Project
Strategic distribution review for ethical medical supplier
August 18, 2025
- SECTORS: Pharma and Life Science
- COUNTRIES: United Kingdom
- CLIENT: Ethical medical products distributor
Supporting strategic growth through network redesign:
Faced with increasing demand and evolving sales channels, a leading ethical medical distributor sought to transform its national distribution network. The client’s goals were clear: halve the cost per picked item, double throughput over the next decade, and expand direct-to-consumer e-commerce sales.
Our approach
NIRAS delivered a strategic review of the client's logistics and warehousing model. Through a series of collaborative workshops, our logistics experts analysed data on SKU profiles, storage conditions, and regional demand patterns. Site surveys and operational assessments provided a comprehensive view of the existing National Distribution Centre (NDC) and satellite warehouses.
Our multidisciplinary team—including logistics specialists, automation consultants and building designers—developed future-ready options to either redevelop the current NDC or invest in an additional facility.
Results
We presented a range of strategic solutions, including costed models for warehouse automation and volume expansion. Our recommendations challenged existing distribution assumptions and supported the client’s long-term growth strategy. The study delivered:
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A detailed cost-per-line and ROI model
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Scenario planning for automation and spatial reconfiguration
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Master planning options for a dual-NDC setup
NIRAS continues to support clients across sectors in delivering data-led, scalable logistics strategies that enable resilient supply chains and improved customer service.
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