s bakeries across the UK face mounting pressure to reduce costs, increase throughput, and adapt to rising customer expectations, warehouse automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. From small batch operations to large-scale commercial bakeries, automation is unlocking new levels of efficiency, flexibility, and reliability that traditional systems simply can’t match.
At Thistle Systems, we specialise in helping bakeries transform their warehouse and pallet storage operations through intelligent, automated solutions. And while we can’t share full details, we’re proud to say our systems (and those of our manufacturing partner) have already been successfully deployed in leading European bakeries.
The Challenges Facing Modern Bakeries
Whether you’re dealing with ambient, chilled, or frozen environments, bakeries face a unique set of storage and logistics challenges:
- Limited footprint and rising energy costs
- Labour shortages and high manual handling requirements
- Demand for faster picking and shorter delivery times
- The need for seamless integration between production, storage, and dispatch
These challenges often result in inefficient workflows, over-reliance on manual labour, and wasted space or energy.
How Warehouse Automation Solves These Challenges
Warehouse automation solutions like our Autocube® automated pallet storage system are designed specifically to address these issues head-on:
- Maximise storage density within the available footprint
- Minimise energy use through intelligent design and next-generation carrier technology
- Reduce labour dependency by automating routine pallet movements
- Increase throughput with faster picking speeds and 24/7 reliability
The benefits are especially pronounced in temperature-controlled environments, where automation can help reduce energy costs by improving airflow and minimising door openings.
Third-Generation Technology for Unmatched Efficiency
Our Autocube® system was the first 4-way shuttle in the world, and after decades of development, we’re now using the third generation of this innovative technology.
Here’s why that matters for your bakery:
- Longest runtime in the industry: Up to 16 hours of operation with just 2 hours of charging
- Cutting-edge battery and regenerative braking to reduce energy use
- Faster operation and improved lifting capacity to meet high throughput demands
- Smarter sensing and connectivity for precise, reliable movement
This results in a system that’s not only robust and scalable, but delivers a superior return on investment through lower running costs and higher productivity.
More Than Just Technology: Smart System Design
The success of any warehouse automation project depends not just on the hardware, but on the design of the system itself. That’s where Thistle Systems excels.
Our team takes time to understand your production and logistics workflows, ensuring your automated solution:
- Moves goods to the right place at the right time
- Integrates seamlessly with production and dispatch
- Adapts to different pallet sizes and handling needs
Whether you’re moving ingredients to production, storing frozen dough, or dispatching finished goods, our systems ensure every movement is optimised for speed, reliability, and efficiency.
Get Inspired: Explore the Possibilities
If you’re at the early stages of considering automation, our latest blog is a great place to start: 👉 Warehouse Automation UK – What You Need to Know
We cover everything from why companies are investing in warehouse automation, to the technologies involved, and what results you can realistically expect.
Ready to See What’s Possible in Your Bakery?
Whether you’re planning a future upgrade or need to solve urgent cold store capacity challenges, we’d love to help you explore what warehouse automation could look like in your operation.
Let’s start the conversation.
About Thistle Systems
Thistle Systems is the UK’s specialist integrator of automated storage and warehouse solutions, with over 45 years of development behind our technologies. We work with leading manufacturers to deliver high-performance, future-ready systems that help manufacturers maximise space, reduce costs, and improve productivity.
Contact us today to learn more or discuss your project.
