Intralogistics solutions provider, Swisslog WDS, generated new orders in excess of $80.5mn (76mn) in the fourth quarter of 2016, owing to major orders from around the world, a significant award, and forward-looking innovations.
The automation specialist for robot-based and data-driven intralogistics solutions maintained its successful course in the fourth quarter from contract awards from Mai Dubai, Stemilt, and one major Asian customer.
Dr Christian Baur, chief operating officer of the Swisslog Group and CEO of the WDS division, said: 2016 was the most successful year in the history of Swisslog WDS. We enjoyed substantial growth through major contracts in all regions around the globe.
Swisslog successfully continued its expansion into new markets. The company boosted its business in the Middle East with the award of a contract from Mai Dubai, an upcoming bottled water producer in the UAE. Mai Dubai is pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy and is partnering with Swisslog on a comprehensive logistics automation project.
The $19mn (18mn) project includes implementing a high-bay warehouse for raw and packaging materials as well as constructing a new high-bay warehouse for finished goods. All production and storage areas will be linked via a 1000m electrical overhead conveyor.
PowerStore, a new pallet shuttle technology, was recently added to the Swisslog portfolio, combines all the features that a high-throughput storage system needs. Stemilt Growers, a major US fruit growing, packing, and shipping company, recently decided to invest in the technology.
As part of this $13mn (12mn) project, Swisslog WDS Americas will be responsible for upgrading the automation in Stemilt Growers distribution center located in Wenatchee, Washington over the next several years. In addition to supplying warehouse management and software control, Swisslog will also install several conveyor components.
In the final quarter of 2016, Swisslog WDS won a major contract in Asia valued at $53mn (50mn), its largest by far. The logistics system for a major Asian corporation will be equipped with the latest software, conveyor, and storage technology components and feature a fully automated storage system for pallets.
Baur added: Our technical expertise in this arena is growing rapidly. Every single technological innovation that we successfully deploy holds enormous potential for sustainably reducing the cost of warehouse operations.
By developing our expertise in IT and logistics design, we laid the right groundwork for growth several years ago. Winning the 2016 Industry Prize at the Hannover Messe for our innovative human-robot picking station, Automated Item Pick (AIP), further confirms Swisslogs pioneering role in the development of forward-looking Industry 4.0 technologies.