Swisslog buys pallet shuttle storage company PAS

Swisslog Warehouse and Distribution Solutions, a provider of intralogistics solutions, has acquired Power Automation Systems (PAS), which creates pallet shuttle automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).

PAS' shuttle system complements Swisslog's already existing pallet-based storage solutions, which are based on stacker cranes. (Swisslog does have a shuttle system for cases.) With the acquisition, Swisslog is now able to provide potential clients with an even broader portfolio of storage automation.

"We like to think of ourselves as an automation powerhouse," said Markus Schmidt, senior vice president, during a press conference at the Modex show in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Swisslog had been interested in creating its own pallet shuttle technology, according to Michael Felbinger, vice president of project implementation. Acquiring PAS, however, allowed them to skip the three years of development time, testing, and beta installations with customers.

"The PAS acquisition provides us with references, a proven technology, and 20-plus already existing installations," said Felbinger.

Pallet shuttle systems are particularly well suited for operations with a high throughput but a limited number of stock-keeping units, such as would be found in the beverage industry.

Swisslog is part of the KUKA Group, a supplier of intelligent automation solutions.

For more information, see the Swisslog website.