Asics Oceania has taken another big step in transforming the way it moves products across Australia and New Zealand, completing the second phase of automation at its Sydney distribution centre.
The project, developed in partnership with Vanderlande, is designed to help the brand move faster, smarter, and more efficiently across both retail and e-commerce channels.
For Asics, this is about much more than upgrading warehouse equipment. It’s about building a supply chain that can keep up with how people shop today, whether they’re buying in-store, online, or through a mix of both.
Rethinking logistics for modern retail
The world of retail logistics has shifted. Customers expect next-day delivery, accurate stock levels, and smooth returns. That puts pressure on brands to have flexible and responsive operations behind the scenes.
The latest phase of Asics’ automation program introduces advanced goods-to-person and carton buffering systems, allowing the business to handle more orders, more quickly, while reducing manual handling. In simple terms, it means fewer bottlenecks, faster processing, and better use of space – all key to supporting omni-channel growth.
The move also helps future-proof Asics’ operations. With consumer demand fluctuating and e-commerce volumes continuing to rise, the company can now scale up its throughput during busy periods without major disruptions or additional labour costs.
A partnership that has grown over time
Asics’ relationship with Vanderlande goes back almost 10 years. The first automation project, which introduced a high-speed sortation system, delivered results faster than expected and paid for itself in just two years. That early success gave Asics the confidence to move ahead with a more ambitious upgrade, integrating new technologies while keeping the warehouse fully operational.
The expanded system now includes Vanderlande’s High Dynamic Storage (HDS) carton buffer and Adapto goods-to-person technology. Together, they give Asics a far more flexible and resilient setup that can manage inbound and outbound operations at the same time – something that wasn’t possible before.
The decision to automate further wasn’t just about performance. It was also about partnership. Vanderlande was able to design a system that worked within Asics’ existing building rather than requiring a new one, a challenge that many retailers face when trying to modernise older facilities.
Building in a live warehouse
Installing new automation inside a working warehouse is no small task. Orders still had to go out every day while the upgrades were taking place. The project was completed in stages, with sections of the site temporarily handed over to Vanderlande’s team before being brought back into operation.
During the build, Asics used third-party staging areas and temporary inbound arrangements to keep goods moving. Careful planning and close collaboration between both teams meant customers saw no impact at all. For a retail brand, maintaining that continuity of service is non-negotiable.
Integrating technology that supports growth
At the heart of the new setup are the Adapto shuttles, which handle goods-to-person picking, and the HDS system, which manages cartons dynamically across multiple aisles and levels. These systems work together under one central warehouse control platform, allowing Asics to coordinate everything from a single point.
This new design not only boosts speed and accuracy but also creates more room within the existing footprint. With industrial property costs on the rise, making the most of every square metre is increasingly important. The warehouse can now handle higher volumes, faster turnaround, and smoother replenishment to stores – all without the need for expansion.
Setting a new standard in retail logistics
What Asics has achieved with this project reflects a wider shift across the retail industry. Automation is no longer just about cutting costs. It’s about building agility, resilience, and consistency – qualities that directly affect the customer experience.
In a market where supply chains are under constant strain, Asics has positioned itself ahead of the curve. By investing in scalable, intelligent infrastructure, the brand has strengthened its ability to meet growing customer expectations while supporting its retail partners.
The Sydney facility now stands as one of the most advanced sportswear logistics hubs in the region, combining smart technology with strong operational know-how. It shows what’s possible when a retailer sees automation not as a bolt-on, but as a core part of how it delivers value to customers.
