The background to the investment is the rapid growth of e-commerce in combination with Varner's own ambitions to expand its e-commerce sales. The new AutoStore solution will consist of 425 robots, 250,000 bins, 62 grids in the first phase, but has the capacity for further expansion. The order for Swisslog also includes SynQ software, which checks and controls the automation as well as conveyor systems, packaging machines and five additional mini-load cranes. With the new automation solution, Varner will be able to handle 7,500 order lines per hour, making the AutoStore solution one of the most high-performance ones built. Installation of the new solution will begin in the summer of 2022 and the system will be phased into operation starting in June 2023, the company said in a media statement.

“The purpose of the expansion is to increase our capacity for the rapidly growing online trade, but also to provide our customers and stores with better and faster service. In future, our existing AutoStore will serve our 1,200 stores and the new facility will exclusively serve our e-commerce customers,” Anders Eriksson, supply chain director at Varner AS, said in a statement.

“Since we started our partnership with Swisslog in 2013, we have developed a comprehensive partnership, based on professionalism, flexibility and focus on results. With that background, it was a natural choice to continue the good cooperation,” Anders, said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)