Swisslog Warehouse & Distribution Solutions (WDS), a leading automation expert for robot-based and data driven intralogistics solutions, maintained its successful course in the fourth quarter and also continued its expansion into new markets.

The key highlights last year for Swisslog WDS were the big orders from around the world, a significant award, and forward-looking innovations, said a top official.

"It was the most successful year in the history of Swisslog WDS as we enjoyed substantial growth through major contracts in all regions across the globe,” remarked Dr Christian Baur, the chief operating officer of the Swisslog Group and CEO of the WDS division.

Swisslog designs, develops, and delivers automation for warehouses, and distribution centres. It also offers integrated solutions from a single source – from consulting to design, implementation and lifetime customer service.

Contract awards from Mai Dubai, Stemilt, and one major Asian customer alone generated new orders in excess of €76 million ($84.3 million) in the last three months of the year.

"Whether in the automobile or pharmaceutical industry, the food and beverage sector, e-commerce or retail: Wherever customer requirements and specialised expertise in process design are critical, Swisslog made a lasting impact in 2016 with its competence in logistics automation solutions," he added.

According to him, Swisslog posted several noteworthy orders, particularly in the fourth quarter.

The company boosted its business in the Middle East with a contract win from Mai Dubai, an up-and-coming bottled water producer in the UAE.

On the Dubai project, Dr Baur said Mai Dubai was pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy and had partnered with Swisslog on a comprehensive logistics automation project.

The €18 million project includes implementing a high-bay warehouse for raw and packaging materials as well as constructing a new high-bay warehouse for finished goods. All production and storage areas will be linked via a 1000 m electrical overhead conveyor, he explained.

Stemilt Growers, a major US fruit growing, packing and shipping company, recently decided to invest in the technology. As part of this €12 million project, Swisslog WDS Americas will be responsible for upgrading the automation in Stemilt Growers’ distribution center located in Wenatchee, Washington over the next several years.

In the final quarter of 2016, Swisslog WDS won a major contract in Asia worth €50 million, its largest by far.

"The logistics system for a major Asian corporation will be equipped with the latest software, conveyor and storage technology components and feature a fully automated storage system for pallets," he added.-TradeArabia News Service