Migros expands its “miracle machine” in Switzerland

The machine that manages a large part of Migros’ logistics is reaching its limits. The decision to expand has just been approved.

Florian Wicki / ch media

A very special building plays a key role for the Swiss retail giant Migros. The Suhr distribution center supplies around 800 Migros stores with food products, as well as 550 Migrolino stores with their complete assortment.

But at the heart of this logistics, the order preparation machine – nicknamed the “miracle machine” – is showing signs of running out of steam. This fully automated equipment, which autonomously ships replenishment pallets based on store orders, is no longer able to keep up. And the situation risks getting worse, Migros anticipates an increase in demand due to population growth.

In a building permit application submitted in June, Migros explained that the current capacities of the machine are no longer sufficient, neither to meet current needs nor to cope with future requirements:

Sales periods and end-of-year sales are particularly problematic. In 2022, the machine was overloaded for 51 days, meaning not all orders could be processed on time. Without extension, Migros predicts that by 2026, this figure will reach 175 days of annual overload, with significant impacts on operations, both for employees and machines.

To avoid this scenario, Migros plans to invest 20 million francs in the expansion of this facility, which includes the extension of the entire building in Suhr. The municipality confirmed, in a press release, that the building permit application had been approved.

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