Polish convenience store chain Żabka Group has opened its most automated logistics centre in Radzymin near Warsaw.

The centre can supply around 3500 stores. This facility is the largest and most technologically advanced addition to Żabka’s logistics infrastructure.

“This is one of the most modern logistics centres in Europe, the largest investment in Żabka’s history, and a jewel in the crown of our logistics,” said Adam Manikowski, vice president of Żabka Group. “Standing for innovation, modernity and dynamic development, the facility is what Żabka is all about.”

The logistics centre can supply products for around 3500 stores. The project also provides for the possibility of expanding the warehouse and its automation to make it capable of stocking up to 5000 stores.

Spanning 60,000 square metres, the facility was built using BTS (build-to-suit) technology, thus being tailored to Żabka’s individual needs.

In addition to the dry part, there is an automated high-bay warehouse with a height of nearly 40 metres. The warehouse can accommodate up to 30,000 pallets.

“Technological advancement is a pillar of Żabka Group’s overall development strategy, and the launch of the logistics centre in Radzymin, as one of the most modern automated logistics centres in Europe, further confirms this,” said Tomasz Suchanski, CEO of Żabka Group. “The warehouse, spanning about 60,000 square metres, is of strategic importance to us. Żabka is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, so the timing of the opening is not arbitrary. It clearly reflects our unwavering resolve to ensure sustained development of the company in a very long-term perspective.”

The logistics centre has an automated internal transport system, a pallet silo, and goods-to-person picking stations, which, according to the company, will guarantee a multi-fold boost of its operational efficiency.

“Automation will be used to complete over 70 per cent of all deliveries,” Manikowski said.

The centre has been designed to be energy efficient, with PV panels installed on the roof of the building and anti-smog surface across the parking lot. The idea of preserving biodiversity was taken into account at the construction stage. Plantings were made in accordance with Breeam requirements on trees, shrubs, flower meadow and so on, earning the excellent rating in Breeam International New Construction certification.

The centre will provide up to 600 jobs.

“The centre is a milestone,” said Manikowski. “It will allow us not only to maintain our dynamic growth rate but also to launch more than 1000 stores a year.”

Żabka’s logistics network includes eight logistics centres, from which goods are distributed to stores throughout Poland, as well as 19 transhipment terminals. Also cooperating with Żabka is a network of carriers delivering more than two million orders a year to more than 9400 stores. More than 80 per cent of Żabka stores use logistics services every other day.