Swisslog delivers data-driven and 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 – with more than 15,000 people working across the globe.
Head of Sales UK at Swisslog
Shane Faulkner, Head of Sales UK at Swisslog spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.
What are your best-known products/solutions/services?
Without a doubt, our Vectura stacker crane is a standout Swisslog solution. We have been manufacturing and installing these automated storage and retrieval systems for over 50 years, and they’re recognised worldwide, with more than 3,000 cranes in operation. We’ve continuously improved this technology, focusing on optimising energy usage and enhancing reliability.
Another key solution empowered by Swisslog is AutoStore, a modular cube-based goods-to-person picking system. This continues to be a favourite for item picking due to its simplicity, high availability, and best-in-class storage density.
How do you think your industry sector is performing at the moment?
The interest in automation within the supply chain is very buoyant. The need for automation is stronger than ever, driven by rising labour costs and challenges with labour availability and retention, not to mention increasing land prices. However, the economic disruptions over the past few years have made some businesses hesitant to invest in large automation projects.
How many markets are you in and what is your biggest market?
We categorise our markets a bit differently than others in the industry. Key markets for us include Food & Beverage, Groceries, Apparel, and General Merchandise, spanning the entire supply chain from manufacturers to retailers. Currently, the Food & Beverage sector is particularly strong for us, but this can vary.
In what ways does your company stand out from its competitors?
Our extensive portfolio of technologies allows us to offer tailored solutions that meet our customers’ specific needs. We focus on understanding our customers’ current operations and future aspirations, tailoring our solutions around the right technologies rather than forcing a specific technology to fit. Our SynQ software platform is highly flexible, capable of integrating WCS, WMS, or a mix of functionalities, and is used globally, leveraging our vast resources and expertise.
What are your most recent product innovations?
Not everyone knows, but Swisslog is owned by one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial robots and factory automation systems—KUKA. By leveraging KUKA’s expertise, we have had the opportunity to develop goods-to-robots solutions for warehouse operations, and case-to-pallet picking solutions.
What are the major trends and developments affecting your category and your customers, and how are you responding?
We are seeing increased exploration into robotic picking systems and future-proofing solutions from goods-to-person to goods-to-robot picking. Customers are also demanding more flexible solutions to accommodate growing storage and throughput requirements, an area where AutoStore excels.
Can you tell us about any recent customer contract wins or projects and how you helped the customer meet their challenges?
We recently secured a contract with a Food-on-the-Go retailer in the UK. Our collaboration with the customer was crucial in understanding their business challenges and objectives. For the food industry, flexible multi-temperature solutions are essential across ambient, chilled and frozen environments. Swisslog’s diverse product portfolio was critical in handling various unit loads, including pallets, cases, and containers, all benefitting from automated transportation, storage, replenishment, and fully automated robot picking solutions.
How do your business levels in 2024 compare to previous years?
Swisslog UK experienced strong business levels in 2022 and 2023, resulting in a robust backlog of projects. Consequently, we did not forecast new business in early 2024. As we approach the end of 2024, we have been selected or shortlisted for several projects, but the current economic climate has affected order commitments.
What is your strategy for growth and success in 2025?
Our strategy for 2025 focuses on efficient scalability. We aim to continue integrating pallet and cube storage solutions across industries, leveraging technology, data and IT systems to drive efficiency and product development. Our people and culture remain at the heart of our business, and we will continue to focus on existing and new products in our solutions across our key vertical markets and continue to invest in our customer support and account management.
Can you tell us about any areas where you’re currently making technical advances?
We have a continuous roadmap for technological advancements, focusing on increasing efficiency, reliability, and intelligence in machine technology and software systems.
Are you investing in staff training and skills development and can you give examples?
At Swisslog, we believe in the power of nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. Our Global Trainee Program is a shining example of this commitment, designed to help trainees develop practical skills and pave the way for dynamic careers within our organisation. We recently celebrated as six UK trainees became fully-fledged Swissloggers as they completed a 12-month journey of development within our Solution Design, System Engineering and Software Engineering teams.
What work are you doing in the area of sustainability?
We have introduced a new eLearning on “The Circular Economy,” which addresses environmental challenges such as resource depletion, pollution, and climate change while promoting economic growth. The key principles of the Circular Economy are to create a closed-loop system where resources and products are reused, repaired, remanufactured, and recycled, alongside designing for longevity, rather than single use.
What sets your company apart from others?
Without a doubt, it is our people and culture that sets us apart. Maintaining an organisation that operates as OneSwisslog is key to our success.
Will you be investing in your premises over the next 12 months?
Our UK Headquarters in Redditch is undergoing a major refurbishment and will reopen in early January 2025 as the Swisslog UK Collaboration Hub. This transformation will reshape our work environment, fostering innovation, creativity and unity among our colleagues across the UK. It promises to be a great start to the year.
How future-proof and flexible are your solutions?
When we work with customers on an automated solution, understanding their business variations throughout the year and even within a single day is absolutely key. Supply chain challenges are diverse and ever-changing, so having flexible solutions that can adapt to these fluctuations is crucial. We design our systems to be future-proof, ensuring they can evolve with our customers’ needs and the industry’s advancements.
What exhibitions can we expect to see your company exhibiting at in 2025?
In 2025, you can catch us at several key exhibitions in the UK and Ireland, including IntraLogisteX 2025, The Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition 2025, and IMHX 2025.
How would you sum up your company in three words?
Innovative, Collaborative, Trustworthy.
SWISSLOG UK
01527 551600
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