TLDR: Ocado Group has completed the initial construction phase of a fully robotized distribution center for Auchan Retail in Wilcza Góra, Poland. This facility will integrate advanced automation and artificial intelligence systems to significantly enhance Auchan’s e-commerce operations, marking a key step in their partnership to revolutionize online grocery fulfillment.
Ocado Group has announced a significant milestone in its partnership with Auchan Retail, with the completion of the first construction stage of a state-of-the-art, fully robotized distribution center in Wilcza Góra for Auchan Polska. This facility, spanning over 17,000 square meters, was developed in close collaboration with Panattoni Poland and general contractor GOLDBECK Polska. The center is also slated to receive the BREEAM ‘excellent’ certificate.
The core of this ambitious project involves Ocado Group’s installation of cutting-edge automation and artificial intelligence (AI) systems. These technologies are designed to elevate Auchan’s e-commerce capabilities to an unprecedented level. The distribution center will leverage Ocado’s ‘smart technology,’ which includes the Ocado Smart Platform (OSP), an end-to-end e-commerce, fulfillment, and logistics solution that integrates AI, robotics, and automation.
This initiative is the second stage of a partnership between Auchan Retail Poland and Ocado, a UK-based company specializing in online grocery distribution, logistics automation, and robotics for the e-grocery sector. The collaboration, initially announced in March 2022, aimed to develop Auchan Retail Poland’s online business using the OSP. The new automated distribution center is specifically designed to support customers through the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The facility will feature specialized zones, including chilled and freezer areas equipped with temperature-controlled systems. A dedicated mezzanine within the 18,000 square meter center will house the Ocado system. Piotr Dopierała, Supply Chain & Logistics Director at Auchan Retail Poland, emphasized the transformative potential of the center, stating, “Our distribution centre is going to be a real game-changer for the Polish market – particularly when it comes to our innovative solutions to streamline the picking and packing of orders and to manage last-mile logistics.”
Construction commenced in the third quarter of 2024, with completion anticipated by June 2025. Operations are projected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, following the full installation of Ocado’s advanced technology. This strategic move is expected to position Auchan as a leader in the Polish e-commerce grocery market. The agreement between Ocado and Auchan in Poland is mutually exclusive, contingent on Auchan Poland meeting market share targets or ordering a specified annual capacity from the Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC).
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Ocado Group’s commitment to innovation is further highlighted by its recent migration of Ocado.com to the OSP, showcasing a complete front-to-back technology transformation. Peter Thomas, VP of Engineering – E-commerce at Ocado, remarked on this internal achievement, stating, “I’m sure you’ll agree it looks and feels great, but the UX is just the start. It’s a complete front to back tech transformation that will enable us to deliver even better experiences for customers and partners.” He added, “The migration from our long standing and well loved legacy platform has been a massive undertaking. From the earliest prototypes through to final migrations, there’s been a cast of hundreds who’ve worked tirelessly to make it happen.” This ongoing investment in AI and automation underscores Ocado’s role in shaping the future of online retail fulfillment.
