Wincanton invests in 48 mobile robots for Northampton hub

Wincanton has made a multi-million-pound investment in 48 autonomous mobile robots to accelerate its e-commerce capabilities.

It said the new AMR fleet would provide it with greater flexibility in its operations, enabling it to better manage the fluctuating product volumes associated with e-fulfilment work.

The fleet will be deployed in the summer of 2022 at Wincanton’s Cygnia distribution centre in Northampton, home to some of the UK’s leading mid-market, growth-oriented e-commerce brands.

This latest investment follows the successful pilot implementation of AMR technology at the group’s e-commerce facility in Nuneaton, which delivered operational efficiencies and improved accuracy for Neal’s Yard Remedies, the organic health and beauty company.

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The latest move is in line with Wincanton’s strategic focus on growing its e-commerce operations and builds on the capabilities that were added to the business with the acquisition of Cygnia Logistics in 2021.

Over a quarter of all of Wincanton’s warehouse stock now contains automation and robotics and the group employs a skilled team of over 60 engineering colleagues to manage and maintain its use across the portfolio.

Chief exectutive James Wroath said: “Wincanton is investing in automation and robotics to increase the agility, resilience and efficiency of our e-commerce customers’ supply chains. This, in turn, means that our customers can then focus their investment on product development.

“The e-fulfilment market is a key growth priority for the business. Once deployed by Cygnia, this state-of-the-art technology will be a critical part of our success.”