Warehouse automation firm Exotec teams with ILS Logistics to deploy Skypod system

Exotec has partnered with Polish logistics company ILS Logistics to install its Skypod robotic system across sites in Central and Eastern Europe.

The projects are being carried out in collaboration with Polish integrator A1 Sorter, a long standing partner of Exotec. 

ILS‘ headquarters in Zakroczym, Poland, which serves as the company’s distribution network across Poland, the Baltic states and Ukraine, was the first to receive the Skypod system. 

The warehouse in Zakroczym hosts 200 autonomous robots and 60,000 storage containers and completed testing in December 2024. 

During the project’s construction, ILS agreed to implement the Skypod system across its entire portfolio, with work due to be carried out throughout 2026. ILS hosts 12 locations in Eastern Europe, supplying companies across the automotive, food, and chemical industries.

The projects are part of the growth plans of vehicle parts distributor Inter Cars, ILS' parent company, and are designed to boost the firm’s market share and talent acquisition. 

Exotec and A1 Sorter are also building an additional warehouse in Stęszew, Poland, scheduled to go into operation in September 2026. Meanwhile, in Romania, final efficiency acceptance of the new system at the RS Brașov, Transylvania site is expected to take place in September.

Rafał Tomaszewski, IT Systems and Solutions Manager at ILS, says: “Thanks to Exotec’s Skypod technology, we can implement a solution that is tailored to the requirements of our organisation and supports our further growth in the long-term.”

“With the integration of Exotec’s Skypod system, we are prepared for the challenges and opportunities in our growth markets, which has been confirmed by both the innovation and efficiency with which the projects are being run.”

Krzysztof Skiba, Chief Sales Officer at A1 Sorter, says: “Our project with ILS shows how significantly automation solutions such as Exotec’s Skypod system can transform logistics in the long-term. As an integrator, we are delighted to contribute to the successful implementation with our experience, and to set new standards in efficiency and scalability together with Exotec and ILS.”

Andreas Stöckl, EVP Sales Central Europe at Exotec, says: “We are delighted to equip ILS with several of our powerful systems. Before Skypod, Inter Cars found it difficult to manage its logistics within their existing warehouses, especially with ILS aiming to supply its customers three times a day.”

“With ILS now working to address that demand with its detailed and concrete business strategy, our Skypod system can provide them with optimum support in implementing it.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

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. 

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