Pharma wholesaler opens N.H. facility

The country’s fourth-largest national pharmaceutical wholesaler will be opening two new distribution facilities, including one in New Hampshire.

H. D. Smith has announced it has opened its New Hampshire distribution center in Stratham. The 110,000-square-foot Stratham facility will serve the Northeast, and is expected to create as many as 75 new jobs.

The second facility, in Louisville, Ky., is expected to open in the spring of 2007.

“By increasing our distribution capabilities in these two regions, we are able to enhance our current offerings in the eastern Midwest, while also creating new market opportunities in the greater New England area,” said Chris Smith, executive vice president of H. D. Smith. “We believe that being a part of the local community is essential to superior customer service. Having a true local presence enables us to help community pharmacies stay competitive in today’s market, without compromising the kind of personalized service their customers have come to enjoy and respect.”

H. D. Smith is considered to be a pioneer in using advanced technology to manage its supply chain. Both new facilities will employ radio frequency identification, or RFID, and e-pedigree tracking to manage products, not only to increase efficiency, but also to enhance safety and security of its drugs, such as the narcotic oxycontin, the company said.

In addition to the new facilities in New Hampshire and Kentucky, the company also has distribution facilities in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey and Texas.

With more than $2.5 billion in sales, Springfield, Ill.-based H. D. Smith distributes more than 35,000 products to independent pharmacies, small retail chains and hospitals. — CINDY KIBBE