MD Logistics plans Reno facility

MD Logistics, a third-party logistics company that serves the pharmaceutical and retail industries, expects to employ 20 at a new distribution center in Reno.

The company headquartered at Plainfield, Ind., said last week it expects the 55,000-square-foot distribution center in Stead will be fully staffed by next year.

MDL said the pharmaceutical-grade warehouse will improve its ability to provide one-day service to its growing number of customers in the West. The company currently operates two distribution centers in Indiana that handle pharmaceutical and retail goods.

"Reno offers an excellent strategic location, a readily available workforce and a cost-effective business climate," said Mark Sell, president of MDL.

He said the Reno area's strong transportation infrastructure air, rail and trucking also was a factor in the company's decision.

With the northern Nevada facility, MDL distribution centers will be within a 24-hour drive of 80 percent of the U.S. population.

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada assisted MDL in its expansion to Reno, and Mike McCabe of Colliers International represented the company in its negotiations for space.

"MD Logistics is a prime example of the kind of advanced logistics companies that we're looking to attract and expand in the region, one that supports a growing life sciences and pharmaceutical industry, which provides good paying, skilled jobs and opportunities for our local residents," said Stan Thomas, vice president of business development for EDAWN.

A group of MDL managers have relocated to Reno. The company said it expects the new jobs to be created to include warehousing positions, managers and supervisors.

MDL, which has developed a strategic partnership with Seko Worldwide, a global freight-forwarding company, said it will operate Seko Worldwide-Reno from the Stead facility.