AS/RS: Pioneering the Future of UK Warehousing | FORTNA
Contact us

Article

AS/RS: Pioneering the Future of UK Warehousing

In an article published on the website of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK), Mark Pickerill, VP Solutions Design, FORTNA International, reflects on the key operational factors driving the adoption of AS/RS in the UK and the lessons learned from practical implementation.

View original article

Since the inception of the first automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) in a European warehouse in 1962, the evolution of warehousing has been marked by technological advancements. Today, the UK stands at the forefront of this transformation, with AS/RS playing a pivotal role in redefining warehouse operations.

Below are several excerpts from the article, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): Pioneering the Future of UK Warehousing | May 2025.1

 

Strategic imperatives driving AS/RS adoption

This section highlights the core challenges driving UK businesses to embrace automated storage and retrieval systems as a strategic solution.

Several factors are propelling UK businesses toward AS/RS integration:

Labour shortages: The UK’s logistics sector faces significant labour constraints, exacerbated by Brexit and an aging workforce. Automation mitigates these challenges by reducing dependency on manual labour.2

Rising operational costs: With increasing wage bills and national insurance contributions, retailers are turning to automation to enhance efficiency and control costs.3

Space optimisation: Urban warehousing demands efficient space utilisation. AS/RS solutions enable high-density storage, maximising available space and reducing the need for expansive facilities.

 

Embracing automation for a competitive edge

This section underscores why AS/RS investments are no longer optional but essential for long-term competitiveness in the UK market.

In an era where agility and efficiency are paramount, AS/RS are a cornerstone of modern warehousing. For UK businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge, investing in automation is not merely an option — it is a strategic necessity. By automating their operations with AS/RS, companies can navigate the complexities of today’s intralogistics landscape, ensuring resilience and sustained growth in the years ahead. Sustainable value from AS/RS automation initiatives is only realised when the solution is tailored to a company’s fulfilment ecosystem.

fortna
The UK's warehouse automation market is experiencing unprecedented growth. Projections indicate that by 2033, the market is expected to reach USD 5.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% during 2025-2033. As consumer demand for faster delivery and operational efficiency intensifies, warehouse automation, particularly automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), is becoming indispensable across industries.

1 https://ciltuk.org.uk/
2 https://IMARC Group
3 Reuters
4 https://IMARC Group

 

Published/Updated 7/15/25