Cencora is making a $1 billion investment through 2030 to modernize and expand its U.S. pharmaceutical distribution network, aiming to meet rising demand for prescription and specialty medications while strengthening supply chain reliability. The initiative represents a strategic shift toward automation, advanced technology, and cold chain capabilities.

A key component is a second national distribution center in Harrison, Ohio, spanning 530,000 square feet and set to be fully operational by spring 2027. The facility will leverage artificial intelligence, robotic handling, and autonomous mobile robots to boost throughput and storage capacity. 

On the West Coast, a 430,000-square-foot expansion in Fontana, California, will nearly double Cencora’s footprint, also integrating automation to improve efficiency and continuity of supply.

Cencora is also significantly expanding its specialty pharmaceutical distribution center in Dothan, Alabama. The site will increase refrigerated storage capacity by 500 percent and frozen storage by 200 percent, addressing the rapid growth of specialty therapies, including oncology, immunology, and treatments for rare diseases. Research predicts that 70 percent of new medicines launched globally through 2027 will be specialty pharmaceuticals, with half requiring cold chain storage.

Bob Mauch, Cencora’s CEO, emphasised the importance of the investment for patient care: “Healthcare providers rely on us to provide efficient access to the medications their patients need. This investment underscores our role in building a resilient pharmaceutical supply chain.” 

Rich Tremonte, EVP and President of U.S. Pharmaceuticals and Animal Health, highlighted the need to anticipate customer requirements and ensure uninterrupted delivery of high-quality therapies.

Explore the full details of Cencora’s U.S. expansion strategy and its impact on pharmaceutical logistics in the full article.