Transformation - Wonder has invested £8m in an automated warehouse robotics system (pictured)

Party products supplier Wonder has invested £8m in an automated warehouse robotic system, able to pick around 35,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) and helping in its aim to become a £500m business by 2026.

The Milton Keynes firm built the Autostore system within its existing 100,000sq ft distribution centre and it said the investment will enable increased stock availability within one central location, faster order turnaround times and also provided extended next-day delivery cut-off to 9pm for B2C customers.

The AutoStore system contains a three-dimensional aluminium grid structure with self-supporting tote bins that are transferred to pick stations by independently operating robots, providing swift and accurate movement of orders.

Wonder’s system is 145 ft wide and 100 ft deep and holds 39,500 product containing totes in total.

The company has placed 30,000 SKUs in the automated system and has acquired new conveyors to further enhance the distribution centre’s efficiencies.

Wonder chief executive Joe Hennigan said: “Our investment in the latest warehouse technologies provides us with the infrastructure for further sustainable profitable growth.

“This is a significant investment and is another statement of intent regarding the extent of our ambition and plans for future expansion.”

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