton.
"Healthcare practitioners in underserved areas are faced with a growing burden of complex disease management, aggravated by ageing infrastructures and unreliable supply of essential medicines. Without sustainable warehousing infrastructure and supply chain systems in place, practitioners in the field cannot access a safe, secure, reliable supply of medicines in line with best-practice quality standards."
The new facility is 9,564m2 in size and will offer 5,361 pharmaceutical pallet locations and 3,978 consumer and 466 cold chain pallet locations. The development also includes a 1,000m2 office area and a conference and training centre.
"Sustainability initiatives at the new facility will include solar powered external lighting and electric fencing; LED lighting in all offices; energy efficient, sensor operated industrial fittings in the warehouse; energy efficient air conditioning units throughout the facility; and solar heated hot water. Thermo protecting paint and energy reducing insulation is being used to minimise the facility's heating and cooling requirements. The development will also harvest rainwater, and will have its own water purification plant."
Job creation and environmental considerations are priorities on the project. "The construction contract has been awarded to a consortium of Kenyan contractors. At its peak, the contract will create employment for 400 local people.
In terms of job creation, once the facility is up and running in 2015, the warehouse will add 84 people, bring the employment total up to 180.
South African and Kenyan business leaders and dignitaries, including Machakos county governor, Dr Alfred Mutua as the guest of honour, attended the groundbreaking event for the new facility.
