Swisslog delivers data-driven & robotic solutions for your logistics automation alongside reliable, modular service concepts. Collaborating with forward-thinking companies, we are committed to setting new standards in warehouse automation to provide future-proof products and solutions. As part of the KUKA Group, our customers trust the competence of our passionate employees – we have more than 15,000 people working across the globe.
Business Development Manager United Kingdom & Ireland
Adam Fox, Business Development Manager United Kingdom & Ireland at Swisslog speaks to Warehouse & Logistics News.
What are your best-known products, solutions, and services, and which industry sectors are your customers in?
Swisslog is renowned for being a highly effective and dependable partner for warehouse automation, supported by a comprehensive portfolio of in-house manufactured solutions. We excel particularly in our pallet ASRS solutions, which have been manufactured in Sweden since 1969.
Our customer base spans several industry sectors, with significant strength in Food & Beverage, Grocery, General Merchandising, and Apparel. The automation of food distribution, especially frozen food, is growing rapidly due to significant energy cost savings and sustainability benefits. This sector’s growth is driven by the compelling need for efficiency and the environmental advantages our solutions provide.
What are your most recent product innovations, and how do they address major industry trends?
Our solutions are continually evolving to become more energy efficient, reliable, and easier to service. Significant advancements have been made in our SynQ software platform, the brain behind many of our solutions, to enhance the functionality and real-world benefits of our automation.
Key drivers for warehouse automation include labour shortages, cost reduction, and improved customer service. Future flexibility has become crucial, and our solutions are therefore increasingly scalable. A prime example is AutoStore empowered by Swisslog, a game-changing solution in terms of flexibility and scalability.
Sustainability is also integral to Swisslog, with innovations like our Vectura pallet ASRS using about 20% less energy than competitors’ systems. These advancements ensure that we stay ahead of industry trends and continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Can you share some recent customer success stories and how they reflect your company’s strategy and capabilities?
A notable example is our partnership with Agile Cold Storage for pallet automation. Our recent video case study highlights how success is achieved through true partnership and a shared goal. Additionally, we collaborated with Albert Heijn in Barendrecht on an AutoStore-based e-grocery fulfilment solution, handling 45,000 home shopping orders weekly.
These projects demonstrate our strategy of deeply understanding our customers’ current operational challenges and future aspirations. By working closely with our customers, we can deliver tailored solutions that drive efficiency and growth.
How does business in 2024 compare to previous years, and what’s your strategy for success in the current climate?
Interest in warehouse automation remains high, reflecting the ongoing need for efficiency and cost savings in the industry. Our strategy focuses on deeply understanding our customers and building strong partnerships to deliver solutions that are not only effective but also adaptable to future needs. This approach has helped us maintain a strong market position despite the challenges posed by geopolitical uncertainties and economic fluctuations.
What’s the latest news from your company, and do you have plans to participate in any upcoming major trade shows?
We recently opened a new production centre in Eberstalzell, Austria, featuring state of the art production and test facilities for our light goods solutions. This investment underscores our commitment to innovation and quality.
In 2025, we will participate in IntraLogisteX (Birmingham), The National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition (Dublin), and IMHX (Birmingham). We invite visitors to drop by for a chat and learn more about our innovative solutions.
What sets your company apart from the competition?
Swisslog is known for its reliability and successful project track record. Our ability to help customers achieve their future operational aspirations in a viable manner truly sets us apart. Our people are our most valuable asset, and we continuously enhance our strategies to ensure all colleagues are trained and empowered to deliver maximum value to our customers.
By investing in our workforce, we ensure that we have the expertise and skills needed to support our customers effectively. We operate in 28 countries and leverage our parent company KUKA’s global presence to support customers worldwide. This global reach allows us to replicate successful solutions across different regions, ensuring consistency and quality.
What would you say are the biggest trends shaping the warehousing and logistics industry?
Future flexibility is crucial as business operations evolve. Our solutions, like AutoStore, are designed to be flexible and scalable. Our SynQ software platform is essential for adapting to future changes.
Trends vary by sector; in frozen food distribution, we see consolidation and the construction of large automated high bay facilities. These facilities, combined with advanced insulation and refrigeration technology, offer significant energy and cost savings while enhancing customer service. By staying ahead of these trends, we ensure that our solutions remain relevant and effective.
Swisslog
01527 551600
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