A UNIT of Germany express delivery giant Deutsche Post DHL said it has signed a contract with Bristol-Myers Squibb - involving the purchase of one of its major pharmaceutical facilities - to handle US distribution.

    To swing the deal, DHL's Exel subsidiary bought Bristol-Myers Squibb's distribution centre in Mount Vernon, Indiana, and will assume operational control in the second quarter, reports American Shipper.

    Exel will provide logistics, finished goods, distribution, and warehousing for cold chain and non-cold chain products, clinical trials, samples and exports. Exel will then take charge of a second distribution centre at the Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania Bristol-Myers Squibb operations base.

    The Mount Vernon operation is 80 miles from the centre of most US population demand, Exel said. It also offers close proximity to a number of key parcel and air infrastructure hubs including Indianapolis and Louisville.

(Source:http://www.schednet.com)