Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) has unveiled plans to open a new flagship forward distribution center in Indianapolis, Indiana, aimed at strengthening and modernizing its pharmaceutical distribution network across the United States. Designed as a cutting-edge hub, the facility will integrate advanced automation technologies to support the distribution of more than 70,000 pharmaceutical and specialty deliveries daily, enhancing both scale and efficiency within the company’s operations.
Debbie Weitzman, CEO of Pharmaceutical & Specialty Solutions, emphasized that the investment reflects Cardinal Health’s continued focus on its core distribution network. “We’re making deliberate, strategic investments to advance service, strengthen efficiency, and meet our customers’ evolving needs with greater reliability,” she noted, highlighting how the expanded footprint reinforces both growth and customer support.
The new facility will span 230,000 square feet and set a new standard for pharmaceutical distribution by incorporating the industry’s first robotic storage and retrieval system, designed in partnership with Swisslog, a global leader in warehouse automation, robotics, and software. This advanced system will enable real-time inventory visibility and intelligent order fulfillment while streamlining material flow from receiving through shipping with integrated robotics, conveyance, and sorting solutions.
Jamie Barker, Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical & Specialty Supply Chain Operations, underscored the role of automation in the company’s long-term vision. “Automation is central to our strategy, and this facility reflects Cardinal Health’s commitment to operational excellence, employee safety, and efficient distribution of products that impact lives every day,” he said. The Indianapolis center, he added, represents a significant step in the company’s ongoing multi-year efforts to boost productivity, elevate customer service, and improve working conditions for employees.
The integration of robotics and intelligent automation will complement Cardinal Health’s workforce, driving efficiency while helping manage shifts in demand and labor. Beyond operational improvements, the project will also bring economic benefits to the region. Expected to be fully operational by fall 2027, the distribution center will create more than 100 new jobs in Indiana, a location chosen for its strategic importance as a national transit hub.
