ecommerce Hub Archives

Ecommerce DC Deploys Array of Automation

Posted on 21 April, 202329 July, 2025 by David Priestman

John Lewis’ new e-commerce distribution centre in Fenny Lock, Milton Keynes, UK, features an array of automation technology. Robotics and Automation supplier Logistex was chosen earlier this year to implement its warehouse execution system to optimise the systems.

The multi-phase project will initially see Logistex deploy its Warehouse Execution System, Reflex, which will orchestrate the picking of orders across multiple zones of the Fenny Lock DC and provide full integration with conveyors, robots and automated bagging machines.

Future phases will include the deployment of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) tote-to-person (TTP) picking solution based on Hai Robotics’ ACR robots and HaiPort workstations.

Tony Gruber, MD Logistex, said: “We are delighted to be working with John Lewis on this strategically important initiative. It combines all of our key capabilities in one project, solution design, the deployment of our Reflex WES platform in a multi-agent robotic-based automation environment & complete project life cycle support. We look forward to a successful project and an enduring relationship with John Lewis”.

John Munnelly, Head of Distribution, John Lewis Partnership (JLP), added: “This is an exciting partnership which will transform our Fenny Lock site, as we look for new and innovative ways on how to best serve our customers.”

Damien Skinner, Country Manager of UK & Ireland, Hai Robotics, said:

“We are thrilled JLP and Logistex have found the right solution with Hai Robotics’ HaiPick, which can reach up to 10m for picking and storing. We look forward to working with them on this project and expanding our partnership. One of the reasons why HaiPick was the right fit for the Logistex solution is because it is highly flexible and suitable to be deployed in existing sites. Next to that, the solution is rapidly scalable and is designed with plans for expansion in mind. HaiPick is fully CE and UKCA compliant and can be deployed relatively quickly. We will be working closely together with Logistex to achieve successful deployment for John Lewis through a joint testing methodology.”

Hai Robotics HaiPick systems can increase storage density by 80 to 400 percent while improving worker efficiency by 3 to 4 times. In addition, ACR robots can reach up to 10m high (32.8 ft). Compared with existing, especially traditional warehouse automation solutions, Hai Robotics‘ UKCA certified solutions can deliver extraordinary benefits for warehouses and logistical centres in the UK. The HaiPick systems provide more flexibility in terms of future expansion, exponentially increase operational efficiency, require less implementation time and are more cost-effective.

Fortna Automates Swedish eCommerce Parcel Hub

Posted on 19 April, 20237 August, 2025 by David Priestman

FORTNA, a leading automation and software company for the full logistics value chain, has partnered with Budbee, a Sweden-based tech company, to develop a parcel hub with enhanced and seamless delivery experience for their customers. The automated parcel system includes a new sorting solution that improves speed and accuracy for their new terminal in Jönköping, Sweden.

At the end of 2022, Budbee joined forces with Instabox under a new parent company, Instabee, with the aim of continuing the transformation of eCommerce deliveries while challenging traditional players in Europe. The terminal in Jönköping will deliver parcels to customers from both Budbee and Instabox.

The new automated hub is based on a shoe sorter system with loop functionality designed to transport products, such as cardboard boxes and bagged items. The solution is designed to achieve a throughput of hundreds of thousands of parcels daily, with multiple outfeeds for Budbee and Instabox destinations. This future-proof solution can expand the system and reach higher throughput as demand increases.

“As a true partner, we use our capabilities and industry experience to make our customers competitive and relevant to their clients,” said Jonathan Kruisselbrink, Director of Sales at FORTNA. “The facility will contribute to an overall operational improvement of the customer’s parcel environment. We are very pleased to support Budbee in its mission.”

The new sorting solution is up and running to serve as many customers as efficiently and quickly as possible. “We are happy to be working with FORTNA and the operational advantages it will give us. This will help us to serve Budbee and Instabox customers even more efficiently,” said Fredrik Nyström, Nordic General Manager of Instabee.

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfilment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution centre operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

New Automated ecommerce Hub in Spain

Posted on 13 March, 202331 July, 2025 by David Priestman

DB Schenker, a leading supply chain management and logistics service provider, opened operations at one of the largest automated ecommerce hub facilities servicing its retail customers in Spain, Portugal and France.

Operations in the 50,000 m2 state-of-the-art warehouse in Guadalajara have started with 150 employees on newly created jobs, more than 200 robots and an optimized packaging system. The site is equipped with a Goods-to-Person picking system to handle around 55,000 units per day using Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) provided by Geek+, the global leader in AMR technology. The system features innovative pick-and-pack solutions for a fast and flexible online-order fulfilment and efficiently deal with returns.

Cutting edge Autonomous Mobile Robot technology installed in record time for fulfilment to Spain, Portugal and France

Alfredo Alcalá, DB Schenker‘s Contract Logistics Product Manager in Iberia, said:
“DB Schenker is committed to serving the e-commerce sector with its innovative power and proven reliability. The automated solutions of our Guadalajara operations were installed in a record time of only four months and already proved their stability and flexibility around Black Friday and the Christmas season. We are proud to meet the expectations and the confidence of a customer as important as adidas.”

150 new jobs and high sustainability standards

An automated conveyor system ensures on-time processing and fast delivery times to establish the best customer experience for adidas, a global leader in the sporting goods industry and DB Schenker’s leading customer in this site. In order to optimize the volume of parcels and utilization of transport vehicles, packaging is adjusted to the exact size of the product that is shipped through an automated solution. This results in reduced CO2 emissions throughout distribution.

A privileged location

The logistics hub is certified ‘BREEAM Very Good’, aligning with sustainability as a strategic priority for DB Schenker, which seeks to grow in an environmentally friendly way and is committed to innovative and low-impact digital solutions. Among other features designed to protect natural resources, the warehouse combines skylights with high-tech LED systems and natural ventilation.

The state-of-the-art warehouse is situated in the Henares industrial park, strategically located 50 kilometers from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport and 60 kilometers from the center of Madrid with a connection to the main A2 and R2 highways. In addition, the flexibility of the warehouse design and technology, high-tech automation systems, plus the creation of jobs make it an excellent reference in Spain and Europe.

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