AutoStore's Robot Revolution Heads East: New Factory Powers Up Asia Pacific Expansion

Thailand is now the unlikely epicenter of AutoStore's latest power play. The Norwegian warehouse automation giant spun up a leading-edge robot factory in Rayong Province. It’s a strategic move designed to drive its growth across the booming Asia Pacific market.

AutoStore, known for its iconic cube-based storage systems and zippy robots, is already a global powerhouse with over 1,450 systems humming in 54 countries. But demand is skyrocketing, especially in e-commerce hotspots like Australia, Japan, and Singapore.

By setting up shop in Thailand, AutoStore is closer to these critical markets, slashing delivery times and supercharging customer service. The company sees Thailand's skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and government support for automation as important lures.

Robots on the rise

The new factory is no small operation. AutoStore expects to double its robot production within the first year, churning out a staggering 15,000 bots in the next 18 months. These aren't your average factory droids; they're the brains and muscle behind AutoStore's innovative grid system, whizzing around to retrieve products at super fast speed.

This robotic army is already making waves in Asia, powering over 140 AutoStore systems for big names like Puma, Gucci, and Best Buy. The new factory ensures these brands, and many more, keep up with the e-commerce frenzy.

Mats Hovland Vikse, AutoStore's chief executive officer, sees the Thai factory as a game-changer: "With increased demand worldwide, it’s become imperative that we opened a second robot factory to serve current and future customers better."

AutoStore's chief operating officer, Israel Losada Salvador, echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the company's commitment to lightning-fast delivery: "With our expansion into Thailand, we have not only increased capacity but also established a more diversified supplier base. AutoStore’s lead times have gone from 34 weeks to 20 weeks.”

Sawasdee to the warehouse’s future

AutoStore's Thai factory is more than robots and revenue; it offers a glimpse into the future of warehousing. As e-commerce continues its meteoric rise, automation is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity.

The company's modular, scalable systems are designed to maximize space and efficiency, a crucial advantage in a world where every square foot counts. By doubling down on robotics and local production, AutoStore is not just meeting demand; it's shaping the future of how goods are stored and shipped.

So, the next time you click "buy now," there's a good chance an AutoStore robot in Thailand will already be hard at work making sure your order arrives on time and in style.

Image credit: AutoStore