Woolworths Group enlists Knapp for automated online fulfilment centre

Woolworths Group has announced plans for its first automated customer fulfilment centre (CFC) in Auburn, New South Wales as it looks to better serve the online grocery needs of Western Sydney customers.

If approved by the NSW Government, the retailer will build the facility in partnership with Knapp, whose automation technology will help personal shoppers pick and dispatch up to 50,000 deliveries a week.

We’re very pleased to partner with Woolworths in realizing a new CFC in Auburn, Sydney. Together we have developed a highly automated and economical concept for online grocery. Our proven technologies enable fast and efficient customer order fulfillment. https://t.co/mIiL2I2ik4
— KNAPP AG (@KNAPP_AG_de) April 28, 2021

Set to open in 2024, the site will support up to 250 ongoing full-time equivalent roles and around 440 jobs during construction.

Also of interest: Woolworths venture capital arm W23 backs Marketplacer

WooliesX Managing Director, Amanda Bardwell comments: “We’ve seen an extraordinary acceleration in online grocery shopping over the past year.”

“As we look ahead, we expect more and more customers will turn to the ease and convenience of home delivery to reclaim time in their busy lives.”

“To keep pace with the demand, we need to innovate with new technology to boost capacity and ensure we’re continuing to offer the best possible online grocery experience.”

“This fulfilment centre will deliver a step change in our online offer for our Western Sydney customers.”

“With Knapp’s world class automation, our team of personal shoppers will be able to pick many more orders - offering our customers faster delivery options and extra windows to choose from.”

Subject to planning approvals, construction is expected to commence in 2021.

Knapp also works with Rewe (Germany), Shufersal (Israel), Lotte Mart (Korea), Auchan Direct (France) and Albertsons (USA).