When robotics warehousing company Exotec raised $90 million for its international expansion, it set up an office in Atlanta, just south of Buckhead.
The East Coast time zone and airport made it easier for Exotec employees to collaborate across countries. But Exotec also had three Georgia Tech graduates employed in its Lille, France, offices, making Atlanta stand out as a potential headquarters, said Rudi Lueg, the managing director of North America.
And the city’s specs just made sense for the company, Lueg said. Atlanta has a robust supply chain industry, an affordable cost of living and a strong talent pool — from Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State University and Georgia State University. Exotec is working with the Georgia Tech Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines to continue to recruit local talent.
"Here in Georgia is definitely the right location to get the talent,” Lueg said.
Lueg said the company has 10 employees working on North America operations right now, two of whom are already based in Atlanta. The company announced its expansion in May 2020.
Exotec, founded in 2015, produces the Skypod robotics system that helps e-commerce merchants quickly fulfill orders. The company can convert spaces to accommodate these systems in six months, which include the robots, specialty shelves and bins, and software. Depending on size, the systems cost between $5 million to $50 million, Lueg said.
“It’s basically a huge vending machine,” Lueg said. “You have every item you’re looking for in 30 seconds to a minute.”
Lueg said the company started its North America expansion before the pandemic and doubled down on its efforts because of the boom in e-commerce. Its customers include retail clothing brand Gap and Canadian sporting goods retailer Decathlon.
The Atlanta office will include a showroom for how the robotics system works as well as repair capabilities. Its grand opening is set for later in the fall. Lueg said the company is looking to have a team of about 30 employees by the end of next year in Atlanta.
Exotec has 350 employees globally and another office in Japan.
