BTN News: Cruz Verde, a prominent leader in Colombia’s retail pharmaceutical sector, has taken a significant step towards sustainable growth with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art distribution center in Cota, nestled within the Parque Industrial Constellation. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing logistical services and operational efficiency across Colombia. The new facility not only aims to optimize the supply chain but also to provide tangible benefits to employees, customers, patients, and the wider community. By leveraging advanced technology and sustainable practices, Cruz Verde is poised to strengthen its leadership in the market, ensuring that millions of Colombians receive reliable and efficient pharmaceutical services.
The newly opened distribution center, realized through a substantial $12 million investment, spans an impressive 29,141 square meters. This facility is more than just a warehouse; it embodies Cruz Verde’s vision of integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices. Equipped with specialized lighting, digital dashboards, and a refrigerated room for sensitive medications, the center also features the innovative Pick to Light system. This advanced technology uses conveyor belts to streamline product picking, significantly improving both the speed and accuracy of order preparation. This not only enhances the working conditions for Cruz Verde’s employees but also ensures that customers benefit from faster and more reliable service.
The scale of this distribution hub is remarkable, with the capacity to store over 20 million units of supplies, medications, and technologies. On a daily basis, it can process up to 2,200 orders, 12,500 boxes, and 450,000 products, translating to the annual distribution of more than 120 million units nationwide. This impressive throughput underscores Cruz Verde’s ability to meet the growing demand for pharmaceutical products across Colombia. Moreover, the center has already created 826 jobs, nearly balancing the gender ratio with 53% of the workforce being men and 47% women, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to social responsibility.
Julio MartÃnez, the president of DroguerÃas y Farmacias Cruz Verde in Colombia, expressed his excitement about the new distribution center, highlighting how this investment reinforces the company’s operational capabilities while contributing to the social fabric of the nation. According to MartÃnez, the center is a testament to Cruz Verde’s dedication to generating economic value, promoting environmental sustainability, and driving continuous innovation. These efforts align with the company’s overarching goal of being a trusted ally in the health and well-being of all Colombians.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, Cruz Verde has ensured that the new facility is equipped with LED lighting and energy-efficient systems. The company is also advancing a solar energy project, which is expected to further reduce the center’s environmental footprint. Water management has also been prioritized, with the installation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (PTAR) to manage domestic wastewater. Additionally, Cruz Verde is implementing the Camino a la Circularidad program, which, since its inception in 2021, has recovered over 397,000 boxes and other materials, contributing significantly to environmental preservation by preventing the deforestation of 21,178 trees.
This new distribution center solidifies Cruz Verde’s position at the forefront of pharmaceutical logistics in Colombia. By blending efficiency with sustainability, the company is not only enhancing its supply chain but also reinforcing its market leadership. This project represents a crucial milestone in Cruz Verde’s journey to strengthen its supply chain, ensuring that it remains a trusted leader in the market while making a positive impact on the environment and society at large. As Cruz Verde continues to innovate and expand, millions of Colombians will benefit from the enhanced efficiency, reliability, and sustainability that this new facility brings to the country’s pharmaceutical landscape.
