Skypod® system in Venlo: the new generation of apparel logistics.
At the GXO facility in Venlo, Netherlands, full integration of the Exotec Skypod® automation system has been launched. This is not just another technology project - it is a real change in how logistics are handled for the Guess brand. The system was designed specifically for the needs of the apparel sector, where speed, precision and flexibility are key. 127 robots, 60,000 storage locations and 200 meters of conveyor network have been installed. The whole system operates in a goods-to-person mode, which significantly reduces access time to goods and minimizes operational errors.
The project assumptions were clear: to support the growing demand for e-commerce, to handle a large product catalog (high SKU) and to anticipate seasonal peaks. The system can process up to 70,000 units of goods per day - which corresponds to the real needs of the brand during promotions and new collections. This is not just theory: data from the first months of operation confirm that the system works as expected.
Scalability and flexibility as the key to success.
The cooperation between GXO and Exotec is not limited to hardware installation. It is a comprehensive approach to supply chain optimization. The system in Venlo not only speeds up processes, but also ensures scalability - which means that with increasing demand, there is no need to rebuild the entire installation. For Guess, this is important: the brand operates in the EMEA and Asian markets, where changes in demand are rapid and unpredictable.
According to Mark Donné, Operations Manager at GXO in Venlo, "the effect can be seen from day one." The workflow has become more predictable, and order processing is faster. It's not just about technology: it's about changing the operational culture. The system allows for smooth adaptation to seasonal peaks without the need for additional hiring or infrastructure reconstruction.
Why isn't off-the-shelf technology enough?
Enlarged imageClose zoomPrevious imageThe cooperation between GXO and Exotec shows that automation in apparel logistics is not about buying a ready-made system. In the case of Guess, it was crucial to adapt the solution to the specifics of the industry: a high proportion of unique products, rapid catalog changes and the need for fast delivery to many markets. The Skypod® system is not "off-the-shelf" - it has been designed with the idea that each season is a new challenge.
Wim Vermeir, Sales Director at Exotec Benelux, emphasizes: "Apparel logistics does not tolerate approximations." This is not just words - data confirms that the system achieves a throughput of up to 2,200 order lines per hour during peak periods. This means that even during promotions or new collection launches, the system does not "freeze" - which is crucial for maintaining customer service quality.
Perspectives: from one center to a global network
The launch of the system in Venlo is not an end point, but the beginning of a new strategy. GXO emphasizes that the investment aims to support the development of Guess's business in Europe and Asia. This means that the experience gained in Venlo can be used to expand other logistics centers - both within the same project and for other clients.
System advantages: not only speed, but also reduced errors, better inventory control and the ability to integrate with other ERP or e-commerce systems. This opens the way to building flexible supply chains that can change in real time - without the need to invest in new infrastructure.
Skypod® system in Venlo: the new generation of apparel logistics.
Modern apparel logistics requires not only speed, but also precision in handling large quantities of unique products. The Skypod® system in Venlo not only meets these requirements - it exceeds them. Thanks to its goods-to-person architecture, Industrial Robots a network of conveyor belts delivers the goods directly to the operator, eliminating the need to walk around the warehouse. This significantly reduces working time and employee fatigue, which in the long run translates into higher productivity and lower maintenance costs. Each of the 60,000 storage locations is marked with a unique code, and the system automatically tracks inventory levels in real time, preventing shortages and surpluses. For the Guess brand, which introduces new collections every few weeks, this function is key - it allows for quick updating of the product catalog without disrupting the system's operation.
In addition, the system supports integration with e-commerce and ERP platforms, enabling a complete visualization of the flow of goods from supplier to customer shipment. This allows logistics managers to analyze data in real time, plan reserves and react to changes in demand according to seasonality. It is not only about technology - it is about transforming the entire culture of inventory management. Previously, operations were more reactive; today they are proactive, which means that the system anticipates needs and adapts to them without human intervention.