YUSEN Logistics awards Swisslog with Innovative AutoStore Automated Warehouse Contract in Singapore
December 7, 2016
SINGAPORE, 7 DECEMBER 2016 –Yusen Logistics, a leading provider of contract logistics and air/ocean freight forwarding has selected Swisslog Warehouse & Distribution Solutions to deliver the innovative AutoStore Automated System in Singapore. The autonomous robots, which sit on the top of an aluminum grid as part of the innovative storage system, is expected to go into operation in 2017.
This light goods automatic storage and retrieval system (AutoStore) investment is a result of Yusen Logistics’ deep insight into the philosophy of the shared economy and the need to manage rising business costs in the current global, lower-growth economy.
“The future of logistics is paved with innovation and automated technology. The industry has been transforming and growing in the coming years. The third party logistics industry itself is gearing up to take on the challenges and the opportunities offered by the latest technological advancements.
With innovative systems like AutoStore, it allows us to be ready for the future of logistics,” says Mr. Francis Kwa, Head of Contract Logistics, Yusen Logistics. “Innovation will bring about a brighter future as new skills, and innovative products and services are created.”
A joint effort between Yusen Logistics and Swisslog, the Tuas Warehouse will be equipped with the innovative AutoStore system to serve multiple customers under one roof and to cater to its growing needs. Swisslog will be responsible for the implementation of the AutoStore System that includes approximately 16,595 space for stored items.
“This investment enables Yusen to deliver five times more put-away and retrieval throughput without increasing current operating headcount cost. Storage volume is doubled in the same storage space in the warehouse. Doubling the volume of storage capacity within the current footprint coupled with productivity gains is the means to gain a competitive edge in a global economy that is being disrupted by technology. This investment is one of the many innovations Yusen is embarking on to become a truly global total logistics provider,” added Mr Francis Kwa.
“Singapore is a key logistics hub in Asia, in particular ASEAN,” says Mr. Ng Kim Hung, Managing Director of Yusen Logistics. “This partnership with Swisslog is redefining cost, speed and flexibility in regional light goods distribution for our customers. This goods-to-person technology investment is a testament to Yusen investing in the future growth and transformation of Singapore’s logistics infrastructure”.
“The Asia-Pacific region is an important growth market,” says Dr. Christian Baur, Chief Operating Officer of the Swisslog Group and CEO of Warehouse & Distribution Solutions (WDS) Division. “I’m very excited about this order in Singapore. It’s a key step to grow our business and demonstrates the success of our global growth strategy.”
“Today, cutting edge technologies like AutoStore System are revolutionizing the logistics industry to provide faster and more reliable delivery,” adds Koh Seng Teck, Head of Southeast Asia, Swisslog’s Warehouse & Distribution Solutions division. “We are excited to receive this order for our Innovative AutoStore solution from Yusen Logistics who is also actively involved in light goods distribution logistics. This partnership demonstrates our innovative solutions and the expertise of our team to transform the landscape for automation in logistics. We look forward to continuing to support Yusen’s growth.”
About Swisslog
Swisslog designs, develops and delivers best-in-class automation solutions for forward-thinking hospitals, warehouses and distribution centers. We offer integrated systems and services from a single source – from consulting to design, implementation and lifetime customer service. Behind the company’s success are 2 500 employees worldwide,supporting customers in more than 50 countries.
Swisslog is part of the KUKA Group, a leading global supplier of intelligent automation solutions.
About Yusen Logistics
Yusen Logistics is a world-leading total logistics provider. We offer global services in freight forwarding, warehousing, transportation, distribution services, contract logistics and supply chain management in one package. We provide solutions which range from stand-alone operations to control-tower managed global supply chain, combining our expertise and insights with unique technology capabilities and our global service network.
Yusen’s experiences in servicing customers in widely differing markets and geographies provide insight-driven solutions to your supply chain challenges. Yusen is poised to deliver quality and innovation services to create sustainable growth to business and society.
Yusen Logistics has a global presence in over 500 cities in 42 countries with a warehousing footprint of over 2.2 million sqm spanning five strategic areas namely Japan, Europe, the Americas, East Asia and South Asia & Oceania.
