The Importance of Local Pharmaceutical Supply Chains During a Global Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on industries and economies all over the world, and unsurprisingly one of the most affected areas is the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Using overseas suppliers is commonplace in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the Coronavirus crisis is causing longer lead times in logistics, which in turn presents the possibility of patients across the globe being deprived of time-sensitive medication.

Using a local supply chain during these times is a great solution to this problem, as local suppliers can be more reactive to the current demand and therefore reduces the possibility of a delayed lead time.

Our printing facility, based in Winsford, is currently open for extended production hours of 6 am until 10 pm in order to meet increased demand and to ensure the continuous delivery of patient information leaflets – without which, medication would not be distributed on time for patients.

It is this pressing demand for getting products to market quickly that led to the creation of our 48HR SPEED LAUNCH priority service, which enables them to offer pharmaceutical companies a reduced lead time service for individual batches upon request.

Managing Director Alan Ryan comments: “Whilst we may not be on the front-line of this pandemic in the same way as the NHS, we feel a strong sense of civic duty here at Technoprint in current times and recognise that we form part of a vital supply chain into the Pharmaceutical industry – a responsibility that we take very seriously indeed.

“Our facility has created around 30 jobs for the local area in Winsford and our incredible staff really have gone above and beyond the call of duty in this current crisis. Although we already have robust hygiene standards throughout our facility, we are now also very closely following the advice from Public Health England and have taken all necessary measures to ensure that all staff are following the recommended government guidelines on handwashing as frequently as possible.

“Although we are able to supply patient information leaflets all over the globe, we recognise that there is a current need for a local supply chain. We are very proud to be playing such a vital role within the UK’s pharmaceutical supply chain and helping to ensure that medication is delivered on time to those who need it most.”