Cimcorp to deploy automated produce distribution system for REWE
Sustainability objectives shared by automation integrator and grocery retailer
Cimcorp, an automation integrator for food distribution and tire production, recently announced a partnership to automate German food retailer REWE Group’s Oranienburg, Germany distribution center near Berlin.
Cimcorp said its automation system enables REWE to ensure on-time-in-full deliveries to its markets, overcome labor shortages, improve workplace safety, and support sustainable supply chain operations. Additionally, Cimcorp said it will provide 24/7 customer support to keep the system available and operational.
Within the Oranienburg facility, Cimcorp’s intralogistics automation picks orders for fresh produce stored in plastic crates.
“Fruit and vegetables are an extremely important commodity group for REWE customers -but characterized by heavy physical labor in the warehouses, which makes it difficult to recruit personnel,” said Lars Sibel, director SCM and logistics at Rewe Markt GmbH. “Cimcorp offers a unique solution to automate fruit and vegetable picking and alleviate physical labor for warehouse workers and thereby ensure the reliable delivery of fruit and vegetables to stores.”
Cimcorp’s product-handling systems deliver sustainable operations for REWE
REWE Group said sustainability is a fundamental element of its business strategy, and the retailer is committed to undertaking sustainable activities.
Cimcorp said it is committed to achieving high quality standards while minimizing environmental impact. Cimcorp’s order picking system can help REWE’s supply chain and intralogistics become greener and more sustainable in several ways:
- Energy efficient robotic equipment
- Rapid handling that minimizes food waste
- Optimized truck loading that reduces emissions
- Compatibility with reusable plastic crates
- Maintenance services to extend the lifetime of the system
“In addition to increased productivity and efficiency, Cimcorp’s fresh food solution offers a variety of other benefits, such as high levels of hygiene and fuller trucks,” explained Riku Puska, sales manager, W&D industry sales for Cimcorp Group. “The open-floor design with no racking leads to easier cleaning and maintenance. Optimized truck loading results in less traffic and consequently reduces environmental impact.”
Cimcorp’s end-to-end intralogistics systems incorporate modular gantry pickers, AGVs, and palletizers, according to its website. The company said its grocery retail distribution systems provide fast and efficient deliveries of fresh produce without picking errors or delays, even in times of increasing labor challenges.
Cimcorp said its order picking system will take care of repetitive lifting of heavy objects, leading to a safer work environment for REWE’s employees.
