Arvato puts modern shuttle system into operation for H&M in Poland

H&M’s logistics operations in Central-Eastern Europe can be handled even faster and more flexibly in the future. Arvato has further expanded its e-commerce distribution center in Stryków, Poland, and installed an automated shuttle storage system with a capacity of up to 270,000 cartons. “It is currently the largest system of its kind in Central Europe and also the first time that we have implemented this automation technology at one of our sites in Poland,” says Lidia Ratajczak-Kluck, Managing Director of Arvato in Poland.

With both measures, Arvato is completing the expansion of the logistics site for H&M. A new hall with a high-bay warehouse has been built, in which self-propelled reach trucks are used for order picking from shelves up to 8.7 meters high. With the current expansion of 16,000 square meters, including the mezzanine areas, the Stryków site now has a total of 98,000 square meters of warehouse space, 31,000 square meters of which are mezzanine floors.

The logistical centerpiece there is a new KNAPP shuttle system, which occupies around 10,000 square meters of the newly created space. Products can be stored there on 16 levels along 15 aisles. The facility is equipped with 144 shuttles that move at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. In conjunction with the conveyor lines, which cover around five kilometers, this enables even faster storage and retrieval. The main challenges in implementing the project included the integration of several IT and infrastructure systems, which required very precise coordination and cooperation between Arvato and the solution providers, as well as the implementation of fire protection regulations during the installation work. At the same time, staff were given intensive training in the new technology.

With the commissioning of the shuttle system, Arvato has now fully automated the entire goods receiving process in the warehouse, from the unloading ramp to the storage of goods in high racks or in the shuttle system. “We’re excited to celebrate the completion of the expansion of the online logistics center in Strykow, now enhanced with a higher level of automation. This expansion marks another step forward in our close collaboration with Arvato, which began in Poland in 2018. It’s a strong commitment to deliver an exceptional customer experience across the region in the years ahead, while adapting to advancements in available technology” says Nicolaus Fournarakis, Regional Sales & Warehouse Operations Manager, H&M. Within Arvato's global network, the site serves as a regional logistics hub, enabling fast deliveries to several markets in Central and East

Europe. Lidia Ratajczak-Kluck: “Poland is a growth market for us with very good conditions for strengthening our own international presence and that of our clients.” Arvato operates a total of 16 distribution centers with more than 360,000 square meters of warehouse space at seven locations in Poland.