Active Ants is revolutionizing the e-commerce sector in the UK as a highly automated e-fulfilment company. Known for its expertise in global online shop fulfilment, Active Ants has recently established its first-ever e-fulfilment centre in the UK, where cutting-edge robots and dedicated employees work hand in hand.
Originally founded in the Netherlands in 2010, Active Ants has achieved significant success by implementing robotized warehouses across Europe. With state-of-the-art facilities in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, the company has now expanded its operations to the UK, introducing a unique approach to the e-commerce sector.
Under the leadership of Khalil Ashong, the Country Director for the UK, Active Ants has developed a structured and highly efficient process that seamlessly integrates humans and robots. Their new e-fulfilment centre, located in Northampton and spanning an impressive 252,000 square meters, has the capacity to ship up to 10 million parcels annually. To achieve this, over 400 robots work alongside a workforce of 250 individuals, making it the most efficient and sustainable site in the UK.
Active Ants excels in automating crucial aspects of the fulfilment process such as storage, order picking, packing, and sorting, while maintaining a collaborative environment where employees and robots work together seamlessly. While returns and receiving goods are still managed manually, the introduction of robots for order picking, packing, and order preparation has led to enhanced efficiency, improved quality, reduced CO2 emissions, and a more favourable working environment for employees.
Sustainability is a core focus for Active Ants, and they have incorporated innovative solutions to minimize their environmental impact. Leveraging the groundbreaking AutoStore solution, their warehouse storage requires six times less space compared to traditional warehouses. Furthermore, automated packaging machines are utilized to create customized boxes for products, eliminating the need for excessive box filling, reducing space requirements during last-mile transport, and minimizing waste. The e-fulfilment centre at Brackmills Industrial Estate in Northampton boasts an exceptional A+ rating and has received an outstanding BREEAM certification. Additionally, the warehouse is equipped with over 1,000 solar panels on the roof, enabling it to generate its own electricity sustainably.
Active Ants stands out by taking charge of the logistics processes for e-commerce companies primarily in the fashion, health and care, food, and small electronics sectors. By handling the fulfilment operations, Active Ants allows these companies to focus entirely on their growth, commercial development, marketing, social media presence, and customer interactions. Moreover, Active Ants offers webshops a European focus, ensuring proximity to end-users by storing products in multiple warehouses across Europe. This interconnected network of warehouses operates seamlessly with the same sophisticated software, resulting in reduced lead times and streamlined operations.
