A new storage and picking system with round-the-clock robots

Katoen Natie and Intergamma are now utilising Auto-Store, the world's fastest and most reliable order processing system per square metre, for delivery of e-commerce orders to Intergamma's customers.

This cube-shaped automated system, comprising approximately 900 m³ and equipped with 20 robots, has been in operation since the end of September 2023 at Katoen Natie's logistics platform in Kallo, which is the largest "multi-customer" logistics platform in Europe. The installation and implementation are part of a joint future project between Katoen Natie and Intergamma, following the recent extension of their successful 10-year partnership by an additional 5 years. For Intergamma, the Benelux leader in the DIY market and currently in a strong growth phase, this means that all its e-commerce products can reach private consumers even faster and more efficiently. "For Katoen Natie, the expertise built with Auto-Store is an additional incentive to attract new customers to our logistics platforms with innovative solutions," says Fernand Huts, chairman of Katoen Natie.

Katoen Natie is implementing this goods-to-man automated storage and picking system for the first time at its Kallo logistics platform. This implementation is part of the shared desire of Katoen Natie and Intergamma to continue working together in a future-proof manner. Katoen Natie Engineering Solutions, Katoen Natie's in-house research department, is closely monitoring the process and operations, and is also exploring the opportunity to invest in additional Auto-Store installations on other logistics platforms.

Intergamma in a growth phase

In the Benelux states, Intergamma is the market leader in the DIY industry with three brands: GAMMA Netherlands, Gamma Belgium and Karwei, which together operate 384 stores in Belgium and the Netherlands.

 "Ongoing developments in Intergamma's online channels have led to increased volumes," says Joost De Beijer, CEO of Intergamma. "The recent investment in Auto-Store in collaboration with Katoen Natie aligns perfectly with our strategy, in which e-commerce will continue to be crucial in the future while we simultaneously make our supply chain more sustainable. We aim to evolve into a 'one-stop shop’, where consumers can turn to Gamma and Karwei to address their entire DIY project in one go and have their supplies delivered or picked up wherever they…