DHL Supply Chain, a leading global contract logistics company, and AutoStore, a pioneer in robotic technology for automated storage and retrieval systems, are intensifying their partnership to advance automation in warehouse operations worldwide. This collaboration aims to elevate the scale and efficiency of automated logistics solutions. Currently, DHL Supply Chain is involved in nine operational warehouse projects utilizing AutoStore’s technology, with four additional projects in the planning phase.
This expansion positions DHL as one of AutoStore’s most significant third-party logistics (3PL) clients, emphasizing their commitment to digitalization and automation in logistics. The existing AutoStore systems manage approximately 800,000 bins, and with the upcoming projects, this number is expected to increase to 1.2 million bins. DHL also plans to construct five additional facilities, further expanding its automated warehousing capabilities. AutoStore’s automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) technology is designed for efficient inventory management in compact spaces, making it particularly suitable for e-commerce and businesses handling smaller items like fashion and tech products.
The partnership between DHL and AutoStore focuses on accelerating the deployment of this innovative technology to meet diverse client requirements. Markus Voss, COO and CIO at DHL Supply Chain, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Expanding our relationship with AutoStore aligns with our strategy to enhance digitalization and automation in more warehouses, improving our service delivery to customers. AutoStore’s technology complements our goal to increase efficiency and scalability across various sectors, which is vital as a third-party logistics provider.” Since 2012, DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore have worked together on implementing advanced automated solutions in locations including Singapore, Poland, Germany, Australia, and the US. The collaboration has led to expansions at all operational sites, with a global fleet of over 1,000 robots that have significantly boosted operational efficiency and throughput.
Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s growth: “Our ongoing collaboration with DHL Supply Chain demonstrates the effectiveness and reliability of AutoStore’s technology. We are excited to support DHL Supply Chain’s global deployment of automated solutions and look forward to the growth opportunities this brings for AutoStore.” The enhanced partnership between DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore is set to transform the landscape of warehousing, offering scalable, adaptable, and efficient solutions to meet the dynamic needs of customers worldwide.