JAMES WILL be responsible for securing the continued growth of Spacemaker Systems in the UK and the future expansion of the business across the European region.

James says: “When I joined AutoStore in 2017 our technology was mostly unknown in the market, with most end customers, consultants and integrators specifying traditional fixed aisle technology, despite AutoStore having clear advantages. I see Spacemaker being in a similar position.”

On the overall market potential, James adds: “The focus over recent years has been predominantly on piece picking automation and efficiency, with little focus on bulk storage outside advances in existing MHE technology. It is becoming clear to end users that using the latest pallet shuttle automation technology can generate the same optimisation and efficiency gains in bulk storage as seen in piece picking, especially when technologies are combined to create seamless workflows within the warehouse.

“Another reason Spacemaker is leading the pallet automation market is our agnostic approach to existing end customers, as our technology can be adapted to suit almost any existing bulk storage installation, meaning retrofit and upgrade is highly achievable for most customers.”

On what convinced James that Spacemaker was the perfect fit, he explains: “The Spacemaker team have developed more than products, they have created an entire ecosystem of solutions that complement each other to maximise high-density warehouse performance. From the software platform that seamlessly links design, simulation, emulation and operation, to the individual modules in the system. With a clear roadmap of product development and product evolution, the future is exciting for the business.

“In my initial discussions with Paul Bates (CEO) and his existing leadership team, I have been incredibly impressed with the focus, energy and agility of the business. What the UK team have achieved in a short time frame is incredible and I feel immensely proud to be leading such a dedicated team.”