Thalia has automated its new omnichannel hub in Marl using Germany’s largest AutoStore system. As main contractor, Element Logic has implemented the intralogistics solution, integrating 530 R5 robots, 280,000 container spaces and the connected conveyor system. The German book retailer opened the site on 1 October.
Element Logic has designed the system to deliver up to five figures worth of containers per hour to 69 picking ports. A further 27 ports are used for storing large and small quantities of goods in the goods-in area. Thalia has invested around 100 million Euros in the site.
Thalia intends to supply its bookstores, toy stores and online customers from its location in Marl. A several-kilometre-long conveyor, controlled by Element Logic, connects the AutoStore system to the zone for high-turnover goods, the packing department and the goods dispatch area. The hub also comprises manual areas, as well as other fulfilment and production processes.
AutoStore distributes items to four destinations
The main contractor has incorporated two order picking areas for retail and business customers into the facility in the form of tunnels. At the ports, the AutoLight system assists staff in distributing items to up to four destination bins.
Packaging machines complete the partially automated packaging process. Goods that are not suitable for semi-automated processes are handled manually in separate areas.
AutoStore can store up to ten million items
The 530 R5 robots move containers within the AutoStore system, retrieving the items required for further processing. Thalia’s new facility can store up to ten million items in total and prepare them for dispatch.
Back in February, Thalia sent its first manually processed consignment from Marl. The box, which contained toys and children’s books, was sent to one of the company’s bookshops in Düsseldorf. The retailer subsequently announced that its automated dispatch service would launch this summer.
Thalia creates up to 1,000 jobs
Thalia currently employs around 200 people at its omnichannel hub. The book retailer initially plans to increase this figure to 600. Once the site is fully operational, it is expected to employ up to 1,000 people.
In addition to several warehouse areas, the site comprises a multistorey office block, a canteen, and staff facilities. The hub meets the Energieeffizienzhaus 40 standard and has a photovoltaic system on the roof.
