UPS firm Polar Speed opens major warehouse for rapid delivery of Covid-19 vaccine roll out

UPS subsidiary Polar Speed has opened a new warehouse in Birmingham to ensure rapid final-mile Covid-19 vaccine delivery.

The new 100,000 sq ft facility adds to Polar Speed's portfolio of 40,000 sq ft of MHRA-licensed warehousing.

UPS Healthcare President Wes Wheeler said: “Polar Speed is an important part of the UPS Healthcare global logistics network. From this new facility, Polar Speed is already scheduled to deliver three million influenza vaccines each week into GP surgeries and community pharmacies.

“This new delivery capacity is now immediately available to also support Covid-19 vaccines for distribution across the country."

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Polar Speed already transports more than 10 million flu vaccine doses each year into various NHS locations in vehicles that are temperature controlled at 2°C to 8°C.

The company’s healthcare drivers also maintain on-board and remote alert systems with GPS tracking for end-to-end visibility of each delivery.

UPS said the combined hub, depot and warehouse facility is a “significant investment” in the UK and will be staffed by more than 100 employees.

It has capacity to store 8,000 pallets at a range of temperatures from 2°C to 8°C and 15°C to 25°C, and frozen storage capacity ranging from -20°C to -80°C, allowing it to store up to 25 million vaccine doses.

"Polar Speed’s capacity, technology and services enable us to provide streamlined and flexible solutions for the healthcare industry in the UK. We are proud to be a part of the solution in defeating COVID-19," Wheeler added.