Poland Warehouse automation becomes essential

Just a few years ago, full warehouse automation seemed like a solution reserved for global e-commerce giants. Today, according to Jakub Kurek, head of industrial and warehouse, Newmark Polska, medium-sized companies are also increasingly turning to modern technology.

Our economy is facing rising labour costs and staffing shortages. As a result, businesses are exploring alternatives through process automation – ranging from simple solutions that support operations to fully-robotised warehouse implementations.
Jakub Kurek, head of industrial and warehouse, Newmark Polska

Warehouse as an intelligent ecosystem

The approach to warehouse space is also evolving. Today, tenants expect it to support modernisation and growth, not just day-to-day operations.

The traditional Class A warehouse is no longer enough. Key factors now include technical parameters that enable automation, such as connection capacity, energy availability and IT infrastructure.
Jakub Kurek

Due to automation, warehouses can store more items within the same area, resulting in more efficient space use and higher revenue. At the same time, there is a growing demand for specialists in robot oversight and data analysis. According to Robert Kosicki, technical and sales advisor for warehouse automation at Mecalux, automated compact storage systems are currently in the strongest demand, as they enable optimal utilisation of usable warehouse space by increasing storage density within racking structures. Their key components include stacker cranes and Pallet Shuttles, which deposit and retrieve pallets. Clients value these systems for their ability to support racks up to 40 metres high and for their exceptional operational efficiency.

Today, a modern warehouse or manufacturing plant is a complex ecosystem in which automation, robotics and smart management systems interact on many levels.

Importantly, this process begins at the design stage. Developers and tenants work together to analyse not only workstation and aisle layouts, but also aspects such as floor reinforcement to accommodate racks supporting heavier loads, busbar routing and compressed air installations. They also plan space reserved for future production lines.
Jakub Jankowiak, development director at Panattoni BTS

He also states that smart, energy-efficient lighting with active control systems, which can detect motion and automatically adjust light levels based on the time of day, plays a key role in saving resources.

Technical foundations of automation

Adequate technical conditions, connection capacity and IT infrastructure are fundamental to the efficient operation of automation systems.

The availability and reliability of the power supply are top priorities, as automation relies heavily on an uninterrupted electricity supply. That is why our developments increasingly feature additional power sources, such as generators or even independent backup power connections. What are equally important are well-designed server rooms that integrate with clients’ systems, requiring compatibility with BMS communication protocols. As regards fire safety, we support tenants by designing sprinkler systems and fire-safety passageways for automated systems.
Adrian Winiarek, partner and development director at MDC2

Automation also improves safety and quality assurance while minimising human error and the risk of product damage. Solutions such as access control systems, real-time utility monitoring, integration with warehouse digital twins and reporting systems help predict breakdowns and plan maintenance to minimise downtime.

Technologies that save energy and money

Using robots and smart warehouse management systems (WMS, IoT) helps streamline processes and reduce operating costs. Renewable energy sources, heat recovery systems and water consumption monitoring systems are also increasingly being deployed.

A prime example is the e-commerce distribution centre developed by Panattoni in Świebodzin. It is equipped with over 3,000 mobile robots that transport racks to employees, significantly shortening picking times. The facility also features a PV system with more than 4,000 solar panels (1.7 MWp), a heat recovery system and automated HVAC – together reducing annual energy and water consumption by more than 55 pct.

Another notable example is the Piła-based warehouse built for CEVA Logistics to serve Signify, where smart LED lighting has reduced electricity consumption by 62 pct.

Savings are also being generated by Danfoss’ low-emission factory, built by Panattoni BTS in Grodzisk Mazowiecki. Heat recovered from various zones of the building is used for reheating, with up to 80 per cent of the energy required to heat the production hall recovered during the winter season.

We at Panattoni estimate that comprehensively implementing automation, robotics, and green technologies can reduce operating costs by as much as 30–40 pct compared to traditional facilities, while boosting productivity by several many pct. This shows that modern technologies are not just an addition but are becoming fundamental to the competitiveness of manufacturers and logistics providers.
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Automation under pressure: implementation barriers and adaptation costs

Although the benefits of automation are clear, the adoption of new technologies in warehouses comes with multiple barriers.

When building new centres, businesses do not always plan to deploy automation from the outset. In practice, this means that suppliers need to adapt solutions to an existing, partially occupied space. The most common challenge is insufficient building height. In Poland, warehouses typically have a clear height of 10–12m, which is suitable for r boxes. However, for pallets, centres with heights between 15 and 32m are considerably more cost-effective.
Robert Kosicki, Mecalux

Another major challenge is adaptation expenditure. The costs of robotics, automated sorters, production lines or energy installations often exceed the value of the building itself.

Tenants increasingly set out their automation requirements during the investment phase, and developers make a preliminary adaptation of the building to meet these needs. Next, specific systems are installed with technology suppliers. In practice, some of these costs, covered by the developer, can be included in rents, helping tenants lower upfront expenses. This is where advisors play a crucial role by coordinating all these arrangements, engaging technical staff and ensuring compliance with OHS and fire regulations.
Jakub Kurek, Newmark Polska

Requirements also vary by sector.

For example, the food industry requires specialised cooling and insulation systems, the automotive sector – high-precision robotic lines, and the chemical industry – advanced production safety measures. Integrating these requirements into a centre's structure can be challenging, especially in multi-tenant warehouses, where excessive adaptations for one tenant may compromise the building’s overall flexibility. That is why, in some cases, a dedicated BTS (build-to-suit) project is the best solution, as its entire space can be designed to accommodate specific processes from the very beginning,
Jakub Jankowiak

The rapid advance of technology is another consideration.

The most modern systems today may require upgrades within just a few years. That is why it is essential to design centres with adequate power reserves, space for expansion and modular infrastructure that can be easily adapted to new technologies. Only this approach can ensure that investments in automation remain profitable over the longer term
Jakub Jankowiak

Competitive advantage for years to come

Automation and robotisation are gaining ground in the warehouse market, setting new standards for efficiency and process scalability.

The key to success lies in cooperation between tenants, advisors, developers and technology suppliers from the design stage. The market is moving towards fully smart warehouses, where robotics, IoT and digital twins form the core of operational competitive advantage.

In the next few years, we are likely to see more autonomous warehouses, capable of monitoring and optimising processes independently. This will translate into a genuine competitive advantage for logistics providers and manufacturers.
Jakub Kurek, head of industrial and warehouse, Newmark Polska.