Kardex Provides WEG with Improved Warehouse Performance and Small-Parts Inventory via AutoStore System

Why It Matters

The deployment demonstrates how compact, robot‑driven ASRS can boost order‑fulfillment efficiency while avoiding costly real‑estate expansion, a critical advantage for manufacturers facing space constraints and rising labor costs.

Key Takeaways

• 14,000 bins, seven robots, three picking ports deployed
• Picking speed doubled after AutoStore implementation
• Space utilization improved without building expansion
• Staff shifted from manual picking to value tasks
• System scalable by adding robots or ports

Pulse Analysis

The rise of high‑density robotic storage, exemplified by Kardex’s AutoStore solution, is reshaping intralogistics for manufacturers confronting limited warehouse footprints. By stacking bins vertically and using autonomous robots to retrieve items, companies can achieve storage densities far beyond traditional racking, translating into lower real‑estate expenses and higher throughput. AutoStore’s modular grid also offers flexibility; additional robots or ports can be added as demand grows, ensuring the system remains future‑proof without disrupting ongoing operations.

For WEG Electric Corp, the technology addresses a specific pain point: managing an expanding catalog of small‑parts essential to electric motor and drive production. Integrating the FulfillX warehouse execution system with WEG’s ERP provides real‑time inventory visibility and streamlined order processing, cutting operator travel time and reducing reliance on forklifts. The resulting efficiency gains—doubling pick rates and freeing space for palletized goods—enhance WEG’s ability to meet North American demand swiftly, bolstering its competitive position in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and mining.

Kardex’s role as a global AutoStore partner underscores the broader market trend toward goods‑to‑person automation. As supply‑chain resilience becomes a strategic priority, firms are increasingly adopting solutions that combine high storage density with intelligent software orchestration. The Duluth deployment serves as a case study for other mid‑size manufacturers seeking to scale operations without costly expansions, illustrating how robotic ASRS can deliver measurable ROI through labor savings, higher order accuracy, and scalable growth pathways.