Opened in June 2009, McKesson's newest pharmaceutical distribution center (DC) is the company's first to receive LEED new construction certification. Among its environmentally friendly features are its use of recycled building materials, low-flow water fixtures, natural landscaping, motion-controlled lighting and parking for fuel-efficient vehicles.

The new DC is larger than average, with 280,000 sq. ft. of space on the main floor and an additional 60,000 sq. ft of floor space on a second-story mezzanine. It serves more than 1,500 customers.

The DC showcases technology designed to improve the efficiency of warehouse operations. It includes two A-frame units, which enable automated picking of fast-moving products.

It is also the first McKesson DC to use a “Pick-to-Light” system, which guides order fillers down the line by lighting the appropriate product shelves.

“The Pick-to-Light system will make our picking more efficient,” explained Ammie Rabicke, Chicagoland’s director of Operations. “Because it’s so easy to learn, this will be a good place to start new hires.”

Ammie continued, “We’re all extremely excited to move into the new DC, with new technology that will help us provide even better service to our customers.”