Better Health, Brighter Future
Lessines, Belgium, April 18, 2024 – Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) proudly unveiled its award winning warehouse at its biotechnology manufacturing site in Lessines, Belgium, setting a standard for sustainable and digital supply chain solutions. The warehouse is strategically positioned as a one-stop logistical building within its plasma-derived therapies manufacturing site. By consolidating storage capacity on-site, this initiative bolsters the resilience of its supply chain, leading to reduced product cycle times and ensuring timely access to high-quality treatments for more than 250,000 patients across 80 countries and regions.
Designed and built to adhere to the highest environmental standards, the warehouse prioritizes primary energy consumption optimization and powered by 100 percent renewable energy sources. The storage centralization on site will reduce 330,000 km of truck trips annually, helping reduce the total carbon footprint of the site by up to 1,700 tons of CO2 per year. This initiative aligns with the site’s broader goal to become a net-zero GHG emissions manufacturing site in its operations by 2030 supporting Takeda’s global net-zero goal.
Spanning 6,700 square meters and boasting a storage capacity of nearly 12,000 pallets, the facility is equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure to ensure efficient storage, handling, and distribution of its products. Located within a Factory of the Future, the warehouse integrates cutting-edge automation and digital technologies, leveraging its private 5G network for optimal connectivity. Utilizing autonomous drone inventory, autonomous mobile robots (AMR’s), and advanced radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems for enhanced tracking and monitoring, Takeda ensures swift and accurate handling of inventory, reducing human intervention while maximizing accuracy. Cutting-edge equipment outfitted with safety enhancements like anti-collision detection allow for a safe work environment and enhanced well-being.
"We are delighted to mark the official opening of our on-site logistics operations building, it stands as a testament to our commitment to patients, environmental stewardship and pioneering technologies in this field." said Thomas Wozniewski, global manufacturing and supply officer, Takeda. “By harnessing the power of automation and digitalization, we not only revolutionize supply chain management but also contribute tangibly to environmental sustainability, all while meeting the rising demands for plasma-derived therapies. This investment in logistical infrastructure aligns with Takeda’s global commitment to deploying cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices across our manufacturing sites.”
Geoffrey Pot, general manager operations at the Lessines site, explains: “We are excited to advance our supply operations to better serve patients worldwide. This new state-of-the-art warehouse, recognized with the prestigious title of ‘Logistics Building of the Year’ in 2023, marks a significant milestone in our journey. Our commitment to environmental sustainability extends far beyond reducing our carbon footprint in transport and logistics. We are dedicated to minimizing our ecological impact across all activities on our production site. This includes initiatives such as water recycling and reuse, improved waste management, biodiversity promotion, renewable energy utilization, and fostering awareness of environmentally responsible practices. These efforts underscore our unwavering commitment to prioritizing sustainability in our strategy and day-to-day operations."
Operating a net-zero GHG emissions warehouse marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of global logistics, setting a new standard for environmental sustainability and efficiency. Takeda reaffirms its position as a leader in its industry in driving positive change for the planet and society.
Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.
Takeda in Lessines has 1,200 employees, from 23 nationalities, which are dedicated to delivering products on time and with the highest level of quality to - currently - over 250,000 patients in 80 countries worldwide per year. The site’s purpose is to serve patients with rare diseases and other special conditions. It is a Centre of Excellence for the purification of immunoglobulins, with filling and packaging capacity for plasma-derived therapies and packaging capacity for hematology products that reach patients in more than 80 countries.
Véronique Goethals
Lessines Site Communications Head
Mobile: +32 496 442 286
Stefaan Fiers
Head of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Belgium
Mobile: +32 476 769 077