THG Fulfil has expanded its AutoStore partnership to cover direct capital purchases alongside its existing Robotics-as-a-Service model. The move gives brands and retailers a single route to warehouse automation while allowing them to choose between ownership, subscription-style access or a hybrid deployment.
The commercial decision reflects different business priorities. RaaS can help companies preserve cash and align capacity with demand, while CapEx suits operators that want to own the installation and record it as an asset. THG Fulfil will retain responsibility for the associated design and integration expertise.
The company operates 796 AutoStore robots across its own fulfilment network. Its proprietary warehouse control system is integrated with AutoStore and delivers more than 11,000 bins per hour to picking stations, while average pick waiting time has fallen by 78%.
THG Fulfil’s recent project for Footasylum included 85 AutoStore R5 robots and more than 96,000 bin locations, covering the retailer’s complete live SKU range. The deployment provides a reference point for the company’s ability to support systems beyond the initial sale.
The new global CapEx authorisation covers the full AutoStore product range. THG Fulfil’s RaaS offer covers selected products, including R5 Pro and R5 Pro+ robots, CarouselPort, ConveyorPort and VersaPort.
Tom Killeen, COO of THG Ingenuity, said the expanded choice enables finance teams to weigh control against cash-flow requirements without changing implementation partners. Russell Holmes, AutoStore’s sales director for the UK and Ireland, said the arrangement would help more businesses match automation investment to their operational and financial objectives.
Further information is available from THG Fulfil, while Holmes discusses the models in a podcast.
A multilingual professional experienced in Europe, Canada, and China, Herbert has developed invaluable networks in the automotive and energy industries. He has led high-profile projects involving ENBW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Siemens Group, and the Fraunhofer Institute.