KNAPP streamlines Briscoe Group’s distribution system in Auckland.
The Briscoe Group’s 25,000sqm distribution centre is set to open in early 2026. Investing at least NZ$100m in the facility will significantly enhance Briscoe Group’s supply chain capabilities and efficiency. Situated in Drury South, Auckland, this new centre will replace the current 8,000sqm facility, increasing storage capacity by more than four times and accommodating KNAPP’s state-of-the-art automated shuttle system.
The automation contract significantly advances the Briscoe Group’s supply chain evolution. KNAPP’s advanced systems, including the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) Evo Shuttle and Pick-it-Easy Evo goods-to-person stations, will optimise storage and picking for smaller products like apparel and footwear, enhancing efficiency across the board.
“This partnership with KNAPP enables us to enhance stock accuracy and expedite fulfilment, creating an improved customer experience while optimising in-store inventory,” said Briscoe Group Supply Chain General Manager Darren Porteous. The automation will bolster the on-shelf availability of products in Briscoe Group’s stores, allowing the Group to restock high-demand items as often as daily, thereby enhancing both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Various online orders will also be fulfilled from the DC using automation, minimising the time from customer ordering to receiving their goods.
Despite the advanced automation, Briscoe Group’s workforce will grow. The current 45 full-time staff at the facility will more than double to about 100 employees over time, ensuring a balance between human expertise and automated efficiency. The site will manage larger items using traditional pallet systems alongside automation for smaller products.
KNAPP’s automation will seamlessly integrate with the Briscoe Group’s Warehouse Management System. This integration, powered by KNAPP’s robust and flexible central software suite, KiSoft, will enable optimised stock placement, quicker store replenishments, and data-driven inventory management, ensuring the system is ready for future retail growth. “Our solutions are designed to help the Briscoe Group achieve not just immediate efficiency but also long-term scalability, preparing them for the future of retail,” said KNAPP Australia Managing Director Michael Kemeny.
The KNAPP system will be installed in late November 2025 and is expected to go live in Q3 2026, roughly six months after the site opens for operation.