SK Pharma - AutoStore Delivers for SK Pharma Logistics’ Temperature-Controlled Storage Requirements

"We never expected an automated warehouse to be so flexible. Thanks to the AutoStore, we can now respond even more specifically to our clients' wishes."

Stephan Krone

Founder and Managing Director, SK Pharma Logistics

The Challenge: Tight Deadlines and Complex Requirements

SK Pharma Logistics faced pressure from a major client to launch a fully automated warehouse solution on an accelerated timeline, while navigating facility changes and complex operational constraints.

In parallel, the company needed to address fire safety limitations caused by high ceilings, which made traditional racking unsuitable. The solution also had to support temperature-controlled environments for sensitive pharmaceutical products and manage extreme seasonal peaks with fast, reliable order picking.

The Solution: Specialized Systems for Pharma from AutoStore

AutoStore's flexibility ticked all the boxes for SK Pharma’s needs.The cube-based storage system easily adapted to changes in the facility layout and limited space, allowing for the installation of two separate systems tailored to different operational needs.

The main system features 40 Robots operating across 34,400 Bins (totes), delivering them to RelayPorts (Workstations). The RelayPorts deliver exceptional throughput of 450–600 Bins per hour per workstation, dramatically exceeding traditional picking speeds.

For temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products, SK Pharma operates a dedicated AutoStore system running continuously at +5°C. The installation, comprising 3 Robots and 1,500 Bins, supports daily operations within the company’s temperature-controlled storage environment.

Both systems address fire safety limitations while requiring minimal floor space, and significantly improve storage density through the cube storage design.

The main system features 40 Robots operating across 34,400 Bins.

Key Benefits: Rapid Fulfillment, Compact Footprint, Cold Storage Reliability

With two AutoStore systems in place, SK Pharma Logistics gained the flexibility to meet a wide range of customer needs – without compromising on speed, accuracy, or efficiency. The solution supports their commitment to high service levels across diverse operations.

High-throughput order processing allows SK Pharma to maintain control over fulfillment operations even during peak demand periods. The system supports same-day service commitments and absorbs seasonal volume spikes without performance degradation.

AutoStore’s efficient use of existing warehouse space is a key factor in SK Pharma’s success. The system’s compact footprint overcomes fire safety restrictions that prevented the use of traditional racking. By using vertical space effectively, the cube storage design ensures full compliance with the strict safety regulations essential in the pharmaceutical industry.

With a proven track record of 100% operational continuity at +5°C over several months, AutoStore enables SK Pharma to reliably store temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals together with products kept at ambient conditions – ensuring full compliance with their service portfolio.

High-speed throughput capabilities allow SK Pharma to stay on top of order fulfillment.

Set Up to Scale

SK Pharma plans to leverage its successful AutoStore implementation as a foundation for expanding its distribution. The AutoStore systems position them to pursue additional pharmaceutical clients that require specialized storage, potentially scaling their operations significantly.

Project Specifications

Main System

• Installation type: Brownfield
• Robots: 40 R5 Robots
• Workstations (Ports): 2 CarouselPorts; 3 RelayPorts
• Bins: 34,400 Bins
• WMS: Integrated with existing systems
• Integrated technology: Fire bridges, conveyors, RelayPorts
• Implementation partner: AM Logistic Solutions

Temperature-Controlled System:

• Installation type: Brownfield
• Robots: 3 R5 Robots
• Workstations (Ports): 2 ConveyorPorts
• Bins: 1,500 Bins
• Implementation partner: AM Logistic Solutions