Ocado Group has partnered with Auchan Polska to launch an automated customer fulfilment centre (CFC) for the grocery retail chain at Wilcza Góra near Warsaw.

The company said that the facility, which measures 16,000 m2, represents the fastest-ever build for an Ocado CFC of this type, taking just 12 months to construct.

The CFC includes uses the full suite of Ocado’ automation technology, including On-Grid Robotic Pick (OGRP) and Auto Frame-Load (AFL).

The company added that the Wilcza Góra site is the first international CFC to go live with Ocado’s latest 600 Series robots, which it said is its lightest and most efficient bot to date.

The centre will enable the grocery retailer to offer a range of up to 40,000 products.

Ocado said the CFC will enable Auchan’s customers to benefit from “huge” flexibility in how they want to shop online, with lead times across both same day and next day delivery options.

Auchan already uses Ocado’s In-Store Fulfilment (ISF) software across its store estate to enable efficient picking from stores.

Ocado said the new CFC will now bring the full benefits of automation and scaled fulfilment to the grocer’s online capabilities.

Auchan added that the CFC will initially focus on the area around Warsaw, with plans to expand the scope of deliveries to other cities in Poland in due course.

Ocado currently operates two technology development centres in Poland, in Krakow and Wroclaw.

"This is a milestone moment for our partnership with Auchan Poland. With the launch of this CFC, we will introduce a new level of customer service online into the Polish grocery market, powered by Ocado's cutting-edge technology,” said Gregor Ulitzka, president Europe, Ocado Solutions. “This CFC is going live with the very latest Ocado automation, including AI-powered robotic picking and some of the most advanced 3D printed industrial products in the world."

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