RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., /PRNewswire/ -- Marken announced today the relocation of its Chicagologistics hub into a new, larger facility with close proximity to Chicago's O'Hare (ORD) Airport.  The new full-service facility is equipped with state-of-the-art cold chain technology including: a walk-in freezer, a walk-in cold room, ultra-low temperature freezers and conditioning areas for special cold chain packaging.  The new facility offers temperature ranges of: +2 to +8C, -15 to -25C, +15 to +25C and -30 to -60C.  A liquid nitrogen service station is planned for later this year in order to support Marken's growing cell & gene transportation services.

The new facility is fully GDP-compliant to support regulated shipments of clinical trial materials throughout the Midwestern United States.  The Chicago O'Hare International Gateway provides improved processing times and regulatory clearance for import into and export out of the Midwest.  Marken's North America Region operates from seven logistics hubs in the United States, including: New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, Philadelphiaand Chicago.  These regional hubs ensure Marken customers receive high-touch services and expedited local coverage within the U.S. market, combined with numerous efficient connections to other locations in Marken's expanding global network.

Wes Wheeler, Marken's CEO, commented, "We expanded our Chicago presence as a direct response to increased demand from our sponsor pharmaceutical clients and the growing presence of contract manufacturing providers in the area. We also appreciate the benefits of operating at the Chicago O'Hare Airport, which is an excellent international gateway for our preferred air carriers.  We are able to improve our transit times by using this airport and we are able to expand our hybrid services, which leverages the UPS air network for certain lanes.  We are continually searching for new locations and better routing solutions in a direct response to the demands of our customers."