L&S Engineers Invests in the Future with 46 New Warehouse Robots

Five years after beginning a major transformation of our warehouse operations, we have completed the next stage of our automation journey with the introduction of 46 new-generation Automated Guided Vehicles. The upgraded fleet replaces the 40 earlier-generation robots installed in 2021, increasing the capacity, reliability and efficiency of our automated fulfilment system. This investment represents another significant milestone for L&S Engineers as we continue to grow, improve the service we provide to our customers and create a better working environment for our employees.

From Manual Picking to Modern Automation

Before 2021, our stock control and order-picking processes relied almost entirely on employees walking through the warehouse to locate and collect products. Although this system had supported our business successfully for many years, the continued growth of L&S Engineers and the expansion of our product range meant our existing warehouse was approaching its operational capacity. We identified this challenge well in advance and, following several years of strategic planning, secured an additional building directly alongside our existing premises in Brownhills. The facility was extensively renovated and prepared to support an automated goods-to-person fulfilment system, allowing robots to transport complete shelving units directly to designated picking stations instead of employees walking between storage locations.

A Major Team Effort

Introducing the new system required considerably more than simply installing a fleet of robots. Thousands of products had to be carefully transferred into the new automated facility, storage locations had to be planned, shelving units configured and the wider warehouse environment prepared so the robots could operate safely and efficiently. Employees from across the business contributed by moving stock, testing processes and establishing the foundations of the new system. Their time, effort and commitment were essential in turning years of planning into a fully operational automated warehouse. In 2021, our first fleet of 40 Automated Guided Vehicles became operational, transforming our warehouse through faster stock movement, reduced manual handling and greater capacity for continued growth.

The Next Generation Arrives

Technology continues to develop rapidly, and warehouse automation must evolve alongside advances in software, hardware and data systems. When we introduced our original automation project, we understood that the technology would eventually need to be upgraded, and this formed part of our long-term planning from the beginning. Five years later, in 2026, we replaced our original fleet of 40 robots with 46 new-generation AGVs. The larger fleet provides greater operating capacity, while advances in technology deliver improved performance, efficiency and reliability. This upgrade strengthens our warehouse operation and ensures we are equipped to support the future growth of our business.

Working in Partnership with Autrix

Delivering a project of this scale requires more than advanced technology—it requires the right partnership. Since the introduction of our automated warehouse, Autrix has worked closely with L&S Engineers to install, develop and support our robotic fulfilment system. Its expertise extends beyond the hardware itself, providing the software, technical support and ongoing development that help keep our warehouse operating efficiently every day. As our business has grown, our relationship with Autrix has developed into a true partnership, with both teams regularly reviewing system performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing enhancements that maximise efficiency, reliability and productivity. The installation of our new-generation AGVs represents another important milestone in that partnership, combining our operational expertise with Autrix's automation knowledge to create one of the UK's most advanced automated warehouse operations.

Improving Service for Our Customers

The purpose of this investment is straightforward: to help us continue providing customers with a fast, dependable and accurate service. Our expanded fleet allows stock to move through the warehouse more efficiently, helping orders reach picking stations and progress towards dispatch more quickly. As demand continues to increase, investing in automation enables us to process more orders and support a larger, increasingly complex warehouse operation without compromising the speed, accuracy or dependability of our service.

• Faster order processing and dispatch
• Greater capacity during busy trading periods
• More efficient movement of stock
• Improved system performance and reliability
• Continued support for high levels of picking accuracy
• Additional capacity to serve our growing customer base

Supporting Our Employees, Not Replacing Them

This investment also reflects our commitment to improving the working environment for our employees. Under a traditional warehouse-picking system, employees can spend a significant part of their day walking between storage locations, repeatedly bending, reaching and transporting products. Our automated system changes this process by bringing the required shelving unit directly to the operator, substantially reducing unnecessary walking and repetitive physical movement. Presenting products directly at picking stations can also improve concentration and reduce the likelihood of picking errors. Our robots are not here to replace people; they complete repetitive stock movements and allow our employees to focus on tasks where their knowledge, judgement and experience provide the greatest value. The result is a safer, more efficient and more enjoyable working environment that combines modern technology with the expertise and dedication of our team.

Building for Long-Term Growth

The introduction of 46 new-generation AGVs forms part of our wider commitment to long-term investment and continuous improvement. Throughout our history, we have continued to develop our facilities, systems and processes to meet the changing needs of our customers and support sustainable business growth. Replacing our original robotic fleet after five years demonstrates that we never viewed warehouse automation as a one-off installation, but as an evolving operation that we will continue to review, develop and improve. By investing in technology, expanding our warehouse capacity and supporting our employees, we are building an operation designed to serve customers both now and well into the future. For us, innovation is not about replacing people; it is about giving our employees better tools, improving customer service and creating a stronger business for the future.