Dematic Optimises GPA’s Storage Space with Automation

BUSSY-SAINT-GEORGES – 3 November 2026 – With the recent commissioning of an AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system integrated directly onto a warehouse mezzanine, a first in France, Dematic has helped Groupe GPA optimise floor space, increase storage capacity, and improve operational efficiency at its new vehicle recycling plant and automotive green parts warehouse.

GPA, a third-generation family-owned business headquartered in Livron-sur-Drôme in southeastern France, specialises in vehicle recycling and the recovery, storage, and distribution of automotive green parts. The company processes 45,000 vehicles annually, primarily damaged vehicles sourced through partner insurance companies, including both gasoline- and electric-powered vehicles. GPA has an inventory of more than 170,000 spare parts which are resold to both B2B and B2C customers.

“A priority for our new facility was having an AS/RS that made the best use of space while improving our capacities and becoming more efficient in our picking processes,” explains Lionel Daronnat, Industrial Operations Director at GPA. “Dematic came up with a clever solution to put the system on top of our mezzanine.”

Installing the system on the mezzanine enabled GPA to maximise use of the available warehouse footprint while increasing storage density for smaller parts.

“We involved our KION brand, STILL, to install a very narrow racking system as part of the overall solution,” says Antonin Lechenet, Account manager at Dematic. “This approach, combined with our expertise in automation, gave GPA the confidence to move forward.”

Clément Juillard, Systems sales engineer for STILL, says teamwork is what made the difference at the site. “From very early on, our sales, technical and service teams worked hand-in-hand with the GPA teams to understand their material flows, regulatory constraints and circular economy goals. This close collaboration allowed us to design a coherent, scalable logistics solution that is fully integrated into the site’s operations.”

As GPA developed its new facility in Pont-Sainte-Maxence, it sought a partner capable of delivering a space-efficient automation solution tailored to its operational requirements.

Over a 12-month period, Dematic and STILL delivered a flexible automation solution, which helps optimise space, improve resource use, and supports efficient daily operations.

The AutoStore solution installed by Dematic is used to handle smaller automotive parts efficiently, and has a capacity of 15,000 locations, 5,000 bins, six robots and two SwingPorts workstations on the mezzanine, with an additional 5,000 bins recently added.

Complementing this solution, STILL installed a VNA racking system for larger components, including engines, tyres, and car seats stored on pallets.

The AS/RS is now up and running smoothly, helping GPA reach its strategic goals for 2026.

“Projects like this one show how flexible automation can unlock both space and performance, says Alain Bussod, managing director at Dematic France. “By integrating AutoStore directly onto the mezzanine, we helped GPA maximise every square metre of available space while supporting faster and more efficient operations with a lasting impact.”

A mid-sized company historically based in Livron-sur-Drôme, GPA has been family-run for 60 years across three successive generations. The company is both an industrial recycling business and a distributor of used vehicle parts, with a mission rooted in the circular economy. France's first mission-led recycler since 2023, GPA has adopted the purpose “Recycling mobility for a desirable and inclusive future”. The company also applies its expertise and capacity for innovation to support mobility manufacturers with the eco-design of their products.

• 3 production sites: a 24-hectare site in Livron-sur-Drôme with a modern 17,000 m² facility; a site in Écouflant; and a gigafactory in Pont-Sainte-Maxence
• Revenue: €120 million
• 400 employees across 30 occupations
• 45,000 vehicles processed in 2026
• 1,500 reused parts produced and up to 2,200 parcels shipped per day
• 170,000 automotive and motorcycle parts in stock
• 99.7% of end-of-life vehicle mass recovered