Mercadona is using warehouse automation to dispatch fresh goods in its four new distribution centres.
Working with robotic handling company Cimcorp, the retailer will be able to automatically ensure that fresh food is available at its stores.
The technology will be active at the distribution centres in Seville, Valencia, Alicante and Zaragoza.
Cimcorp worked as systems integrator, with its software underpinning several independent automation modules. When one module is out of operation, for example for cleaning, the others can maintain the flow of materials.
The deal is worth over €120 million.
“The main objective of these four centres,” said Javier Blasco, warehouse purchasing coordinator for Mercadona, “will be to meet the demands of our stores, secure growth in perishable product sales and eliminate the overexertion that results from the manual handling of orders.
“Our previous experience with Cimcorp was positive, and the company’s professionalism – along with the support of a strong parent company like Murata Machinery – has led us to put our trust in Cimcorp as a partner for a project of this scale.”
Kai Tuomisaari, Cimcorp’s VP of sales said: “We provide reliable intralogistics solutions for rapid order fulfillment, and thereby optimise product shelf life. This means that customers get their fruit, vegetables and other fresh products faster, ensuring they stay fresh for longer in the home.”
