Cardinal Health to expand pharmaceutical distribution network with new Indianapolis facility

Rhea-AI Summary

Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) has announced plans to build a new 230,000-square-foot flagship forward distribution center in Indianapolis, Indiana. The state-of-the-art facility will feature an industry-first robotic storage and retrieval system, developed in partnership with Swisslog.

The facility will enhance Cardinal Health's pharmaceutical distribution network, which currently handles over 70,000 pharmaceutical and specialty deliveries daily. Key features include real-time inventory visibility, intelligent order fulfillment, and advanced robotics. The center is expected to be fully operational by fall 2027 and will create more than 100 new jobs in Indiana.

Positive

• Creation of over 100 new jobs in Indiana
• Implementation of industry-first robotic storage and retrieval system
• Expansion of distribution capacity with 230,000-square-foot facility
• Enhanced operational efficiency through advanced automation technology

Negative

• Long implementation timeline with operations starting in fall 2027
• Significant capital investment required for facility and automation technology

DUBLIN, Ohio, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) today announced plans for a new flagship forward distribution center in Indianapolis, Indiana that will further expand and modernize its national pharmaceutical distribution network. The state-of-the-art forward distribution center will feature automation and the latest technology advancements in support of the segment's distribution of more than 70,000 pharmaceutical and specialty deliveries daily across the United States.

"We're continuing to make strategic investments in our core distribution network to drive service, enhance efficiency and meet the evolving needs of our customers with even greater reliability and responsiveness," said Debbie Weitzman, CEO, Pharmaceutical & Specialty Solutions. "Expanding and modernizing our distribution footprint reinforces our ability to drive growth and support our teams."

This 230,000-square-foot facility will establish a new benchmark in pharmaceutical distribution, featuring an industry-first robotic storage and retrieval system, designed and implemented in partnership with Swisslog, a leading provider of warehouse automation, robotics, and software. The facility's advanced automation technology provides real-time inventory visibility, intelligent order fulfillment, and coordinated management of material flow—from receiving to shipping—across state-of-the-art robotics, conveyance, and sorting systems.

"Automation remains a key component of our strategy, and this innovative facility demonstrates Cardinal Health's commitment to operational excellence, safety, and the efficient distribution of the products and services that improve the lives of people each day," said Jamie Barker, SVP, Pharmaceutical & Specialty Supply Chain Operations. "It marks the next major step in our multi-year strategy to drive productivity, improve customer service and enhance employee safety and well-being."

The technology and automation enhancements work alongside Cardinal Health employees to deliver operational efficiencies and improve employee and customer experiences, while supporting fluctuations in volume and labor.

This is the second pharmaceutical distribution center the company has announced since 2024. The Indianapolis forward distribution center is expected to be fully operational by fall 2027 and will create more than 100 new jobs in Indiana, which continues to be a strategic transit hub for the company.

About Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health is a distributor of pharmaceuticals and specialty products; a supplier of home-health and direct-to-patient products and services; an operator of nuclear pharmacies and manufacturing facilities; a provider of performance and data solutions; and a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products. Our company's customer-centric focus drives continuous improvement and leads to innovative solutions that improve people's lives every day. Learn more about Cardinal Health at cardinalhealth.com and in our Newsroom.

Contacts 
Media: Erich Timmerman, erich.timmerman@cardinalhealth.com
Investors: Matt Sims, matt.sims@cardinalhealth.com  

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SOURCE Cardinal Health

FAQ

When will Cardinal Health's new Indianapolis distribution center be operational?

The new Indianapolis forward distribution center is expected to be fully operational by fall 2027.

How many jobs will Cardinal Health's new Indianapolis facility create?

The new distribution center will create more than 100 new jobs in Indiana.

What is the size of Cardinal Health's new Indianapolis distribution facility?

The new flagship forward distribution center will be 230,000 square feet in size.

How many daily deliveries does Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) handle?

Cardinal Health currently handles more than 70,000 pharmaceutical and specialty deliveries daily across the United States.

What technology features will Cardinal Health's new Indianapolis facility include?

The facility will feature an industry-first robotic storage and retrieval system, real-time inventory visibility, intelligent order fulfillment, and advanced robotics and sorting systems.