Online fashion retailer ASOS has claimed that, despite a 3% downturn in profit in the last four months of 2022, it has seen increased efficiency in its operations, thanks to the automation of one of its key fulfilment centres by warehouse solutions provider BS Handling Systems.

The Driving Change agenda, announced by ASOS chief executive José Antonio Ramos Calamonte in October 2022, outlined four key actions needed to rapidly improve the company’s operations.

One of its key objectives was to optimise use of ASOS’ Lichfield fulfilment centre to eliminate UK split orders.

To achieve this, ASOS tasked BS Handling Systems with automating the 437,000ft² (40,598m²) Lichfield site at the beginning of 2021, a project that it was completed in time for Black Friday that same year.

BS Handling systems has worked with ASOS in the past to implement its systems into the retailer’s facilities in Barnsley and Doncaster.

Gary Beveridge, director of supply chain development for ASOS, said: “Having previously worked with BS Handling Systems on a number of major projects, it was clear that they would be able not only to deliver the right solution, but also to adapt to the inevitable design changes that pop up as a project of this nature progresses.”

“The first phase of BS Handling Systems’ support provided the major conveyor and despatch sorter elements.

“Later followed design and installation of additional smaller works including our secure caged area for high value items such as jewellery and belts; a hanging garment storage system that transports inbound goods on hangers (GOH) from goods in up to the top floor of the pick tower, and a conveyor solution to get waste cardboard boxes from all five storage floors of the pick tower out to the waste skips in the yard.”

BS Handling Systems claims that the site has a storage capacity of around seven million units of stock and an outbound capacity of one million units shipped per week.