The opening of the Northeast Logistics Center (NELC) in Londonderry, New Hampshire, this month marks a new chapter for material flow and introduces a significant process change in how logistics is managed at Pratt & Whitney. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. company.

"To support a ramp-up in engine production the company hasn't seen in more than two decades," said Earl Exum, Pratt & Whitney's vice president of Global Materials & Logistics, "we have committed significant resources to modernizing our manufacturing processes and expanding assembly operations – moving from one site in Middletown, Connecticut, to multiple global sites. We recognize the need to focus on a common set of logistics processes throughout the globe."

Pratt & Whitney last year announced the expansion of its third-party logistics relationship with UPS (NYSE: UPS), with UPS committing to opening the 600,000-square-foot NELC to serve as a distribution hub for Pratt & Whitney. The new facility will process Pratt & Whitney's production and development hardware for distribution to Pratt & Whitney manufacturing sites and engine centers around the world.

"The NELC is a wonderful achievement for both of our companies," said Stan Deans, UPS president of Global Logistics and Distribution. "This is an opportunity for us to do what we each do best: UPS providing top-quality supply chain and logistics services, while Pratt & Whitney focuses on manufacturing its game-changing engines."

Over the next several months, material will transition from Pratt & Whitney facilities to the NELC and company suppliers will begin shipping directly to the new facility, with full operation expected by this fall.