From Premium Logistics to a True Partner in Global Life Science Supply Chain Management

Part one of  Marken CEO Wes Wheeler’s ten part blog series about the changing face of Life Science Logistics in today’s fast-paced pharmaceutical industry.

The increasing complexity of supply chain logistics due to the growing number of biologically derived drugs is impacting the cost of logistics. Some recent estimates predict that the cost of cold chain logistics will rise by 12-15% each year.  Adding to this complexity, the FDA is increasing the requirements for handling these important new medicines.

Marken is already well positioned to support these new expanded requirements.  We have finished conducting extensive market research to be sure that our services are well aligned with our customer’s needs. We are delighted to share the results that will clearly demonstrate Marken’s perceived leadership in the life sciences supply chain services market. We are in this position because we take great pride in our high level of hands-on, reliable and personal touch which has, in turn, built strong relationships, trust, and a reputation for quality service.  We have a 99.8% on-time performance record and a 99.9% client retention history.

We also heard from our clients something interesting about their supplier base.  All of them want fewer providers.  Most sponsor companies already have ‘preferred providers’ in place, but many admit that they still have too many vendors and manage too many hand-offs.  They seem willing to convert their ‘preferred providers’ to more strategic relationships and in turn benefit from further savings with fewer interfaces.  Interestingly, such ‘strategic relationships’ are more likely to develop when a supplier can provide their clients with a full service, anywhere in the world.  Marken can deliver virtually anywhere in the world from its base of 24 locations.  And we will add and move our footprint as the market changes.

I will be ‘blogging’ on these and other topics in the coming weeks. In these postings I will explore areas of future industry needs, metrics for success, new technologies and services as well as new regulatory trends affecting the supply chain in emerging markets.

For drug companies looking to optimize supply chain logistics, Marken makes it happen. We’re more than just a premium courier service…we’re your global life science supply chain specialists and partner.  Our supply chain experts work hard to increase efficiency, lower costs, and ensure the success of your trials. In fact, we guarantee reduced costs on equal volumes. Customers who partner with us on 3-5 year agreements should see real savings immediately.

Marken’s experience and expertise in supply chain logistics can support every aspect of your clinical trial, leaving you more time to focus on what you do best.

Wesley Wheeler
Chief Executive Officer, Marken

Wesley Wheeler is the Chief Executive force for the company’s strategic vision to realize our potential as the leading supply chain services provider for the life science industry.

Mr. Wheeler has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over twenty years, and has held senior executive positions in four companies over the last fifteen. By helping develop a strategic vision and then using his leadership skills to implement strategies that achieve that vision, he has been instrumental in the success of these companies.

During Mr. Wheeler’s thirty-year career, he has been involved in virtually every key functional area, including manufacturing, marketing, logistics, R&D, and engineering. This breadth of experience has given him the unique ability to identify the unmet needs of customers, and then develop business plans that address those needs. By being directly involved with companies that span the globe, and living overseas himself, Wheeler has gained a unique perspective in managing businesses that cross many borders and cultures.

Mr. Wheeler holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance.