Ocado extends contract with robotics partner

Online grocery retailer Ocado has signed an extension agreement with its long-term robotics partner

The new agreement builds on an existing seven-year relationship with Tharsus and lasts until September 2024.

Tharsus will now continue to play an important role in helping Ocado Group respond to rapidly growing market demand for its automated, robotic fulfilment platform by manufacturing the crucial robots that make up the system, as well as providing aftermarket support and supply chain services and some development support to Ocado. 

Through the Tharsus factory based in Blyth, Northumberland, the partnership will also result in a multi-million-pound investment in Northumberland, and secure over 100 UK jobs.

Mark Fryer, engineering and supply chain director at Ocado Group, said: “Tharsus has been a strong and constant partner in our journey to become the world’s leading ecommerce platform for grocery. We are delighted that they will remain part of this journey in the future.”