CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.— Cencora has unveiled a $1 billion investment plan through 2030 aimed at strengthening and expanding its pharmaceutical distribution infrastructure across the United States. Central to this initiative is the launch of a second national distribution center in Ohio, along with enhanced operations in Alabama and California. These strategic investments are designed to boost capacity, streamline efficiency, and reinforce the resilience of Cencora’s nationwide network—ensuring the company remains well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
“Healthcare providers rely on us to provide efficient access to the medications their patients need, and we’re able to deliver on that promise because of the robust distribution infrastructure and operations we’ve built through decades of investment,” said Bob Mauch, president and CEO of Cencora. “This investment underscores our commitment to and role in building a resilient pharmaceutical supply chain and in ensuring patients across the United States have timely and reliable access to prescribed medications, where and when they need them.”
Opening a second national distribution center in Ohio
As part of its ongoing investments in distribution infrastructure, operations, and digital innovation, Cencora is set to launch a second national distribution center, scheduled to be fully operational by spring 2027. The new 530,000-square-foot facility in Harrison, Ohio, will substantially expand Cencora’s storage capacity and throughput, strengthening its ability to meet increasing customer demand. Equipped with cutting-edge automation technologies—including robotic handling systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous mobile robots—the center will enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of the company’s supply chain operations.
In addition, Cencora plans to expand its presence on the West Coast with the opening of a 430,000-square-foot distribution center in Fontana, California, which is expected to be fully operational by fall 2026. The new, highly automated facility is nearly double the size of the current distribution center and will feature automation and advanced technology solutions.
Expanded cold chain capacity to support growth in specialty
A leader in specialty pharmaceutical services and distribution, Cencora is expanding its distribution center in Dothan, Alabama — one of three facilities across its network dedicated to specialty medicines.
Specialty pharmaceuticals, which are used to treat complex, chronic or rare medical conditions, are expected to account for 70% of new medicines launched through 2027, according to recent reports. The growth in specialty medicines is mirrored by the increased demand for specialized supply chain logistics. Research shows half of all products launched globally through 2027 are expected to require cold chain storage — up from 37% of products between 2013 and 2017.
The Dothan expansion — which is expected to be completed by fall 2026 — will increase the facility’s refrigerated storage capacity by 500% and its frozen storage capacity by 200%, enhancing Cencora’s ability to handle complex specialty medications and its operational resilience.
“We’re committed to delivering an industry-leading customer experience — and that starts with listening to our customers, anticipating their needs and making strategic investments to ensure we can provide the exceptional service they expect,” said Rich Tremonte, executive vice president and president, U.S. Pharmaceuticals and Animal Health at Cencora. “As demand continues to grow and more specialty pharmaceuticals reach the market, the investments we’re making today will strengthen our ability to support our customers’ current and future needs, enabling them to continue delivering high-quality patient care in their communities.”
Through its network of distribution centers in the United States, Cencora ships more than five million medications and healthcare products to tens of thousands of healthcare providers every day.
