Wayland Games has significantly increased the speed and capacity of its warehouse operations after deploying a new automation and robotics system at its Essex distribution centre, enabling the specialist retailer to keep pace with rising demand across the UK and Europe.
The tabletop gaming retailer has worked with warehouse automation and software provider Autrix to implement an Automation Control System (ACS) and a fleet of 42 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at its 50,000 sq. ft. facility near Brentwood. The upgrade has delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, with packing speeds increasing by 89% and overall order processing times cut by 68%.
As a result of the changes, Wayland Games can now process orders from placement to dispatch in as little as 40 minutes. The business says this has allowed it to scale without increasing headcount, with the same packaging team now handling double the order volume compared to pre-automation levels. Pickup rates have also more than doubled since the system went live.
The improvements are particularly significant for a retailer supplying fast-moving and highly seasonal product lines, including Warhammer 40,000, Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons and Lego. The new setup has enabled Wayland Games to better absorb peak demand periods, such as Christmas trading and major new game releases, without the bottlenecks that previously constrained order throughput.
At the core of the project is a goods-to-person model, which removes the need for warehouse staff to walk long distances between storage locations. Instead, AMRs transport products directly to ergonomically designed picking and packing stations. According to Wayland Games, this has not only increased productivity but also improved order accuracy and reduced the physical strain on staff.
The robots are capable of travelling at speeds of up to 2 m/s while carrying payloads of up to 600kg, navigating between more than 700 racks, 46,000 bins and nine workstations. This has given the retailer greater flexibility to increase capacity as volumes continue to grow.
Richard Lawford, managing director and founder of Wayland Games, said the first phase of the automation project delivered the operational uplift required to support expansion plans.
“Phase 1 has delivered exactly the business impact we needed for our expansion,” he said. “We’re processing significantly more orders with the same team size, and our customers are seeing faster dispatch times during peak periods.”
Following the success of the initial deployment, Wayland Games proceeded with a second phase of development, which introduced fully automated packing technology to further modernise the fulfilment process. Phase 2 began in November 2025 and has now been completed.
Autrix director Joseph Daft said the project demonstrates how automation can support long-term growth for independent and mid-sized retailers.
“The success of Phase 1 and now the recent completion of Phase 2 demonstrate how the right technology partnership can drive sustainable growth,” he said. “Our role is to ensure operational capability keeps pace with commercial ambition.”
Alongside performance improvements, the project also incorporated sustainability measures, including energy-efficient lighting, solar panels and software-driven optimisation to reduce waste and improve resource utilisation.
With both phases now complete, Wayland Games says the upgraded warehouse operation is better positioned to support continued growth, improve service levels and meet future demand without compromising efficiency or staff wellbeing.
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