Cardboard boxes on a conveyor belt in a warehouse, representing efficient micro-fulfillment operations
Pune, India | August 14, 2025 – Walgreens Boots Alliance is advancing its pharmacy modernization by launching a next-generation micro-fulfillment center (MFC) in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota — the 12th addition to its automated network. This milestone reflects the company’s strategy to improve operational efficiency and elevate patient care.
The Brooklyn Park facility uses advanced robotic systems to automate prescription filling and packaging. By streamlining repetitive tasks, Walgreens reduces manual work and frees up pharmacists to spend more time with patients. This shift enables them to focus on medication guidance, chronic care, and vaccinations — key services that strengthen community relationships and improve health outcomes.
The new center will serve nearly 200 Walgreens stores across the Midwest — including 145 in Minnesota — and aims to process around 13 million prescriptions annually. This capacity supports rising demand for timely care and reinforces Walgreens’ commitment to fast and accurate prescription delivery.
Walgreens’ micro-fulfillment strategy continues to deliver strong results. Automated systems now handle 24% more prescriptions year-over-year. Each month, the network processes about 16 million prescriptions — nearly 40% of the company’s total volume. This increase accelerates service, reduces errors, and enhances the pharmacy experience for patients across the country.
The fulfillment model also advances Walgreens’ sustainability efforts. In fiscal year 2024, its centers recycled more than 3.7 million pounds of cardboard, plastic, and toner cartridges. This effort supports the company’s broader environmental goals and shows that healthcare innovation can also promote eco-friendly practices.
After briefly pausing to fine-tune operations, Walgreens is resuming its expansion efforts. CEO Tim Wentworth shared plans to grow the MFC network further in the coming year. His vision signals confidence in the model’s ability to enhance efficiency and elevate patient care.
The Brooklyn Park center demonstrates how Walgreens uses automation to meet evolving healthcare expectations. The model combines digital tools with personal pharmacist interactions. As pharmacy services become more digital, Walgreens leads with scalable, future-ready solutions.
Kayla Heffington, Vice President of Walgreens’ Pharmacy Operating Model, highlights the transformation:
“Our pharmacists working in locations supported by our micro-fulfillment sites spend less time filling prescriptions and more time on patient care. They provide medication adherence support and administer vaccines, all of which help strengthen community health and improve the overall patient experience.”
By expanding its automated network, Walgreens goes beyond workflow optimization. It’s redefining pharmacy operations around speed, accessibility, and personalized service. This approach ensures patients receive medications quickly and reliably, while pharmacists play a more active role in healthcare delivery.
In essence, Walgreens’ continued investment in micro-fulfillment reflects a bold, patient-centered vision. With the Brooklyn Park launch, the company takes another step toward a smarter, more connected, and more sustainable healthcare future.
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