The Interview. Chris Hopkirk of Spacemaker

Spacemaker Systems specialises in and is a leading innovator in advanced warehouse automation and high-density storage management solutions, providing semi-automated and automated pallet-shuttle equipment for high density racking structures in warehousing. Our leading technology of in-rack robotic devices has redefined the material handling sector and transformed the storage, retrieval and distribution of commodities across a multitude of industries.

As a material handling solution provider, we are focused on the design, supply, installation and service of space-savings storage and retrieval systems.

We take pride in our philosophy of excellence, demonstrated through over 80 installations globally.

Chris Hopkirk, Managing Director at Spacemaker Inc Ltd, talks to Warehouse & Logistics News.

What does your role involve on a day-to-day basis?

My primary responsibility is to ensure that the business is aligned with the strategy set by our parent company. As a relatively new company in the UK, we are growing quickly, which brings both opportunities and challenges. I focus on maintaining a calm and flexible approach amidst this change. Our business is sales-driven, so my main priority is ensuring that the sales team stays focused on building quotes and securing orders. Additionally, I work closely with my office manager to ensure the smooth operation of day-to-day business activities.

How would you explain the Spacemaker Culture?

The culture at Spacemaker is dynamic and adaptable. Originating in Orlando, USA, we prioritise providing tailored solutions to our customers, rather than simply offering products. We are not afraid to break away from standard solutions when necessary. Our global procurement strategy allows us to source parts at the best prices and availability, all while maintaining high-quality standards.

How does this culture assist your clients’ requirements?

This culture works well for our clients because of our flexibility and innovative approach. We are always open to exploring new solutions that can solve our customers’ problems, and everyone in the business is encouraged to think creatively and consider all possibilities. This approach allows us to deliver the right solutions to meet client needs.

Do you have direct contact with customers, and get involved in developing solutions?

Yes, I do. With my years of experience in the warehouse and logistics industry, I’ve developed strong relationships with many people, some of whom were previously my customers. This allows me to support the sales team in building rapport and collaborating on developing effective ideas and solutions for our clients.

Tell us how Spacemaker is growing in the UK.

Spacemaker has made significant progress in the UK. Our journey began with a major project involving 23 shuttles. Since then, we’ve officially established the business, and I joined as Managing Director in October. We’ve secured a 7,000 sq. ft. premises in Nuneaton, where we’re setting up a large demo area. Our team includes two salespeople, a telemarketer, and an office manager. We’re also bringing in two software engineers from South Africa and Canada. In the past three months, our sales pipeline has expanded significantly, thanks to outreach to integrators and end-users. Our involvement in logistics exhibitions in the UK and Germany has opened up new opportunities, positioning us for a strong year ahead.

What makes Spacemaker unique in your industry?

What sets Spacemaker apart is the flexibility we offer with our shuttle products. Our two-way shuttles are customisable to fit any racking system, so if a customer has an existing shuttle that’s not performing well, we can design one to fit their needs. This flexibility, combined with robust engineering, makes our products durable and long-lasting, offering a great return on investment. Additionally, our four-way shuttle systems offer highly adaptable designs, and we provide software solutions (WCS, WMS) that integrate seamlessly with other software products in the market.

What solutions do Spacemaker offer customers?

Spacemaker offers a straightforward but highly flexible solution. We provide two-way and four-way shuttles, along with the necessary software, design, and integration support. We are also able to supply additional equipment like lifts, conveyors, and racking to fully meet customer requirements.

What sectors do these clients work in?

Our client base spans several sectors. For end users, we serve industries such as third-party logistics, cold storage, food and drink, and any business that requires bulk storage. Our solutions, particularly our two-way and four-way shuttles, improve picking efficiency and increase storage capacity. We also collaborate with integrators and racking resellers, particularly in the UK, to provide full turnkey solutions to end users.

How can your solutions help?

Our solutions are designed to maximise storage efficiency by optimising space utilisation, making picking processes more efficient—especially in environments where labour is scarce. By increasing storage capacity and improving picking efficiency, our systems offer companies a competitive advantage.

How future-proof and flexible are your solutions?

Our solutions are highly future proof. Our shuttle systems are scalable, allowing for the addition or removal of shuttles depending on operational needs. We can also adapt our systems to support changes in picking methods or product specifications. Our software is designed to be flexible, so clients can easily modify it as their needs evolve.

What new services/solutions are you offering for 2025?

In 2025, one of our key offerings will be providing shuttles on a rental or lease basis. This will allow customers to increase shuttle capacity during periods of high demand, such as the Christmas season or other times of increased product movement. This flexible approach will help customers meet fluctuating needs without making a long-term investment.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities in the coming year for Spacemaker?

In the UK, our biggest opportunity lies in the four-way shuttle system, which is gaining popularity among large retailers and logistics companies as an alternative to SRS. For two-way shuttles, we foresee significant opportunities in replacing shuttles from competitors that are breaking down and offering unreliable service.

What are the biggest challenges facing Spacemaker and your industry?

One of the major challenges Spacemaker faces is the potential impact of trade tensions, particularly between the USA and other countries. We weren’t initially aware of how these tensions might affect procurement, but our flexible global payment strategy and quick response times help us navigate these uncertainties. While it’s a challenge, we are confident in our ability to manage any disruptions to procurement or production. Tell us about a recent project Spacemaker was involved with.

One of our recent projects involved supplying 23 shuttles to a logistics company through an integrator. While I can’t name the integrator just yet, this large project is expected to be up and running by the end of the year. We are providing lifts, conveyors, and racking within the system to maximise storage capacity and efficiency for storing 86,000 parts.

Do you cover the whole of the UK?

Yes, Spacemaker operates across the entire UK from our Nuneaton location. We also provide services to other European markets. In addition to our current offerings, we will be developing a parts centre and demo area at our Nuneaton facility to support our growing customer base.

Spacemaker

0330 043 9743

info@spacemakerinc.com

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