Symbion officially unveiled its new state-of-the-art $59 million distribution centre in Queensland this week.
Incorporating the latest in automation technology, the Acacia Ridge facility operates with industry-leading accuracy and efficiency, ensuring Symbion can meet the needs of healthcare patients across Queensland well into the future.
Symbion CEO Brett Barons said the development builds on the success of Symbion’s Keysborough facility in Melbourne, completed in 2014 at a cost of $40 million.
The Acacia Ridge facility features the latest security and storage arrangements for fridge lines, dangerous goods and specialty medicines, as well as being built to withstand and continue operations during adverse weather conditions and floods. It has also been designed to modern environmental standards and features energy-efficient LED lighting and air conditioning and solar panels that are expected to supply 20-25 per cent of the site’s energy requirements.
“Acacia Ridge is a major strategic investment that demonstrates Symbion’s ongoing commitment to ensuring Australia’s pharmaceutical supply chain remains among the best in the world in terms of productivity, efficiency and service delivery,” said Mr Barons.
“Since 2014, we have invested more than $200 million in infrastructure, technology and automation to support the delivery of healthcare to communities across Australia.
“Importantly, these investments ensure that we can continue to provide exceptional service to our 3500-plus customers across the country and uphold our commitment to ensuring all Australians have timely access to affordable medicines.”
Health minister Greg Hunt acknowledged the $59 million investment as part of the great Australian healthcare story, noting that hundreds of thousands of people will benefit from the Acacia Ridge facility.
“The wholesale industry is the engine room of the pharmaceutical sector, without which people cannot access medicines that are vital to their health,” Mr Hunt said.
“I’ve seen first-hand the care Symbion shows in ensuring Australians can get medicines on time, which forms an integral part of the four pillars of our national healthcare framework.”
