AutoStore has announced the acquisition of the Dutch company Logiqs. Logiqs is the supplier of iCUBE, a compact storage system for pallets. The acquisition represents a significant expansion of AutoStore’s product portfolio, which until now had focused solely on the storage of small goods. The acquisition is expected to be finalised before the end of this year.
Logiqs specialises in compact storage systems for pallets. These iCUBE systems consist of a combination of shuttles and lifts, which allow pallets to be stored and retrieved like a sliding puzzle. The first iCUBE was delivered in 2009, making Logiqs a pioneer in 3D shuttle systems. Its client base includes companies such as Westfort Vleesproducten, De Graaf Bakeries, Raporal (Portugal) and Saputo (Germany).
A logical addition
In recent years, demand for 3D shuttle systems for pallets has risen significantly. Key factors include the high storage density and the ability to fully automate the storage and retrieval of pallets. For AutoStore, Logiqs’ solutions represent a logical addition to its product portfolio, which has so far been limited to a compact storage system for bins.
“This acquisition is the next step towards an autonomous, intelligent order fulfilment platform. In Logiqs, we have found a core technology that will enable us, in the long term, to integrate an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) with free-roaming robots for pallets into the AutoStore platform. This will enable us to meet a wider range of needs for both new and existing customers,” said Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore.
Thirty customers
Logiqs’ warehouse technology is deployed at around 30 customer sites across various regions and end markets, helping customers to improve their storage density, processing capacity and operational efficiency. Logiqs’ sixty employees bring additional expertise in the fields of automation, software and product development to AutoStore.
“For Logiqs, this is an opportunity to further develop our technology more quickly in partnership with AutoStore. I am convinced that the combined expertise of Logiqs and AutoStore will create value for our customers. The cultural similarities between our two companies provide an excellent foundation for a successful partnership in the future,” said Reyer van der Louw, CEO of Logiqs.
Creating value
“Throughout the process, we were impressed by Logiqs’ in-depth experience and insights in what is, for us, a new and promising product and technology area. We look forward to working together to further develop the platform and create value for customers,” said Parth Joshi, Chief Product Officer and Head of the Product Division at AutoStore.
The purchase price will be paid from existing cash reserves and is not expected to have a material impact on AutoStore’s financial results. As AutoStore continues to develop the technology in preparation for a wider commercial launch, further information will be provided. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the usual conditions precedent.
Logiqs will be exhibiting at Logistica Next in Hall 7 at Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, until 5 November. Register here for free to attend the trade fair.
