Ahlsell, the leading Nordic distributor of installation products, tools and supplies, invests additional 150 MSEK in the central warehouse in Sweden aiming to increase capacity and level of automation.

In 2015, Ahlsell announced a MSEK 300 investment in the central warehouse in Hallsberg to meet increased volumes and increase automation. Now the investment is extended by 150 MSEK. This will lead to a significant increase in capacity, better utilization of storage space and a more efficient production flow. Contracts with suppliers have been signed and completion of the investment is estimated at the beginning of 2020.

"Our top priority is to create value for our customers. After several years of strong sales growth, both organic and acquired, this investment ensures continued world-class logistics, in which we serve our customers with fast and accurate deliveries.", says Johan Nilsson, CEO Ahlsell AB (publ).

The total investment in the central warehouse will thus amount to approximately 450 MSEK, of which the property owner will finance approximately 200 MSEK. Of the part that will be financed by Ahlsell; MSEK 250, approximately MSEK 15 has already been invested. Of the part that will be financed by the property owner, approximately MSEK 95 has been invested this far.

Within automation, Ahlsell has chosen the supplier KNAPP, which offers a tailor-made a solution for increasing volumes, both by conventional sales channels, as well as for Ahlsell's highly-expanding e-commerce channel, accounting for some 25% of sales.

"From a logistical point of view, this additional investment is very exciting. Already today, we have a strong logistic solution with both automatization and skilled logistics staff. With this investment, we become even more efficient while opening doors for future logistics solutions with further increased automation and robotisation.", says Daniel Johansson, Logistics Manager in Sweden.

The central warehouse in Hallsberg comprises 235,000 square meters, of which 80,000 square meters are roof covered storage. In total, Ahlsell has approximately 750 employees at the central warehouse and since the first investment project was communicated in 2015, managed sales volume in Hallsberg has increased by more than 40%.

For further information please contact:
Karin Larsson, Head of IR and external communications
+46 8 685 59 24, karin.larsson@ahlsell.se

Ahlsell is the Nordic region’s leading distributor of installation products, tools and supplies for installers, construction companies, facility managers, industrial and power companies and the public sector. The unique customer offer covers more than one million individual products and solutions. The Group has a turnover of just over SEK 29 billion and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. About 97% of revenue is generated in the three main markets of Sweden, Norway and Finland. With about 5,800 employees, more than 230 branches and three central warehouses, we constantly fulfil our customer promise: Ahlsell makes it easier to be professional!

Press release
Stockholm, July 25, 2018