Arvato and global robot tech firm expand automated storage system in Birmingham to boost client growth
International supply chain management and e-commerce service provider Arvato has expanded its automated storage system in Birmingham in partnership with a global robot tech company.
Arvato’s Hams Hall site in Birmingham has been upgraded and expanded in a partnership with AutoStore, a global leader in technology-driven intelligent order fulfilment solutions.
The expansion was implemented in cooperation with system integrator Kardex, one of AutoStore’s long-standing partners, and it has increased capacity by more than 30 per cent - enabling faster, more flexible fulfilment for a growing international client base.
The extension was completed in just over three months, following the original AutoStore system implementation in 2023 – the fastest in Arvato’s history.
The upgraded system now operates with 165 R5 robots managing 87,600 bins, up from 65,000 previously, and supports nearly 1.2 million stored units. During peak periods, picking performance reaches more than 26,000 orders per day – a 53 per cent increase compared to manual picking solutions.
Steven Pitt, head of operations at the Hams Hall site, said: “Since launching the AutoStore system in August 2023, we’ve significantly boosted productivity, scalability, and service quality.
“The compact design and automation have maximized warehouse space while reducing costs – helping us onboard new clients faster and with greater efficiency.”
The expansion has been driven by the onboarding of a new international client – a leading brand in technical athletic apparel – seeking a flexible, reliable solution to meet the demands of the fast-paced UK market.
Tim Godejohann, project lead logistics engineering at Arvato, said: “The AutoStore system provides the flexibility and reliability required to support Arvato’s growth in the UK market.
“Integrating it through our own Warehouse Control System gives us maximum flexibility and short implementation timelines. This adaptability allows us to meet every expectation from our clients seamlessly.”
Dennis Schmitz, managing director of Arvato in the UK, added: “With our investments in technology, we take a strategic approach to optimize and shape supply chains for our clients.
"The expansion of the AutoStore system underlines the strong momentum we’re seeing in the UK market and our commitment to keep building on it.”
Frode S Robberstad, EMEA president at AutoStore, said of the project: “Our collaboration with Arvato on the Hams Hall project, supported by system integrator Kardex, reflects our shared commitment to delivering intelligent, high-performance fulfilment solutions that help businesses scale efficiently and meet growing market demands."
