We Expand our Automated Storage System in the UK with AutoStore

We have expanded our automated storage system in partnership with AutoStore™, global leader in technology-driven, intelligent order fulfillment solutions, at our Hams Hall site in Birmingham, UK.

Arvato works with various system partners across its global network. The expansion was implemented in cooperation with system integrator Kardex, one of AutoStore’s long-standing partners. The project increased capacity by more than 30 percent and enables faster, more flexible fulfillment 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 our Arvato-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 percent increase compared to manual picking solutions.

“Since launching the AutoStore system in August 2023, we’ve significantly boosted productivity, scalability, and service quality,” says Steven Pitt, Head of Operations at the Hams Hall site. “The compact design and automation have maximized warehouse space while reducing costs – helping us onboard new clients faster and with greater efficiency.”

The expansion is 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. “The AutoStore system provides the flexibility and reliability required to support our growth in the UK market,” explains Tim Godejohann, Project Lead Logistics Engineering at Arvato. “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.”

“Our collaboration with Arvato on the Hams Hall project, supported by system integrator Kardex, reflects our shared commitment to delivering intelligent, high-performance fulfillment solutions that help businesses scale efficiently and meet growing market demands,” says Frode S. Robberstad, President, EMEA at AutoStore.

“With our investments in technology, we take a strategic approach to optimize and shape supply chains for our clients,” says Dennis Schmitz, Managing Director of Arvato in the UK. “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.”

Across its global network, we have implemented more than ten AutoStore systems at sites in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Austria, and the USA – serving clients from the fashion and beauty, tech, and healthcare industries. The long-standing partnership with AutoStore continues to strengthen our ability to deliver scalable, high-performance automation solutions for both B2B and B2C order fulfillment.