Pune, India | August 14, 2025 – Walgreens Boots Alliance is pioneering the future of pharmacy services by expanding its micro-fulfillment network. The recent opening of a new facility in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, marks the 12th micro-fulfillment center (MFC) in the company’s growing network. This strategic addition underscores Walgreens’ commitment to boosting pharmacy efficiency and improving patient care through automation.
The Brooklyn Park facility uses cutting-edge robotic technology to streamline prescription fulfillment. It automates routine tasks like prescription filling and packaging. This allows pharmacists to focus more on essential patient services, such as medication counseling and administering immunizations. The result is more personalized care and a better overall patient experience. This model improves workflow and strengthens the pharmacist’s role as a trusted healthcare provider.
This new center will serve nearly 200 Walgreens stores across the Midwest. Of these, 145 stores are located in Minnesota. The facility is expected to process about 13 million prescriptions each year. Its large capacity supports Walgreens’ strategy to meet growing demand for accessible, high-quality healthcare. Faster, more reliable prescription delivery will directly benefit customers in the region.
The micro-fulfillment strategy has produced strong results. Walgreens reported a 24% year-over-year increase in prescription volume shipped through its MFCs. These centers now handle around 40% of all prescriptions at Walgreens stores. They fill about 16 million prescriptions each month. This shift has boosted both accuracy and speed, key factors in better healthcare outcomes.
Walgreens’ MFCs also support environmental sustainability. In fiscal year 2024, over 3.7 million pounds of cardboard, plastic, and toner cartridges were recycled across its centers. This reflects the company’s commitment to responsible business practices. It also shows how innovation can align with environmental goals.
After refining the micro-fulfillment model, Walgreens is now accelerating the rollout of new centers. CEO Tim Wentworth has announced plans to grow the network further in the coming year. This expansion reflects strong confidence in the MFC strategy. The goal is to improve efficiency and deliver better care to more communities.
The Brooklyn Park center highlights Walgreens’ investment in technology and innovation. By automating prescription fulfillment, Walgreens is modernizing the pharmacy experience. At the same time, it stays true to its focus on patient care. This balance helps the company lead in a rapidly evolving digital healthcare space.
Micro-fulfillment offers a smart blend of technology and personal service. Expanding this network drives efficiency and gives patients faster, more accurate access to medications. By integrating these advanced facilities, Walgreens strengthens its mission to help people live healthier lives.
“Our pharmacists working in locations supported by our micro-fulfillment sites spend less time filling prescriptions and more time on patient care,” says Kayla Heffington, vice president of pharmacy operating model at Walgreens. “They provide medication adherence support and administer vaccines, all of which help strengthen community health and improve the overall patient experience.”
In summary, the Brooklyn Park center showcases a clear vision for the future of pharmacy. Walgreens is using technology to enhance the customer experience, improve operations, and support sustainability. These efforts position the company as a leader in a new era of healthcare focused on innovation, convenience, and patient-centered care.
