Cimcorp’s Bakery Automation Solution Goes Live at Penske Logistics
Cimcorp, a pioneer in robotic handling solutions, announced on September 22 the successful go-live of its bakery order fulfillment solution for third-party logistics provider Penske Logistics in Illinois, US.
The system automates the customer’s order-picking process, managing the flow of baked goods from production through to retail delivery. According to Cimcorp, the solution is designed to improve order accuracy and processing capacity while enhancing workplace safety and speeding up store deliveries.
Previously, Penske’s bakery distribution operation relied on manual handling, with bread trays unloaded, stored and picked by hand. Stacks could reach more than two meters in height, creating ergonomic and safety challenges associated with overhead picking and increasing the potential for order inaccuracies.
Cimcorp’s solution combines its MultiPick gantry robot technology with an intelligent Warehouse Control System to automate the movement of fresh bread and rolls through the distribution center.
Steve Chambers, VP of Operations, Distribution Center Management at Penske, stated: “Automated systems like this one help Penske accelerate supply chain performance for its customers, […] By implementing this system, we expect to see increased throughput efficiency and order-picking accuracy as well as safety benefits from eliminating the manual handling of tray stacks.”
The automated system is also expected to accelerate order processing, helping bakery products reach stores faster and potentially extending their shelf life. According to Cimcorp, the solution has reduced labor requirements by 50%, allowing Penske to allocate resources to other areas of its operations.
Its modular design can also be scaled to accommodate demand peaks and future business growth, while real-time data from the system can support ongoing supply chain optimization.
Adam Gurga, Sales Director at Cimcorp North America, stated: “This project reflects Penske’s forward-thinking approach to logistics and commitment to investing in technology to drive customer success, […] By working together to implement an automated solution that improves performance today and supports growth tomorrow, we’ve set a new standard for bakery distribution.”
