Finnish grocery retailer and wholesaler Kesko teams with KNAPP for new supply chain automation solution
Finnish retailing conglomerate, Kesko, is building a new logistics centre in Nurmijärvi, Finland, and has selected KNAPP as its automation partner for the first phase of the project. Kesko is a grocery retailer and wholesaler and its new central warehouse in Nurmijärvi is being built for the company’s foodservice business for the hotel, restaurant and catering (HoReCa) sector. Construction work began at the beginning of 2026.
“We are building an automation solution designed to serve our business for decades to come,” says Pekka Tala, Development Director at Kesko. “That is why it was important for us to find a solution that not only meets today’s needs, but also enables us to develop our operations in the future.”
According to Tala, the fundamentals of logistics automation have remained similar in many respects, but system performance and reliability have advanced considerably. Software also plays a growing role, as automation solutions guide operations more intelligently than before.
Kesko and KNAPP have worked together previously, and a joint planning process reinforced the view that KNAPP’s solution is well aligned with the objectives set for the logistics centre. The single facility must be able to serve different customers and order types efficiently using the same technology platform.
“KNAPP has a strong understanding of what customers need, as well as innovative solutions and insight into how those solutions will develop in the future,” Tala says. “A logistics centre is a multi-year project and a long-term investment, so it is important for us to choose a partner that can look ahead and understand our needs years from now.”
The solution being supplied by KNAPP combines automation with manual logistics processes. It uses the strengths of both operating models where they best support the needs of the business and customer service. The system is designed to adapt to future changes and growing volumes. It includes automated pallet handling, high bay storage solutions, shuttle-based storage and goods to person small item picking.
“We are pleased to implement this project together with Kesko,” says Rudolf Hansl, Vice President, Food Retail Solutions at KNAPP. “The solution is designed to support future growth and creates the foundation for the continuous development of logistics operations. At the same time, this collaboration strengthens our presence in the Finnish market and marks an important step in further expanding our activities in the Nordic grocery retail sector.”
Planning for the automation solution is beginning now, with installation scheduled to begin in 2028, and the logistics centre is expected to go live in phases during 2029–2030.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Supply chain automation will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
