The Nordic group Ahlsell has significantly expanded its activities in Denmark in recent years with the acquisition of Sanistål, KJV A/S, and Bacher Work Wear, and the group expects to make an additional two to three acquisitions per year in Denmark. This, along with an ambitious growth plan, increases the need for capacity at the group’s large robotic warehouse, also known as Autostore, which was officially opened on Thursday. During the summer, the AutoStore warehouse will be expanded once again, making it the largest of its kind in Denmark.
The robots in the sophisticated AutoStore system quickly locate the boxes of goods to be sent to customers, after which the robots transport the products to the picking stations where employees receive, pack, and ship the goods. The capacity of 84,000 boxes has already been expanded to 110,000 boxes, but in a few months, the facility will be able to handle no fewer than 183,000 boxes in the warehouse, which will feature a total of 160 fully automated robots.
- We have very good experiences with our robotic system, which increases our level of automation and makes us more cost-effective. The robotic warehouse also means that we make significantly fewer mistakes and can deliver customer orders quickly. This results in more satisfied customers, says supply chain director Stephan Schuler from Ahlsell Denmark.
The efficiency of the AutoStore warehouse in Billund means that Ahlsell Denmark can deliver customer orders overnight or early in the morning, even if the orders were placed the previous evening before 6:00 PM.
The major expansion of the AutoStore facility is a prerequisite for Ahlsell Denmark to strengthen its position in Denmark and execute its ambitious growth plans with two to three annual acquisitions in the coming years. In connection with the acquisition of Sanistål alone, the product range has been expanded with several thousand new products, and with new acquisitions, naturally even more items will be added to the warehouse. In total, the range includes more than 430,000 product numbers within various categories including plumbing, electrical, steel and metals, tools, workwear, and consumables.
There is also a significant sustainability aspect to using an AutoStore facility, as Ahlsell Denmark can reduce the amount of cardboard and packaging shipped to customers by 20-25 percent, and the robots recycle energy while in operation.
Ample space for more products
Even though Ahlsell Denmark is making several acquisitions, there will not be a lack of space at the logistics center in Billund.
- We have 55,000 square meters at our disposal, so we are geared for growth. The AutoStore facility is extremely flexible and can be expanded as needed, but a facility with 160 robots and 183,000 boxes gives us sufficient capacity in the coming years, says Stephan Schuler.
Ahlsell is the largest distributor in the Nordic region of tools, plumbing, and electrical products for the construction industry and manufacturing sectors, and on April 2, the group will open 24 craftsman stores, previously known as Sanistål. Additionally, the group operates 11 mobile stores and two refrigeration technology stores in Denmark.
- Our goal is to become a leader in the Danish market, even though the competition is tough. We have strong confidence that we can strengthen our position in Denmark through acquisitions, modernization of physical stores, digitization, and the industry's best e-commerce experience, and our large robotic warehouse supports our growth plans, says CEO Claudio Christensen from Ahlsell Denmark.