Mercadona, the Spanish retailer, has commissioned intralogistics automation specialist Cimcorp to design and implement a fully automated order picking system for fresh produce.
The group is investing in new warehouse technology at its Guadix distribution centre, and to 'achieve improved efficiency and customer satisfaction', Mercadona has awarded Cimcorp the contract to supply the automation system for full-crate picking.
According to Cimcorp, the scope of supply includes order-picking robots for fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as for meat products.
The system, which will start operation once the construction of the new logistics building is finished at the end of 2013, is based on Cimcorp's order processing island concept.
'Due to very fast order processing with Cimcorp's robots, our customers in retail and food and beverage are able to shorten lead times, which is a critical factor for perishable products with limited shelf lives,' states Markku Vesa, CEO of Cimcorp Oy.
