THG Fulfil expands AutoStore global tie up to offer systems via both CapEx ownership and RaaS model
THG Fulfil, a fulfilment operating system from THG Ingenuity, has announced the expansion of its distribution partnership with AutoStore. The expanded tie up extends its distribution authorisation beyond a robotics as a service (RaaS) model to include traditional CapEx ownership, with the aim of giving brands and retailers greater commercial flexibility when investing in warehouse automation.
THG Fulfil operates 796 AutoStore robots across its own fulfilment network and has integrated the AutoStore system with its own proprietary WCS, to deliver over 11,000 bins to picking stations per hour and cut average pick wait times by 78%. That experience underpinned its recent AutoStore build for Footasylum, comprising 85 AutoStore R5 robots across more than 96,000 bin locations, storing the retailer’s entire live SKU range.
The expanded agreement gives THG Fulfil global distribution rights for the entire AutoStore product range under the CapEx model, while its RaaS offering covers a selected range of AutoStore products, including R5 Pro and R5 Pro+ robots, CarouselPort, ConveyorPort and VersaPort.
Tom Killeen, COO at THG Ingenuity, says: “Automation should never force brands to choose between control and cash flow. Our AutoStore distribution offering was originally built around a RaaS model because, for many of our clients, protecting capital while scaling automation was the right call.”
“But as more ambitious brands are ready to own their automation outright, we wanted to give them that option too, without losing any of the design, integration, software and operational expertise that comes with working with THG Fulfil. It provides CFOs with the ability to assess the merits of both a RaaS and CapEx route, so we can meet brands and retailers wherever they are in their automation journey.”
Russell Holmes, Sales Director UK & I, AutoStore, says: “Giving customers greater flexibility in how they invest in automation helps them scale in a way that fits their business. By expanding our partnership with THG Fulfil to include both CapEx and RaaS models, we can support more businesses in choosing the commercial approach that best fits their operational and financial priorities.”
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.
