🇬🇧 Ocado and Aeon's Partnership
Ocado, the British online supermarket, has strengthened its partnership with Japan's Aeon. On Monday, Ocado announced plans to build a third robotic warehouse. These warehouses are called customer fulfilment centres (CFCs). The new CFC will be located in Kuki-Miyashiro, in Japan's Saitama prefecture, and is set to go live in 2027.
🇯🇵 Expansion Amid Setbacks
This expansion comes as a significant boost for Ocado. Last month, its Canadian partner Sobeys paused the opening of another CFC, causing Ocado's shares to drop. Despite this setback, Ocado continues to focus on its international partnerships. The Aeon partnership, which began in 2019, is proving to be a key growth area for Ocado.
🤖 Advanced Technology
The first CFC under the Aeon partnership opened last year in Chiba-city, serving the Kanto region. A second CFC in Hachioji is scheduled to open in 2026. The new Kuki-Miyashiro CFC will feature Ocado's latest technologies, including "On-Grid Robotic Pick," which enhances labour productivity. This technology allows robots to pick items directly from storage grids.
📈 Future Prospects
Ocado believes that these technological advancements will bring increasing levels of efficiency to Aeon's operations. Tim Steiner, Ocado’s CEO, stated, "Our partnership with Aeon is a testament to the global potential of our technology. We are committed to helping Aeon enhance its customer service and operational efficiency." With the third CFC, Ocado aims to solidify its presence in the Japanese market and demonstrate the scalability of its robotic solutions.
What do you think about Ocado's expansion in Japan?
