Panalpina opens a new logistics center in Singapore

Calling it the company’s largest warehousing investment outside Europe ever, Panalpina has announced the opening of a purpose-built, 25,800 sq. m. (278,000 sq. ft.) facility in Singapore, and bringing the company’s total warehousing in the country to over 100,000 sq. m. (1.1. million sq. ft.). it features a number of cutting-edge technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) data handling, 3D printing and a variety of other automation systems.

A gimlet-eyed warehouse manager will notice one key feature: the building is six stories high, where most warehouses are single-story. The high cost and scarcity of land in Singapore is a factor in this design; Panalpina will go even one step farther by making the roof capable of storing ocean-borne containers two-high. A press release notes that the building is equipped with air conditioning ductwork, which signals the capability to handle temperature-sensitive life sciences products. However, the company made no mention of following good distribution practices (GDPs) for it, even though it has earlier touted GDP compliance for 70 business locations globally.