Exotec Expands Operations in Atlanta with New Headquarters
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement as Exotec, a French company specializing in warehouse automation, has officially announced its plans to establish a new North American headquarters right in the heart of the city. This expansion comes after Exotec reached significant milestones, having hit $1 billion in sales and employing 1,000 people worldwide. It’s a noteworthy achievement for a company that only made its U.S. debut in 2021!
A Look Inside the New Headquarters
The new office will be located in Buckhead, occupying a spacious 37,000-square-foot venue on Peachtree Street, which the company is subleasing from the software firm, FullStory. This new location isn’t just an office—it’s set to be a dynamic space that combines a showroom to impress clients and a hub for Exotec’s growing team.
In a chat with Stanislas Normand, the managing director for North America, he shared the company’s vision: “We’re really thinking about it as a showroom with an office built around it.” The office will feature a stunning floor-to-ceiling curved wall of big screens showcasing videos of customer systems in action, giving visitors an immersive glimpse into the technology that is transforming warehouse operations.
The Innovative Skypod System
At the core of Exotec’s offerings is the impressive Skypod system. This innovative technology features autonomous robots that can efficiently pick and deliver product bins from tall metal racks directly to human operators for sorting and fulfillment. This blend of human and robotic labor has caught the attention of many corporations looking to modernize their supply chains.
Growing Workforce and Hiring Strategy
With a current Atlanta staff of about 80 employees, Exotec plans to ramp up hiring to about 250 in the next three years. They are primarily on the lookout for both software and hardware engineers. Normand mentioned the significant opportunity presented by the local talent pool, thanks in part to nearby institutions like Georgia Tech. “We hire about a third of our engineers right out of college,” he said, pointing out the strong partnership with local universities.
Exotec provides a hands-on training program, allowing new hires to engage in real-world projects just a month after joining the company. This practical approach is pivotal in a high-growth environment like Atlanta, where swift adaptation is essential.
A Customer-Centric Approach
Exotec’s strategy isn’t merely focused on growth; it emphasizes creating a unified company culture. “We don’t believe that this can be achieved in a remote environment,” said Normand. The new headquarters will require employees to be in the office consistently, with the flexibility of two remote workdays per week to foster collaboration.
The company distinguishes two types of clients: those already accustomed to investing in automation and those who are traditional manual operators facing operational challenges. It’s fascinating to learn that Exotec’s systems primarily assist human workers rather than replacing them, enhancing productivity while also improving working conditions—a win-win strategy!
Looking Ahead
Exotec’s expansion into Atlanta underlines its commitment to innovation in the warehouse automation sector. With its engaging customer experiences and rapid growth trajectory, its presence in the city serves as a testament to the flourishing tech community in Atlanta. Normand concluded with a forward-looking optimism, stating, “They don’t build for their 10-year plan; they build on their two-year plan.”
As Atlanta continues to establish itself as a tech hub, companies like Exotec are sure to make waves with their revolutionary ideas and hard-working teams. The city is ready to welcome this new chapter, and we can’t wait to see how Exotec will continue to shape the future of logistics and warehousing.
