The REWE Group is transforming the site within existing premises into a sustainable and innovative logistics hub, incorporating state-of-the-art warehouse technologies. From there, the company will supply its BILLA, BILLA PLUS, BIPA, and ADEG stores, as well as cooperation partners such as gas station shops, with dry goods. “This project is a milestone for our entire company group. With the new logistics centre, we are creating the infrastructure needed for modern, efficient, and sustainable retailing”, explains Peter Maly, REWE Group Board Member for Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

“In Wiener Neudorf, we are building one of Europe’s most modern retail logistics platforms – a sustainable and resilient backbone for our supply chain,” emphasizes Marcel Haraszti, Executive Board Member of REWE International AG. “We are consolidating our goods flows, reducing transport volumes, increasing supply reliability, and creating new jobs for highly qualified employees in logistics, technology, and IT.”

Efficient module mix with high cost-efficiency

The facility will utilize WITRON’s OPM (Order Picking Machinery) and CPS (Car Picking System) solutions, enabling fully automated, semi-automated, and store-friendly stacking of cases onto pallets and roll containers. A unique feature of the CPS solution is that employees pick items in a path-optimized manner – guided by a pick-by-voice system – from a pick front stocked with layer trays, totes, and pallets. Replenishment is handled by stacker cranes.

Small-volume items will be picked directly from storage totes into shipping totes at eight ergonomically designed workstations using the DPS solution and guided by pick-by-light technology. Here too, the pick front is permanently and automatically replenished by stacker cranes. The individual logistics areas are connected via a conveyor system network. An intelligent consolidation strategy ensures optimal load carrier utilization for stores, resulting in significant transport cost savings.

In total, the entire material flow includes almost 550,000 storage locations for pallets, trays, and totes, more than 100 stacker cranes, and 18+ kilometers of conveyor system. All IT, control, and mechanical components are developed and manufactured in-house at WITRON’s headquarters in Parkstein.

“From the very beginning, our goal was to create a leading-edge logistics platform that combines efficiency, sustainability, and supply reliability. By consolidating logistics in Wiener Neudorf, we are also setting the highest standards in digitization and automation of retail logistics”, says Isabella Handler, Overall Project Manager at REWE International AG, emphasizing the importance of technological implementation.

Construction measures – high sustainability standards

The project is also designed with sustainability in mind. Built exclusively on previously developed land, the logistics centre will become the new core of REWE’s logistics operations in Austria and a flagship project for the company’s logistics strategy. Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with operations scheduled to start in 2031. Where possible, the new WITRON technology will be integrated into existing buildings. Demolition work will begin in parallel to pave the way for new buildings – all without additional land.

“In Wiener Neudorf, we are building the infrastructure of tomorrow – fully integrated in our nationwide network in Austria. REWE Group’s key objectives are to strengthen supply reliability and reduce CO2 emissions along the entire supply chain”, explains Christian Hörner, Managing Director of Warehousing & Transport at REWE International AG. The logistics centre in Wiener Neudorf marks a major step toward achieving these goals and will serve as a model for REWE Group’s international retail logistics operations.”

A long-standing partnership

“We are proud to be implementing this project together with REWE – a clear sign that the chemistry between our two companies is just right”, says Markus Lang, Project Manager at WITRON. “REWE and WITRON have enjoyed a successful project partnership since 2012. Currently, WITRON is supporting REWE Germany as an implementation partner in a major re-organization initiative at the Neu-Isenburg site, where a semi-automated Case Picking System with aisle-bound picking vehicles is being replaced by the fully automated OPM system featuring 22 COM machines. The REWE site in Henstedt-Ulzburg has also been equipped with WITRON technology and is considered a benchmark in REWE’s German logistics network.”

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Synopsis:

In this webinar Steven Timberlake of Infios discusses how you can measure your organisation’s level of supply chain maturity and the steps involved in developing greater efficiency and resilience in today’s challenging environment. Together with Peter MacLeod, Steven will explore topics including artificial intelligence, automation and system modernisation and outline how they form part of the practical steps that any organisation can implement today to relentlessly improve supply chain performance tomorrow.

Steven Timberlake, Infios

Steven Timberlake provides thought leadership and strategic challenge around supply chain execution as the Vice President of Sales Northern Europe at Infios. In his role, Steven plays a pivotal role in consulting businesses on transforming their supply chain execution, leveraging his extensive experience to drive strategic initiatives and foster growth opportunities. With over two decades of experience in technology and supply chain, Steven has established himself as a strategic leader adept at driving growth for his customers. His innovative approach to enterprise engagement has enabled organisations to navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable success in today’s dynamic supply chain environment.

Register to watch it here now

The name Infios draws inspiration from the concept of infinity, representing the vast, interconnected global marketplace and the limitless opportunities to help businesses create their future. Infios is built on the belief that supply chains should be agile, intelligent, and constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. By leveraging advanced technologies, data-driven insights, and a deep understanding of customer needs, Infios delivers innovative solutions that drive efficiency, lower costs, and empower businesses to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“Supply chains are the backbone of modern business and global progress. And when they work better — simpler, faster, smarter — businesses thrive, people benefit, and communities become stronger. We believe that the future is better when supply chains work better,” said Ed Auriemma, CEO of Infios. “Our goal at Infios is to work alongside our customers to provide solutions that meet today’s challenges while thinking ahead to solve tomorrow’s problems.”

Infios integrates order management, warehousing and fulfillment and transportation management into a comprehensive suite of solutions, equipping businesses with the tools they need to navigate today’s complex supply chain landscape. Infios is dedicated to its customers, evolving with them to provide scalable, adaptable solutions that meet their changing needs. This flexibility enables customers to optimize every aspect of their operations with versatile, scalable, and future-ready capabilities. With a thoughtful approach to innovation, the company integrates data, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights to help businesses stay ahead, anticipating challenges and opportunities before they arise.

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The good news? Cold chain automation is no longer just about speed and operational precision – it is rapidly becoming a key enabler of sustainability. As companies face growing pressure to decarbonise, cold chain logistics is undergoing a quiet transformation.

This traditionally energy-heavy sector is evolving into a more sustainable, efficient, and climate-conscious system.

The Sustainability Problem (and the Opportunity)

The conventional cold chain is challenged by three major sustainability issues:

● High energy use from refrigeration, lighting, and HVAC systems
● Product loss and waste due to temperature fluctuations, spoilage, and human error
● Carbon emissions from diesel-powered transport and inefficient warehouse operations

With rising energy costs and increasing focus on ESG goals, businesses can no longer ignore these inefficiencies. Fortunately, automation offers a powerful solution.

How Cold Chain Automation Supports Sustainability

Automated cold storage systems – such as ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems) – are often compact, high-density, and fully enclosed. These systems reduce the volume of air that needs to be cooled, resulting in significantly lower refrigeration demand.

When paired with smart zoning and AI-powered climate controls, automated facilities can dynamically adjust cooling only where and when it’s needed – cutting down on unnecessary energy usage.

Reduced Waste, Increased Accuracy

Real-time monitoring systems in automated warehouses continuously track temperature and humidity. If any parameter deviates from set thresholds, alerts are triggered immediately. This helps to:

● Minimise spoilage
● Reduce packaging and product waste
● Avoid the environmental and financial costs of lost goods

In industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, where safety and compliance are non-negotiable, this level of precision is critical.

Smaller Environmental Footprint

Automated storage solutions typically allow for vertical integration, maximising space within the existing footprint of a facility. This not only increases storage capacity but also reduces the need for new warehouse construction – along with its associated emissions and resource consumption.

Diana Davoyan

Greener Transport and Smart Routing

Cold chain automation isn’t limited to storage. It also extends to transportation:

● AI-driven route planning helps reduce mileage and fuel consumption
● The adoption of electric and hybrid refrigerated vehicles is accelerating
● Some logistics hubs are integrating with on-site renewable energy sources, like solar panels, to power both storage and charging infrastructure

Data-Driven Sustainability

One of the most powerful advantages of automation is the ability to collect and analyse granular data. Businesses can now track:

● Energy usage per pallet or unit
● Refrigeration efficiency trends
● Carbon emissions per delivery
● Compliance with sustainability benchmarks and regulations

This data not only helps identify inefficiencies but also provides the transparency required for ESG reporting and sustainability certifications.

What’s Next for the Greener Cold Chain?

The future of sustainable cold chain logistics is being shaped by several emerging technologies, including:

● Battery-powered and solar-assisted refrigerated vehicles
● AI-optimised HVAC systems that adapt in real time to changing internal and external conditions
● Passive cooling innovations, such as phase change materials used in packaging
● Carbon-neutral warehouses powered entirely by renewable energy sources

As these innovations continue to scale, automation will be essential for managing complexity while maintaining operational efficiency. Ultimately, the future of cold chain logistics will hinge on how boldly organisations embrace automation – not only as a performance driver, but as a key enabler of long-term sustainability.

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Quickbin+ combines patented bin-picker and bin-mover robots in a breakthrough intelligent warehousing system that enhances storage density, optimises efficiency and delivers substantial cost savings to maximise ROI. The compact M5F robot delivers high performance to a broad range of industries and applications, from 3PL, retail and e-commerce, to healthcare, food & beverage and manufacturing.

Adaptable, efficient and agile

The M5F robot is a key component of the Quickbin+ solution, which integrates bin-picker and bin-mover robots to deliver a cost-effective, flexible entry into intelligent warehousing with lower investment and maintenance costs, and a faster payback period (as short as two years).

Enhancing efficiency, throughput and flexibility, the durable, streamlined M5F is the next generation of bin-mover robots. It has a long 11-hour battery life to minimise downtime and eliminate mid-shift charging, an acceleration of 2 m/s², and achieves speeds of up to 4.5 m/s and.

With agile horizontal transportation and curved-turn functionality, the M5F operates effectively in tight spaces to reduce operating times and cut the number of bin-mover robots required by up to 40%. Smooth performance is achieved with ±10mm accuracy using QR codes for position tracking, while inertial sensors gather real-time data to adjust orientation, detect obstacles, and ensure smooth navigation.

Working alongside other robots

The M5F is adaptable and scalable, offering easy and seamless integration with other mobile robots, including the C56 bin-picker robot. It can be reconfigured to suit an array of different workflows and applications, while its single-column, fork-arm design improves manoeuvrability and adaptability to a wide variety of different warehouse situations.

Combined with the C56 bin-picker robot, which can operate at heights up to 12m to enhance storage density, the M5F’s dual-layer buffer zones utilise both vertical and horizontal space. The dual-depth storage allows picking from two locations along the aisles, effectively doubling capacity and providing the flexibility needed to adapt to varying SKUs and seasonal demand.

Intelligent technology

Quicktron has a growing portfolio of high-performance robotic solutions and has expanded rapidly since it was founded in 2014. With businesses facing rising pressures to improve warehouse efficiency and reduce intralogistics costs, the company has more than 30,000 operational robotic units deployed worldwide, including over 1,000 AGVs in a single warehouse. The QuickBin (QB+) system is a core offering for Quicktron and a key part of its portfolio of comprehensive warehouse solutions, which integrate intelligent intralogistics technologies, including four-way shuttles, AMRs, and tote handling systems across full-scenario operations.

Quicktron has a strong focus on R&D and intelligent solutions, with more than 500 patents to its name. A long-term strategic partnership with Dematic combines both companies’ expertise, building on a proven track record of successful collaborations, including the joint delivery of multiple QuickBin and G2P picking system projects.

Yang Wei, the CEO and founder at Quicktron Robotics, commented: “The new M5F robot is part of our commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of companies, making the industry more sustainable, and freeing workers from mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on more engaging and valuable work.

“Our strong emphasis on R&D has delivered a faster, more agile, more efficient robot that reduces warehouse and intralogistics costs even further and enhances our flagship QuickBin+ solution. Integrating the new M5F with QuickBin+ provides a 50-60% saving in labour costs and a scalable, flexible future-proof solution that can adapt to companies’ changing needs.

“The M5F robot debuted at the 2025 ProMat show in Chicago in March and we’re excited to see how it can benefit companies across Europe as part of our core QuickBin+ solution.”

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The Kmart Group serves millions of customers per week in over 450 Kmart and Target stores across Australia and New Zealand, as well as through its online platforms and mobile apps. Kmart’s long-term growth ambitions will focus on this omni-channel approach, and address the current challenges of labour availability, rising order volumes, and increasing customer expectations.

The partnership reflects Kmart’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and future-proofing its supply chain as it continues to expand across the region. The new 100,000m² omni-channel facility will be equipped with Vanderlande’s advanced FASTPICK solution, combining the intelligent ADAPTO automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) with ten ergonomic goods-to-person (GtP) workstations.

The system has been designed to maximise picking speed, flexibility and efficiency, so that the full complexity of both business-to-business (store deliveries) and business-toconsumer (online orders) operations can be seamlessly integrated within a single omnichannel fulfilment centre. For retail distribution, a high-speed crossbelt sorter will handle both cartons and polybags with a high level of precision.

In addition, the Moorebank site will deploy a large fleet of Toyota AGVs and VNA (very narrow aisle) trucks to support internal pallet transport and high-density storage. The entire operation will be controlled by Vanderlande’s VISION warehouse control system, ensuring the intelligent coordination and
management of all processes. Together, these integrated technologies will form a scalable, future-ready platform that is tailored to meet Kmart’s operational requirements.

“The investment in the new Moorebank omni-channel fulfilment centre will be an important part of our long-term strategy to modernise our supply chain and simplify store operations,” explains Phillip Irvine, Kmart’s General Manager – Next Generation Supply Chain. “Ultimately, this approach is about delivering even more value to our customers, which is central to who we are.”

“We are excited to join Kmart on this journey to optimise its supply chain and ensure that this is ready for the future,” says Jordan Thrupp, Vanderlande’s Managing Director Australia. “The strong partnership we’ve built with their team has been instrumental in delivering the best possible solution, and we remain committed to supporting Kmart’s ongoing success.”

Stephan Heessels, Vanderlande’s Executive Vice President for Warehouse Solutions adds: “This project reflects our dedication to delivering scalable systems with fast and efficient order fulfilment. FASTPICK is the optimal solution for leading retailers, such as Kmart, facing unpredictable long-term growth across their store and e-commerce operations.”

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The family-owned company, based in France and operating internationally, wants to consolidate the flows of its footwear activities for its various brands, including Gémo, Eram, Bocage and Mellow Yellow in its new facility covering more than 40,000 square metres in the Loire Valley region.

“Dematic has demonstrated its strong expertise when it comes to delivering solutions featuring AutoStore systems and has also clearly shown us the benefits from Dematic and its fellow KION Group brands,” explains Jean-Louis Borde, the director of logistics activities for Eram Group. In fact, a decisive factor in selecting Dematic’s solution over other proposals was the compact design of the AutoStore system to be integrated into the new centre. The solution offers more space for the same surface area and can be expanded in future if the need arises.

The Dematic solution features several advanced technologies with a compact and scalable design. The automation covers both picking and palletising processes and includes a large AutoStore system to enhance Eram’s Group order processing. The system contains 80,000 bins, 84 robots and 16 workstations for order processing. Additionally, a receiving conveyor with two unloaders will unload trucks or containers and a conveyor will sort packages for palletising.

A robot will open cartons while another robot loads totes into the system. For the order picking process, a packing station with a conveyor forwards orders to the dispatch area. Dematic Software manages all order fulfilment and picking operations to meet transportation and customer satisfaction requirements. It can seamlessly interface with the software currently installed and managed by the Eram Group.

The project is now underway and scheduled to be completed and ready for commissioning in Q4 2026. “We are very pleased to be working with the Eram Group, a major French family-run organisation and an iconic brand. This project marks the beginning of a promising partnership based on common values and a shared vision of excellence,” adds Alain Bussod, President of Dematic France.

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The scalable solution will be implemented in two different phases to ensure business continuity throughout the transformation. Geek+’s P800 V6.0 solution – for pallets and shelves movement – significantly enhances picking efficiency, inventory accuracy, and space utilisation — key advantages for third-party logistics providers facing growing customer demands.

“This project demonstrates the power of flexible automation,” said Simon Houghton, Sales Director UKI at Geek+ . “Our Shelf-to-Person system enables scalable growth without disruption. We’re proud to support Yusen Logistics in their first of this kind automation project in the UK but also in the Europe region”

For Yusen Logistics, the deployment aligns with a broader digitalisation strategy aimed at increasing efficiency and responsiveness across its operations.

“By integrating Geek+’s robots, we will be able to improve accuracy, agility, and throughput,” said Ben Bird, Business Development and Solutions Design Director at Yusen Logistics. “The system will give us the flexibility to scale alongside our customers’ evolving needs while gaining a great customer experience”.

The implementation will be delivered as part of a wider warehouse automation project led by Logistex, ensuring seamless integration with Yusen’s infrastructure and business processes.

“It’s a pleasure working with Yusen and Geek+ on such a forward-thinking project,” said Justin Saw, Business Development Director at Logistex. “Together, we look forward to delivering a future-ready solution with immediate results.”

The project highlights how Goods-to-Person robotics are reshaping the logistics landscape, offering 3PLs fast ROI, reduced labour reliance, and high safety standard. With this deployment, Yusen Logistics is well-positioned to lead in a rapidly changing market.

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Sereact Pick and Place identifies products in real time based on their appearance and selects the appropriate picking method, taking into account object characteristics such as shape, colour or texture – even for complex products such as food, textiles or fragile objects. It then automatically switches between different gripper types such as suction cup or two-finger grippers.

One of Sereact’s own new developments is a patented gripper consisting of three individually functioning vacuum grippers with which the robots can pick up a wide range of products of different dimensions. In addition, the software determines a sensible order for the picks so that they are picked according to size, weight and fragility. The placement algorithm ensures optimum space utilization in the target containers.

Even in complex environments, the software detects the scope and context of tasks. If objects are on top of each other or too close to the edge of the container, the robot moves them into a position where it can grip them ideally. The technology also detects anomalies and can therefore recognize and sort out damaged items. It is also possible to differentiate between packaging material and products. This makes the solution suitable for quality assurance during order processing and also enables it to be used in the areas of inventory optimization and returns processing.

The Sereact Pick and Place product is based on a Vision Language Action Model that enables robots to analyze, understand and act. It is designed to recognize and interpret unknown situations without prior training. This also makes it possible to control the robots in natural language using voice or text commands, which simplifies interaction with the robot and can be implemented without programming knowledge.

As a total solution provider for turnkey robot cells, Sereact selects the optimum system for the specific application. The software is compatible with a wide range of hardware components and robots that can be seamlessly integrated into existing warehouse systems. The result is full flexibility of the entire pick and place process as well as highly efficient and fully automated order processing.

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The new logistics centre, located on a 274,000 m² plot, will feature two high-bay clad-rack warehouses with a total capacity of 182,500 pallet positions, operated by 20 stacker cranes. AR Racking will be responsible for the design, manufacturing, and installation of a tailor-made storage solution, optimized to ensure maximum capacity, operational efficiency, and long-term reliability.

In addition to the pallet warehouses, the site will include a shuttle-based automated warehouse with more than 200,000 bin locations, integrating advanced robotic technology for order picking and the automatic handling of trays and containers.

The centre will also host JYSK’s new headquarters for Spain and Portugal, creating approximately 250 new jobs and setting a benchmark in sustainability. The building will be LEED Gold certified and include solar panels to cover part of the facility’s energy demand.

The warehouse’s material flow system will be developed by technology provider KÖRBER, which will implement an automated system ensuring synchronized and traceable product flows throughout the logistics process.

“This project reinforces our expertise in large-scale automated logistics centres and consolidates AR Racking as a strategic partner in storage solutions for leading international companies,” said AR Racking’s commercial management team.

The facility is expected to be fully operational by 2028 and will play a key role in supporting JYSK’s growth in markets such as Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Until then, JYSK will continue operating from its leased logistics centre in Cheste, Valencia.

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The groundbreaking ceremony, held 2nd June, welcomed Körber’s Porto leadership team, the City Hall President Dr. Alberto Costa, and strategic partners to celebrate the beginning of the construction. With this symbolic event, Körber underscores its strategic commitment to long-term growth and industrial leadership.

“With the groundbreaking of our new facility in Santo Tirso, we are investing in state-of-the-art technology, a highly skilled workforce, and a strong future for Körber and the Porto region,” said Körber CEO Stephan Seifert. “This project underlines our global growth strategy and demonstrates our belief in Portugal’s potential and innovative spirit. Together with our teams, partners, and the local community, we aim to set new standards for the future.”

Factory for the future

Expected to be in operation by the second half of 2026, the new 11,400-square-metre site will significantly expand Körber Business Area Supply Chain’s logistics and manufacturing capacity. The facility will focus on the development and production of Körber’s state-of-the-art technology for supply chain solutions, including mechanical, electrical, and software automation integration.

Designed to accommodate up to 60 flexible workstations, the factory will also feature:

• A Research and Development area for prototyping and innovation
• State-of-the-art-showroom with automation technologies
• BREEAM “Very Good” certification for sustainability
• Advanced testing areas for each equipment stream

The new factory supports Körber’s strategic pillars of sustainable growth, best-in-class solutions, and operational excellence. It also positions Portugal as a key industrial and innovation hub within Körber’s global network.

“This investment will allow Körber to further strengthen our market position in Europe and globally, and highlights Körber’s confidence in Porto” said Helena Garriga, Körber Executive Board Member and President Business Area Supply Chain. “This is a strategic step to strengthen our leadership in the global intralogistics market.”

Körber is proactively strengthening its teams across the organization to support competitive growth, with plans to employ over 400 full-time staff in Porto by the end of 2025. New local job opportunities will span nearly every area of the business: Customer Service, Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, Logistics, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Project Management, Solution Design, and Sales.

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, foundation work will begin in July 2025, with operations expected to begin by the second half of 2026. Körber will continue to engage with Invest Santo Tirso and other regional partners to create new employment opportunities, invest in local skills development, and collaborate with universities and training institutions.

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