As supply chains prepare for the upcoming worldwide demand of coronavirus vaccines, Envirotainer and Unilode expanded its partnership to ensure the availability of temperature-controlled containers for the fast and safe delivery of the much needed vaccines across the world.

The latest joint initiative includes the development of pop-up ground handling and repair shops, close to key pharmaceutical production hubs, on short notice, for large distribution.

Also read: Swedish manufacturer Envirotainer opens container station in Beijing

Niklas Adamsson, COO of Envirotainer, said, Unilode is increasing its MRO capacity at key locations and will support Envirotainer with maintenance and repair services at recently started ground operations in Beijing, China.

“Unilode’s expertise in the maintenance and repair of Envirotainer’s active containers will ensure the optimal performance of our containers when time is of the essence and availability of the units is crucial to ensure the success of global vaccine distribution,” he added.

Envirotainer has been working with Unilode since 2013 for the repair, maintenance, handling, transportation and storage of temperature-controlled active air freight containers at 24 strategic locations.

“Stakeholders in the air cargo and pharmaceutical supply chain need to ensure a seamless and efficient end-to-end cold chain that includes the availability of temperature-controlled containers for the quick and efficient transportation of the vaccine,” said Don Jacobs, managing director for MRO solutions at Unilode.

“Unilode’s global ULD MRO solutions make it possible to provide additional repair capability to meet its partners’ requirements and we are pleased that Unilode can help support the global distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine by saving time and increasing the availability of active containers for Envirotainer’s pharmaceutical customers,” he added.