Auchan has officially opened in Wilcza Góra one of the most technologically advanced fulfilment facilities in Poland. The 18,000 sqm build-to-suit (BTS) facility was developed by Panattoni. The distribution centre is fully adapted to the requirements of the e-grocery process and equipped with the state-of-the-art Ocado automation system. Strategic advisory and location selection were provided by experts from JLL, while the design was prepared by the architectural studio Tacakiewicz Ferma Kresek. The investment is worth nearly EUR 34 million.
“The solutions implemented in the new centre allow for a highly automated order-picking process, greater reliability and completeness of deliveries, and the highest service quality for our customers, while offering an exceptionally wide product range — ultimately up to 40,000 SKUs,” said Alexandre Saussard, CEO of Auchan Polska. “Delivering such a modern and technologically advanced facility — the first of its kind on the Polish market — required partners with top-tier expertise. The final result confirms that our cooperation was conducted at an exceptionally high and professional level,” he added.
The building includes a multi-level technological mezzanine, an extensive refrigeration and freezing infrastructure, and a reinforced floor designed to support advanced robotics. The power connection alone is 7 km long, while the facility’s cabling reaches 100 km.
“It is an honour and a sign of trust that Auchan Polska entrusted us with the delivery of this strategic investment. Neither in Poland nor across the entire CEE region has the Ocado automation system been deployed on such a scale before. Together with our partners, we have created a reference building with no benchmark on the market. It sets new directions for the development of food logistics and online fulfilment,” emphasised Marek Dobrzycki, Partner at Panattoni.
The Ocado system integrates robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, enabling hundreds of autonomous robots to operate within a three-dimensional technological grid.
“This is a breakthrough moment for our cooperation with Auchan Polska. With the launch of the Wilcza Góra facility, we are bringing a new level of online grocery service to the Polish market, supported by the most advanced Ocado technology,” said Gregor Ulitzka, President Europe, Ocado Solutions. “The facility begins operations with the latest Ocado automation solutions, including AI-supported robotic picking and some of the world’s most advanced 3D-printed industrial robots. It is also the fastest construction process of a CFC of this type in our history.”
JLL served as Auchan’s strategic advisor in location selection, coordination of the BTS process and synchronisation of activities between the key stakeholders. “The Auchan Distribution Centre in Wilcza Góra is a prime example of the transformation of the Polish e-commerce market towards high automation. The project required integrating teams of experts from various disciplines and selecting a location that met extremely stringent technological requirements. Working with companies that set new trends in e-commerce and are willing to invest in pioneering solutions is extremely valuable to us,” said Tomasz Mika, Head of Industrial Agency Poland, JLL.
The facility was designed with the highest energy efficiency in mind and achieved BREEAM Excellent environmental certification. The roof was reinforced for a photovoltaic installation, and LED lighting with motion and dusk sensors was installed, along with a BMS system. Multiple solutions were implemented to reduce energy and water consumption, and a refrigeration system based on natural CO₂ was introduced — far more environmentally friendly than conventional systems. As a result, primary energy consumption was reduced by 30% compared to the reference building. The site includes six electric-vehicle charging stations and racks for 44 bicycles. More than 200 native trees — including linden, oak, maple and hornbeam — were planted around the development.
“The greatest satisfaction came early this spring, still during construction. I watched the progress — seeing how the building and the technology began to come together as one — and realised that we were truly going to deliver this project. And ahead of schedule. That was the moment when the years of preparation started crystallising into something real,” said Adrian Lipowski, Senior Architect and Head of Development Team, Tacakiewicz Ferma Kresek.
