THG Fulfil has entered into a partnership with robotics provider Libiao to enhance its Manchester warehouse capacity with the installation of 430 T-sorting robots.
The deployment of the T-sorting robots is scheduled for September 2025 and is expected to increase THG Fulfil's operational capacity by approximately 75%, providing the firm with the capability to process around one million units per day. This expansion aims to support the management of peak demand periods, particularly as THG Fulfil brings on new brands and retailers ahead of the holiday season.
Warehouse automation
The facility in Manchester will benefit from the modular and scalable nature of Libiao's T-sorting robots, which are designed to adapt to shifting consumer demand and varying volumes throughout the year. According to the companies, the robots offer a high level of sorting accuracy—up to 99.9%—by sorting parcels for multiple destinations at once and operating on optimal routes to increase efficiency.
In addition to space-saving benefits, due to their compact footprint and flexible deployment options, the robots' rapid installation offers a shorter project cycle. Brands and retailers could see their robotic systems operational in as little as three weeks, with a typical return on investment period of under three years.
THG Fulfil also acts as Libiao's UK distribution partner. This role enables other brands and retailers to access the robotics solutions, together with THG Fulfil's proprietary technology and fulfilment expertise. The company states that the partnership further enables rapid deployment of automation technology for clients looking to improve operational efficiency.
Leadership commentary
Tom Killeen, Chief Operating Officer at THG Ingenuity, outlined the importance of logistics in meeting customer expectations and brand objectives.
"We have always believed that fulfilment is a core driver of customer excellence and brand reputation. Our collaboration with Libiao further solidifies our commitment to providing brands and retailers with industry-leading, scalable automation solutions that optimise everything from pick and pack to final mile delivery, ultimately enhancing customer experience and driving loyalty. Our unique approach, which often sees 95% of all units sold moving through some form of automation, combined with our late NDD cut-off times of up to 1am, is truly what sets us apart. We are committed to investing in the future of logistics, while empowering our clients to meet and exceed evolving consumer expectations with unparalleled efficiency."
Jason Zhang, Vice President of Sales for Europe at Libiao, commented on the collaboration with THG Fulfil and its potential to expand the reach of Libiao's robotics solutions:
"We're excited to partner with THG Fulfil, showcasing the elegance and scalability of Libiao Robotics' solutions. Our compact, modular robots enable rapid plug-and-play deployment. With THG Fulfil as our UK distribution partner—leveraging their vast retail network and warehouse automation expertise—we look forward to expanding Libiao's reach across new industries. At Libiao, our mission is to make the world more efficient, and this collaboration is a meaningful step toward that goal."
System features
Libiao's T-sorting robots are described as having high stability and fault tolerance, designed to maintain operational effectiveness while delivering precise parcel sorting. The technology also enables integration across different warehouse levels, offering adaptability for a variety of warehousing configurations.
This investment in robotics technology is intended to provide THG Fulfil's clients with increased operational speed, accuracy, and scalability, while supporting ongoing growth of brands and retailers served by the company. The collaboration between THG Fulfil and Libiao is focused on enhancing fulfilment processes and preparing to serve fluctuating ecommerce demand efficiently.
