Swisslog WDS with record result in 2016 and major orders in the 4th quarter

Whether in the automotive sector, the pharmaceutical industry, the food and beverage sector or in e-commerce and retail: wherever customer needs and special expertise in process design play a central role, Swisslog was able to impress in 2016 with its solution expertise in logistics automation. "2016 was the most successful year in the history of Swisslog Warehouse & Distribution Solutions," says Dr. Christian Baur, Chief Operating Officer of the Swisslog Group and CEO of the Warehouse & Distribution Solutions (WDS) division. "We can look forward to substantial growth in all regions around the globe thanks to major orders."

In the fourth quarter in particular, Swisslog was able to record a number of notable incoming orders.

Swisslog is continuing its expansion course in new markets. Swisslog was delighted to be awarded the contract by Mai Dubai, an up-and-coming bottled water producer in the United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region. Mai Dubai is pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy and has chosen Swisslog as its partner for a comprehensive logistics automation project. The 18 million euro project includes the implementation of a high-bay warehouse for raw and packaging materials as well as the construction of a new high-bay warehouse for finished goods. An electrified monorail system designed for a distance of 1000 meters will connect all production and storage areas.

Impressive shuttle technology

An increase in storage capacity and a simultaneous reduction in energy consumption: the PowerStore pallet shuttle technology newly added to Swisslog's portfolio combines all the features that a modern, high-throughput storage system needs. The American fruit and vegetable wholesaler Stemilt Growers LLC has now also decided to invest in the technology. As part of a major project worth 12 million euros, Swisslog WDS Americas will be responsible for implementing the next automation steps in the distribution center located in the Wenatchee Washington region over the next few years. In addition to the warehouse management and software control system, Swisslog will also install a number of state-of-the-art conveyor technology components in this project.

Swisslog Warehouse & Distribution Solutions achieved its biggest tender success by far in the last quarter of 2016 with a major order worth EUR 50 million in Asia. The logistics facility planned for a major Asian corporation will be equipped with state-of-the-art software, conveyor and warehouse technology components as well as a fully automated storage system for pallets.

High level of service guaranteed in the long term

A key component of the successful tenders realized last year is the long-term support guaranteed by Swisslog far beyond the completion of the respective projects. Whether via remote maintenance systems or system operation expert teams directly at the customer's site: Swisslog offers round-the-clock support for all aspects of its IT and warehouse technology systems and relies on the continuous expansion of its service portfolio, for example through virtual reality applications and big data analysis methods. "Our technical expertise is growing rapidly in this environment," says Dr. Christian Baur. "Every single technological innovation that we successfully implement in this sector has great potential to sustainably reduce the costs of warehouse operations."

For Baur, a look at the well-filled order books leaves no room for doubt: "By expanding our expertise in the IT environment and in logistics design, we set exactly the right course for our growth a few years ago. Winning the 2016 Industry Award at the Hannover Messe for our innovative human-robot picking station Automated Item Pick (AIP) also confirms that Swisslog is a clear global pioneer in the development of forward-looking Industry 4.0 technologies."

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