PRAGUE, Czech Republic, September 23, 2021 – Rohlik Group ("Rohlik") will install AutoStore - an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) - in fulfillment centres around Europe, increasing picking efficiency and capacity utilization. Rohlik will launch its first automated solution with Knuspr.de in Munich, followed by a gradual roll-out across existing and new European markets. Approximately €45 million will be invested in automation in the first phase with a total of upwards of €400 million to be invested in further FCs in 2022-2025. This is a continuation of Rohlik’s investment trend as a tech company and part of a rolling improvement and innovation process to become Europe's best and largest online grocery delivery service.
Threefold increase in picking productivity and 30% more storage space
The AutoStore system has storage bins stacked vertically in a grid and stored in a cubic structure, with the bins retrieved by robots that travel atop the structure on rails, complemented by efficient picking workstations. This core automation element will deliver Knuspr.de a threefold increase in picking productivity and over 30% more storage space in the Munich fulfillment centre.
Up to 10,000 products
To ensure the best product quality, Rohlik's fulfillment centre is divided into several temperature zones: ambient, chilled and frozen. Automation at Knuspr.de will cover in the first phase the ambient zone and up to 10,000 products, thus covering 60% of the ordered volume.
“Rohlik Group dispatches hundreds of thousands of products every single day, which on some days can add up to over a million individual items,” adds Aleš Malucha, Rohlik Group Chief Automation Officer. “It is a mix of ambient and perishable products and, as part of our entire supply chain, they get processed in less than 60 minutes at our fulfillment centres. This automation provides efficiencies that give us an edge on delivering quickly and with the quality expected by our customers. We are now commencing the implementation of the AutoStore system in order to finetune operational efficiency in real world use given our unique operational environment, with the project scheduled for completion next year.”
At Knuspr, we are excited to be one of the first online grocers with a highly automated fulfillment system. Streamlining our logistics enables us to act even faster and more flexibly in the future, further accelerating our growth," says Knuspr's COO Björn Christian Wolf.
Rohlik Group and Element Logic
Rohlik founder Tomáš Čupr underscores the importance of this investment: “The robot-assisted fulfillment centre in Munich, in combination with our CNG cars and soon to be introduced electric delivery vehicles, is the foundation of our unique strategy where proprietary and sustainable Rohlik technology is used to deliver fresh and top quality products to customers at home. A challenging but also very exciting project is now becoming reality.”
According to Michael Kawalier, Managing Director Sales at Element Logic Germany: “The partnership with Rohlik Group, one of Europe's leaders in online grocery delivery, brings together two teams with an appreciation for and knowledge of the latest technologies and software. Both companies have a similar mindset, which is a necessity for a successful partnership and customer satisfaction.”
About Rohlik Group
Founded in 2014 in the Czech Republic, Rohlik Group is one of Europe's leading online grocery delivery services. Already active in the Czech Republic (Rohlik.cz), Hungary (Kifli.hu), Austria (Gurkerl.at) and Germany (Knuspr.de) with other large cities in Germany to follow quickly. Deploying world-leading technology & logistics to deliver a huge range of quality products (17 000 SKUs+), Rohlik companies offer a 15-minute delivery window with delivery as soon as within two hours of placing an order. The Rohlik family is a data-driven company in everything they do. By owning its end-to-end operations, including having all technology in-house, Rohlik provides a superior customer experience and the freshest food from local farmers and artisans, as well as a broad supermarket selection. The company was funded with EUR 290 mil. this year and is profitable, dynamic and growing rapidly. Rohlik turnover exceeded €300 million in 2020.
For press enquiries, contact Eliška Čeřovská at [email protected]
About Element Logic
For over 35 years Element Logic has been optimizing warehouse performance.
In 2020, we installed more AutoStore solutions than any other company in the world, and we continue to create smart solutions to help warehouses deal with their customer’s increasing demand for fast deliveries. Our robotic solutions, software and consulting help businesses improve their value chains and are more profitable. We optimize warehouses of all sizes in a wide range of industries including electronic components, parts distribution, consumer electronics, 3PL, pharmaceuticals, apparel, sports equipment, and more.
As the original AutoStore® partner, we have a wealth of experience designing, delivering, and installing tailormade solutions that improve customers workflow.
Element Logic has more than 200 employees in Europe and had a turnover of €100 million in 2020. Our headquarter is in Norway, with subsidiaries all over Europe.
For press enquiries, contact Ann-Katrin Pedersen at [email protected]