Case Study: MedImmune achieves faster, safer cold-chain operations with Rockwell Automation

MedImmune Integrates Control of Cold-Chain Distribution Center

MedImmune, the maker of FluMist nasal vaccine, needed to modernize its cold-chain distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky. The facility relied on diverse legacy systems, had no unified production network, and needed better access to critical data while staying compliant with FDA regulations. MedImmune turned to Rockwell Automation and its PlantPAx distributed control system, along with support from the PartnerNetwork.

Rockwell Automation implemented the solution in phases, adding a plantwide control infrastructure, redundant EtherNet/IP network, virtualized servers, and integrated control for refrigeration and conveyor systems. The project cut virtualization installation time from two weeks to eight days, finished phase one six weeks ahead of schedule, and reduced anticipated refrigeration downtime by more than 20%. The new system also centralized GMP data for easier FDA audits and improved efficiency and operator access across the site.

MedImmune

Gary Bilger

Distribution Analyst