DHL Supply Chain Establishes New Medical Device Distribution Center in Seoul

• The DHL-managed distribution center is equipped with enhanced distribution capabilities to support Medtronic’s distribution in South Korea
• Delivery of critical medical devices to Seoul hospitals within an hour

DHL Supply Chain Korea proudly announced the official opening of their new medical device warehouse located in Jangji, South Korea. This facility serves as a pivotal distribution hub for Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology, strengthening its distribution capabilities and providing efficient and timely delivery of Medtronic solutions nationwide.

Spanning 5,980 square meters, the DHL-managed Medtronic distribution center features specialized temperature-controlled ambient zones (15°C to 25°C), providing precise storage conditions for sensitive healthcare products. Equipped with advanced cold chain infrastructure, the facility ensures stable temperatures throughout storage. It is also designed specifically to meet the strict standards of the healthcare industry and safely handles sensitive medical devices. Its strategic location in Seoul allows deliveries to reach hospitals across the city within an hour. 

The launch of the new warehouse marks a strategic milestone in introducing the ‘DHL Health Logistics’ sector brand in South Korea. By managing logistics operations for Medtronic, DHL reaffirms its commitment to accelerating growth in the fast-growing Life Sciences and Healthcare (LSHC) sector, aiming to simplify access to specialized medical logistics solutions under a unified brand. This new brand consolidates DHL Group’s LSHC services, creating a seamless, end-to-end experience for customers to manage their complex international supply chains. The approach is tailored to meet the needs of pharmaceutical, biopharma, and medical customers who require reliable, flexible logistics solutions beyond standard services. 

“The opening of Medtronic distribution center marks a significant milestone in our strategic partnership with Medtronic, enabling us to deliver its medical technologies efficiently and safely throughout South Korea. With the launch of “DHL Health Logistics” sector brand, we are also doubling down on our commitment to the healthcare sector by offering tailored logistics solutions and specialized infrastructure that meet the unique needs of the medical and pharmaceutical industries. This new facility underscores our continuous investment in advanced technology, robust cold-chain capabilities, and rapid distribution networks to support better patient outcomes nationwide,” said Edmund Hsiung, Country Manager of DHL Supply Chain Korea.  

With South Korea’s per-capita healthcare spending forecast to rise nearly 60 percent, an increase of approximately USD 2,000 between 2024 and 2029¹, efficient medical supply chains are crucial for maintaining service quality. Smart, temperature-controlled warehousing has become increasingly vital amid the growth of South Korea’s pharmaceutical cold-chain logistics market size.

Yoo Rok, Vice President of Medtronic Korea, stated, “Logistics management systems and supply chains are critical elements in delivering necessary medical technologies to customers in a timely manner and ensuring patients’ treatment opportunities. This investment demonstrates our steadfast commitment to Korean medical professionals and patients. Based on advanced logistics management system that meets global standards and enhanced supply capabilities, we will serve as a trusted partner for the domestic medical field, providing better customer experiences and more treatment opportunities.” 

DHL Group recently announced its strategy to boost logistics capabilities within the LSHC sector, backed a total investment of €2 billion, including €500 million specifically allocated to the Asia Pacific region. DHL Supply Chain Korea is committed to expanding its health logistics capabilities through strategic investments. Plans are underway for a dedicated warehouse space in Jangji specifically for clinical trials, to enable comprehensive support for clinical research activities. This initiative is part of DHL Supply Chain Korea’s broader strategy to enhance healthcare logistics in the country, which also includes establishing a dedicated clinical trials facility and a pharmaceutical distribution center.