On January 21, the latest expansion of Ahlsell’s logistics center in Hallsberg was inaugurated. And soon it will be time for the next step in Ahlsell’s rapid growth journey: a further expansion of 30,000 square meters and Ahlsell’s largest automation initiative ever.
This initiative is being undertaken to lay the groundwork for an even broader product range and to meet increased demands for customer service and efficiency. The project also marks the next step in the partnership between Ahlsell and KNAPP—a collaboration that has been ongoing for thirteen years. Ahlsell’s logistics center in Hallsberg has been expanded in phases since its inception in 1990 and is one of the largest warehouses in the Nordic region. This impressive facility is the foundation of Ahlsell’s ability to fulfill its promise of next-day delivery to its professional customers throughout Sweden. With over 100,000 products in stock, the demands on capacity and productivity in internal logistics are high. Now, the next step in the expansion is being taken with an extension of just over 30,000 square meters to the existing warehouse, while a massive automation solution is being built. KNAPP has been selected as the supplier for the new project; the company delivered the first solutions to Ahlsell’s logistics center as early as 2012.
– To meet our growing capacity needs, we are undertaking the largest automation initiative in Ahlsell’s history. By partnering with KNAPP, we can integrate several advanced technologies, which will increase warehouse capacity and improve both delivery quality and efficiency. “With this investment, we will more than double our capacity—an important step in our efforts to stay one step ahead in our industry and deliver the best possible service in the most sustainable way possible,” says Daniel Johansson, Director of Logistics at Ahlsell Sweden.
A Holistic View of the Logistics Flow
The new automation solution was developed in close collaboration between Ahlsell and KNAPP and incorporates a range of advanced technologies for maximum capacity, productivity, and ergonomics. The investment includes, among other things, 27 highly automated decanting stations, a high-bay warehouse for pallets, EVO Shuttle units for both storage and buffering/consolidation, as well as 20 ergonomic Pick-it-easy stations for goods-to-person picking. The flow is integrated with 33 autonomous mobile robots and a track system spanning more than 8 kilometers. At full capacity, the new solution is expected to enable a flow from order initiation to delivery in less than 45 minutes.
”This is our largest project in Sweden to date, and I’m very proud of the solution we’ve developed together. We’ve taken a holistic approach, integrating the old part with the new and creating a single, highly efficient process. We’ve also thought ahead—sometimes as far as 2050—and prepared for, among other things, more picking stations and greater use of robots,” says Mikael Holmqvist, CEO of KNAPP Nordics.
Focus on Ergonomics and Noise Levels
Another key aspect of the solution has been to improve the work environment for employees, with a particular focus on noise levels. This has resulted in decanter and picking stations that are specifically designed with ergonomics in mind.
“Our promise to our employees is to make this the best time of your working life. For us, our employees are our greatest asset. A sustainable and healthy work life is important, and ergonomics and a good work environment play a crucial role in this,” says Daniel Johansson.
Construction is scheduled to begin in Q1 2025, and the entire facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2027 or early 2028.
