Symbion (Healthcare Logistics)

Pemulwuy, NSW

Symbion, now known as Healthcare Logistics, is a national wholesaler of healthcare services and pharmaceutical products which has been an integral part of the Australian landscape for more than 170 years. Today, from its national network of 10 warehouses, the company supplies more than 15,000 product lines to over 3500 pharmacy customers across the country.

To continue to respond to Australia’s dynamic healthcare landscape, Symbion must keep its logistics and supply chain management at worlds-best standard. This led recently to the expansion of its Australian business with the 26,700m2 extension to its facilities in Pemulwuy, New South Wales.

Built by Qanstruct, the $25.5m complex features contemporary, double-storey administration and dock offices and a spacious warehouse facility. Built to Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) setup requirements, the warehouse was a challenging build requiring precise slab flatness throughout to ensure maximum materials handling efficiency.

Inside, the warehouse is fully temperature-controlled to ensure Symbion meets the stringent storage guidelines for these vital products. This is achieved with a series of 24 Fusion HVAC® roof-mounted packaged air-conditioning units installed to the entire warehouse, providing evenly-distributed airflow and precisely-regulated temperature control. A cool room and freezers were also installed to meet the tighter temperature parameters of some key pharmaceuticals, while a custom-designed vault provides additional security for high-value products.

A range of design initiatives was also incorporated throughout the plant to achieve full electrical redundancy (N+1) throughout, to ensure continuity of operations in the event of an unplanned electrical disruption.

Symbion’s future-focused approach was also extended to the sustainability of the new facility, with a number of eco-friendly enhancements. These include a ground water tank to capture run-off and allow recycled water to be used throughout the complex, the installation of a 99Kw solar system on the roof to provide renewable energy, and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the warehouse.