Edeka picks Cimcorp automation solution for new DC
Edeka Rhein-Ruhr, part of Germany’s largest supermarket chain, Edeka, is equipping its new distribution centre, located in Oberhausen-Waldteich, with a robotic order picking system from Cimcorp.
The largest construction project in the company’s history, the facility, with a total floor area of 90,000 square metres, will be operational in 2021.
It will supply 400 Edeka branches and 400 stores operating under other group brands in North Rhine-Westphalia.
“For us efficiency, costs and ergonomics were decisive when we decided on Cimcorp as an experienced automation provider for our fruit and vegetable distribution,” says Peter Bayer, Project Manager for Logistics and Organisation at Edeka Oberhausen.
“Since millions of people rely on the safety of their food, everything from the field to the table has to be perfect. We expect an extremely high availability of fresh products from Cimcorp, as these are extremely time critical and sensitive.”
The facility has different temperature zones for fresh, frozen and dry foods. Cimcorp’s fresh food solution has two climate zones: +7°C for cheese and +12°C for fruit and vegetables.
Overhead gantry robots handle food crates that are stacked on the floor.
“Even with the most modern and safest handling of fresh food, you cannot avoid some perishable parts like stems, leaves or individual grapes from leaking out of the crates," Kai Tuomisaari, Cimcorp’s Vice President, Sales, comments.
"With our solution, all of this is noticed on the floor and is easy to see – therefore easy to clean. During cleaning, crates can be moved to another module or stacked under the gantry robot to clear the floor.”
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