Wincanton invests in automation to increase agility
Wincanton has made a multimillion-pound investment in autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology to accelerate its e-commerce capabilities.
The Group is committed to investing in the latest, state-of-the-art automation and robotics technologies to support and service the demands of customers in the e-commerce market. This new fleet of 48 collaborative robots provides Wincanton with greater flexibility in its operations for customers, enabling it to better manage the fluctuating product volumes associated with high volume eFulfilment work.
The fleet will be deployed in the summer of 2022 at Wincanton’s Cygnia distribution centre in Northampton, home to some of the UK’s leading mid-market, growth-oriented e-commerce brands, including Molton Brown. This latest investment follows the successful pilot implementation of AMR technology at the Group’s eCommerce facility in Nuneaton, which delivered operational efficiencies and improved accuracy for Neal’s Yard Remedies, the organic health and beauty company.
The roll out of more AMRs across the Group is in line with Wincanton’s strategic focus on growing its e-commerce operations and builds on the capabilities that were added to the business with the acquisition of Cygnia Logistics in 2021.
The implementation of new technology at Cygnia’s site in Northampton means that over a quarter of all of Wincanton’s warehouse stock contains automation and robotics. The Group employs a skilled team of over 60 engineering colleagues to manage and maintain its use across the portfolio.
James Wroath, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Wincanton is investing in automation and robotics to increase the agility, resilience and efficiency of our ecommerce customers’ supply chains. This, in turn, means that our customers can then focus their investment on product development.”
“The eFulfilment market is a key growth priority for the business. Once deployed by Cygnia, this state-of-the-art technology will be a critical part of our success.”
