Itochu Logistics and Numajiri Sangyo Complete Second Phase of Medical Logistics Hub in Tsukuba

On August 6, Itochu Logistics Corp. and Numajiri Sangyo Co., Ltd. announced the completion of the second phase of their jointly developed medical-use warehouse, Tsukuba Medical Logistics Center Phase 2 (TMLC2), in Takano-dai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Combined with the first-phase facility completed in 2022, the site now comprises a dual-location setup with a total gross floor area exceeding 6,352 tsubo (approx. 210,000 sq. ft.), further reinforcing its function as a logistics hub for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Strategically located approximately 5 km from the Yatabe Interchange on the Joban Expressway and about 3 km from the Tsukuba Ushiku Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway, the facility offers excellent access to domestic and international transport networks, including Narita Airport. With bonded area operations in view, the site aims to enable timely distribution to medical institutions and pharmaceutical plants throughout the Greater Tokyo area.

The newly completed building is a two-story steel-frame structure with a 7-meter clear ceiling height and accommodates three temperature zones: ambient, refrigerated (2–8°C), and frozen (−20°C). The high-floor loading docks are equipped with dock shelters, while vertical conveyance is supported by a 3.5-ton freight elevator and two vertical conveyors, capable of handling two T11-size pallets simultaneously. Operations adhere to Japan’s QMS Ordinance (quality management standards for medical devices), meeting GDP (Good Distribution Practice) requirements. The developers also plan to deploy material handling systems and collaborative transportation solutions to reduce labor needs and improve vehicle efficiency, aiming to support increasingly complex medical supply chain demands.

Key Facts

• Property Name: Tsukuba Medical Logistics Center Phase 2 (TMLC2)

• Developers: Itochu Logistics Corp. / Numajiri Sangyo Co., Ltd.

• Location: 2-1, Takano-dai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

• Nearest Interchanges: Approx. 5 km from Yatabe IC (Joban Expressway) / Approx. 3 km from Tsukuba Ushiku IC (Ken-O Expressway)

• Number of Floors: 2F

• Gross Floor Area: Approx. 4,311 tsubo (approx. 142,400 sq. ft.)

  • Warehouse: Approx. 4,110 tsubo (approx. 135,900 sq. ft.)

  • Office: Approx. 201 tsubo (approx. 6,600 sq. ft.)

• Construction Start: June 2024

• Completion: July 2025