Research-based synthesized Action Plan • Not an official Cencora publication
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1. Strategic Foundation
Cencora, formerly AmerisourceBergen, is executing a multi-year U.S. distribution-network investment intended to strengthen capacity,
efficiency and resilience. The company announced approximately $1 billion of investment through 2030, including new and expanded
distribution infrastructure in Ohio, California and Alabama and enhanced digital capabilities.
Why the strategy matters
Pharmaceutical distribution is becoming more operationally demanding as specialty therapies, temperature-sensitive products, complex
handling requirements and volatile supply conditions increase the need for resilient infrastructure and better demand visibility. Cencora's
strategy therefore combines physical network modernization with digital planning and shortage-mitigation capabilities.
Physical network modernization
Cencora's announced Harrison, Ohio distribution center is planned at approximately 530,000 square feet and is designed to use robotics,
artificial intelligence and autonomous mobile robots. The Fontana, California facility is approximately 430,000 square feet and is expected to
expand Cencora's Western U.S. distribution capacity.
Digital supply-chain intelligence
Cencora's C.O.R.E. demand-planning capability uses forecasting, machine learning, scenario modeling and customer/order/market signals to
support inventory and supply decisions. The action plan treats this as the digital control layer supporting the physical network.
Resilience and shortage mitigation
Sure Supply provides participating health systems with dedicated safety-stock reserves for critical medications. Cencora reported that the
program had expanded to nearly 200 medications by February 2025, more than 350% growth from its 2021 launch.
Strategic priorities
Priority
Execution intent
Expected effect
01 • Expand capacity
Build and modernize U.S. distribution facilities in strategically
important markets.
Higher network capacity and geographic
resilience.
02 • Automate
operations
Deploy robotics, autonomous mobile systems and AI-enabled
workflows in new and upgraded facilities.
Higher productivity, consistency and scalable
throughput.
03 • Improve demand
visibility
Use C.O.R.E. and related analytics to anticipate demand and
optimize inventory positioning.
Earlier signals and better supply decisions.
04 • Strengthen
shortage resilience
Scale targeted safety-stock and disruption-response
capabilities such as Sure Supply.
Greater continuity for critical medicines.
05 • Prepare for
specialty growth
Maintain infrastructure and handling capabilities for complex
and temperature-sensitive therapies.
Improved readiness for evolving
pharmaceutical demand.
