Newbury's Swift Logistics Group creates specialist division to manage fleet of new temperature controlled pharmaceutical vehicles

NEWBURY-based Swift Logistics Group has created a new specialist division designed to manage the controlled transportation of pharmaceuticals, bio samples and life-saving drugs.

The logistics company, whose UK head offices are based at Hambridge Lane, has invested significantly in a new fleet of vehicles - many of which are refrigerated and temperature controlled - meaning the drugs and other medical supplies can be stored at up to minus 48 degrees as they are transported to testing sites, hospitals and homes.

Earlier this month, Newbury MP Laura Farris visited Swift's HQ, where she was given a tour of the new division and shown around the new vehicles.

Swift Logistics Group CEO Adrian Smith said: “We have always been very active in the medical and life science arenas, where - I believe - we have succeeded where many have failed due to the way we engage with our clients to manage the very unique and demanding processes and protocols which their market places demand.

“The UK, following the Covid-19 outbreak, is finally receiving global recognition for our world leading expertise and experience in medical and drug development – much of which is based in the Thames Valley and Oxfordshire. There is now a significant demand for logistics with a focus on the bioscience market.

“So instead of trying to deliver this service within our courier operation, we have developed a specialist division, which is controlled and managed independently, with a fleet of drivers and vehicles with the skills, the training and the facilities specifically relevant to the unique demands linked to this market.

Mr Smith added: "We have the right vehicles, specifically designed for the unique functionality our clients demand, manned by a motivated, trained, uniformed team of expert drivers under our direct control.

"We are proud to be doing this here in West Berkshire and to be part of the UK effort to succeed against Covid-19 and viral diseases."