Swisslog, a leading provider of best-in-class intralogistics warehouse automation and software, has announced that Walmart will install a Swisslog automation solution within its Robinson, TX, facility to enable seamless material flow and increase uptime. Walmart is planning to break ground on the milk processing facility later this year with the facility scheduled to open in 2026.  This is the third Walmart milk processing facility to deploy Swisslog’s automated storage and retrieval solution (ASRS) featuring SynQ software and Vectura cranes. The company worked with Swisslog to open its first milk processing facility in Fort Wayne, IN, in 2018. This facility served as a blueprint for its second facility in Valdosta, GA expected to open in 2025, as well as for the just announced Texas facility.  According to Walmart, the ASRS continues the company’s commitment to building a more resilient and transparent supply chain to deliver high-quality products. It also will bolster the company’s capacity to meet consumer demand for milk. The products from the facility will serve more than 750 Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs throughout the South including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and parts of Arkansas and Mississippi. Designed by Swisslog’s automation experts, the ASRS brings together five Vectura pallet stacker cranes with KUKA palletizing and de-palletizing robots, a ProMove pallet conveyor system, as well as a conveyor system for small loads. The automation solution operates on synchronized intelligence from Swisslog’s SynQ software, which provides warehouse management, material flow and automation control system functionality in a single, modular platform. “We are honored that Walmart continues to put their trust in our automation solutions and our people behind those solutions,” said Sean Wallingford, president, and CEO of Swisslog Americas. “This has been a very collaborative relationship as our two teams work together to create value for Walmart and ensure our automation solutions and software enable the company and its farmers to bring fresh, transparently sourced dairy to market.” SynQ management software not only optimizes the flow of the equipment to increase efficiency and accuracy of the operation, it also orchestrates the operation of multiple sub-systems. It equips warehouse automation and IT systems with synchronized intelligence of people, processes and machines to boost the efficiency and productivity of warehouse processes and adapt to changing market requirements. SynQ provides sophisticated inventory management and material flow capabilities that enable real-time inventory tracking and management of items to ensure freshness, quality and transparency of the food supply chain.  This project also includes Swisslog’s IT Managed Services, which puts in place experts to proactively manage the IT systems and software required to keep the equipment running at peak performance. The higher-level 24/7 support allows Walmart to free up internal resources from routine IT system administration, while also enabling data-driven proactive maintenance that helps reduce unplanned downtime. 

Swisslog, the global leader in robotic, data-driven and flexible automated solutions has announced its participation at Gulfood Manufacturing 2023, scheduled to take place from November 7 to 9. The event is the region’s definitive destination to see the future of food production from advanced technologies to integrated supply chain solutions and breakthrough developments driving the industry forward. Swisslog Middle East will shed light on how advanced technological solutions, such as automation, can assist companies in adapting to the dynamic landscape of food supply chain challenges, enabling them to navigate changes in production, distribution, and retailing while transforming the food supply chain. Swisslog will captivate attendees with a live demonstration of its digitalised robotic storage and order processing solution, AutoStore, with its local partners Technica and KUKA, showcasing the complete end-to-end food value chain, from production and robotics to distribution and e-grocery. Moreover, as the demand for e-grocery continues to surge among digital consumers, and more players enter the field, the UAE's sector is poised to up its penetration rates from 5.5% in 2016 to 13% by 2026. This underscores the imperative for organisations to automate and elevate their operations to effortlessly meet the surging demand for rapid and reliable order fulfilment. Swisslog's assortment of data-focused, versatile, and robotic material handling solutions not only enhances productivity and reduces order cycle times but also enables rapid responses to changes. These very characteristics, driven by an engineering dedication to sustainability, lead to a variety of environmental benefits that resonate with the UAE's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.  Additionally, Swisslog strives to improve supply chain sustainability through energy efficiency and food safety. Manual processes cannot provide the scalability and profitability needed by food manufacturers. With the increasing demand for own-brand labels, prepared foods, and e-grocery, food & beverage warehouses must adapt to efficiently handle numerous SKUs within limited space, accommodating various outbound order types. Rami Younes, General Manager and Head of Sales, Swisslog Middle East, commented, “With the global population set to grow by 3 billion by 2050, the F&B industry must scale production without magnifying the existing climate, water scarcity, and quality issues. Swisslog has a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to address these challenges. We have worked with global F&B leaders like Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Pepsi, successfully executing over 350 projects across 35 countries. At Gulfood Manufacturing, we will showcase the complete spectrum of the food value chain, highlighting our unique capability to provide full-scale solutions.”Gulfood Manufacturing is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 7th to 9th November 2023 and Swisslog representatives will be available at Hall 4, Stand C4-3.