"After more than 30 years in the intralogistics industry, 2020 was our best year yet. Across all markets and industries, we are seeing a trend towards automated and efficient warehouse processes. This offers us great opportunities, which we have been actively working towards," says Dag-Adler Blakseth, CEO at Element Logic.

The intralogistics system integrator Element Logic is an expert and system integrator for the AutoStore automated small parts warehouse and became the world's first AutoStore partner in 2003. Since then, the company has implemented over 140 systems in Europe, making it the European AutoStore market leader. In 2020, earnings (EBITDA) almost doubled compared to the previous year. The order backlog also set a new record with growth of 60% compared to the previous year. Turnover clearly exceeded the 100 million euro mark in 2020.

"In some markets, we achieved growth rates that far exceeded our targets. The above-average growth of online retail contributed significantly to this success. We are continuing to grow - and so is our market share. We owe this growth to our DNA, our many years of experience and our ability to respond specifically to the needs of our customers," Blakseth continues.

Ready for further growth

In February 2020, Element Logic was awarded the pan-European AutoStore distribution rights. Since then, Element Logic has been serving the growing demand for robot-based warehouse automation solutions throughout Europe. Element Logic is already represented close to its customers with locations in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the UK, Poland, France, the Netherlands and currently also in the Czech Republic. Further branches are being planned and will open in 2021. "We are continuously gaining market share, both in established and "new" markets. In 2021, we will focus on further expanding our expertise and capacities in order to be optimally prepared for further growth," explains Blakseth.

Consumer expectations shape the market

"The trend towards online shopping will continue to grow in 2021. Consumer expectations in terms of availability and fast delivery will shape and change the retail industry in the coming years," Blakseth continues.

"We assume that in future there will be fewer and fewer sectors that sell their goods exclusively in brick-and-mortar stores. We also believe that consumers' willingness to pay for faster deliveries will increase, resulting in greater demands on efficient logistics. A shift towards micro-fulfilment centers close to customers is already underway and can be seen in various sectors," Blakseth concludes.