Sven Åge Hjorteland takes on President of APAC role at warehouse automation system firm AutoStore

Sven Åge Hjorteland has been appointed President of APAC role by AutoStore.

He has worked at the company for almost 11 years, having joined as Director Sales APAC, before becoming Vice President Sales APAC, and then taking on this new role.

In an online post, the warehouse automation system specialist, said: “Our people are our best asset and we’re proud to announce Sven Åge Hjorteland as President of APAC at AutoStore.”

It added: “With a journey that began at the company’s roots in 1985, Sven brings deep experience and leadership to one of our fastest growing regions. His appointment marks a new phase in our APAC expansion, focused on local presence, stronger partnerships, and a growing community. We're so excited for what comes next.”

North America

AutoStore recently surpassed 300 installations across North America.

The 300th system is located at Medline’s new site in Aurora, Colorado. Implemented in collaboration with Swisslog, this builds on a relationship that began more than a decade ago, when Medline became AutoStore’s very first North American customer.

Today, Medline operates over 20 AutoStore systems across the US, deploying 1,990 robots to support high throughput fulfillment and enable next-day delivery to 95% of its customers nationwide. 

“Every AutoStore system is more than a warehouse upgrade; it’s a high throughput advantage. We are a promise that businesses can move faster, serve better, and keep up with a world that does not slow down,” says Keith White, Chief Commercial Officer at AutoStore. “Passing this milestone shows that fulfillment is not just a back-end operation anymore. It is a front-line advantage. Our customers are using AutoStore to stay ahead, no matter how fast demand moves.”

“When we first installed AutoStore more than a decade ago, we were building the foundation for a smarter, faster supply chain. Today, with over 20 systems and 1,800 robots across our network, that investment is paying off in real ways. AutoStore has helped us move quicker, pick smarter, and stay ready for whatever our customers need,” says Daniel Schwartz, Vice President of Engineering at Medline. “It is not just about efficiency. It is about getting critical medical supplies where they are needed, when they are needed most.”

Across North America, AutoStore’s 300 installations now move millions of products daily, with more than 21,000 robots in operation.

Earlier this year, it unveiled its latest technology suite, which includes CarouselAI, an AI powered robotic piece picking solution; VersaPort, a workstation; and the Essentials Software Package. These new solutions, along with the introduction of the Service Tower, are designed to help businesses of all sizes boost throughput, maximise space, and future-proof their fulfillment operations.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Supply chain automation will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.