Atlanta Welcomes Exotec’s New North American Headquarters
Exciting news is coming out of Atlanta! The French innovator in warehouse automation, Exotec, is making a big splash by opening its new North American headquarters in the heart of the city. This move comes on the heels of some truly impressive milestones: the company recently surpassed $1 billion in sales and employed over 1,000 people across the globe. How incredible is that?
What is Exotec, Anyway?
For those who may not be familiar, Exotec is known for its Skypod system, a groundbreaking approach to warehouse logistics. Picture this: autonomous robots that effortlessly pick product bins from towering metal racks and deliver them right to human operators for sorting. It’s a game-changer for warehouses and companies looking to improve efficiency.
Setting Up Shop in Buckhead
The new office is a spacious 37,000-square-foot location on Peachtree Street in Buckhead, right next to the area Exotec first called home when they arrived in Atlanta three years ago. At that time, they were working out of a smaller warehouse on the Armour-Ottley loop, conveniently located across from SweetWater Brewing. Don’t worry, they’re not abandoning their first home; they will retain it for parts storage and robot servicing.
Rapid Growth and Hiring Plans
Since entering the U.S. market in 2021, Exotec has been doubling its size every year. This growth has made hiring engineers and technicians a bit of a challenge, but it also opens doors for talent, especially those fresh out of Georgia Tech and other local institutions. Stanislas Normand, the managing director for North America, shared that about a third of the company’s engineers come straight from college. They pair these new graduates with experienced professionals, facilitating a fast-paced learning environment.
With only about 80 employees currently in Atlanta, the company has big plans for the future. They’re aiming to increase the workforce to around 250 people over the next three years, focusing on both software and hardware engineering. However, while remote work is an option for up to two days a week, a significant in-office presence is vital. “We want to maintain a strong customer-centric culture and avoid creating silos,” said Mr. Normand. It’s all about hands-on teamwork!
Impressive Office Features
The new headquarters won’t just be a typical office; it’s being designed as an immersive space to impress visitors and customers alike. There’s talk of a fabulous floor-to-ceiling curved wall featuring big screens showcasing videos of customer systems in action. Imagine walking into a space that feels more like a tech showcase than just a workspace!
Innovation in Logistics
Exotec’s systems aren’t just about replacing the human workforce but instead enhancing productivity and working conditions. Their modular design allows businesses to quickly scale operations without massive financial commitments—perfect for companies that operate on shorter planning horizons. As Mr. Normand puts it, “They don’t build for their 10-year plan; they build on their 2-year plan.”
Target Audience and Market Reach
The company has made its mark across various industries, including retail, healthcare, and e-commerce, with an impressive client roster that includes names like Carrefour and Uniqlo. Their unique approach targets both seasoned automation investors and traditional manual operators eager for a boost in capacity.
Looking Ahead
With big ambitions and a focus on fostering local talent, Exotec is definitely one to watch as it continues to shape the future of warehouse automation. The excitement in Atlanta is palpable, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve next!
