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Intralogistics system provider, Cimcorp, and Stöcklin, international system integrator, work in collaboration to provide a brand-new fully automated distribution center for one of the world’s leading bakeries.
Ulvila, Finland – Cimcorp, manufacturer and integrator of turnkey robotic handling solutions, is providing the order picking system for a fully automated distribution center in Mexico City built for GRUPO BIMBO.
While Stöcklin is the general contractor responsible for realizing the brand-new distribution center, Cimcorp is providing the fully automated picking system, a vital part of the integrated system. Peter Riesterer, Managing Director at Stöcklin Logistics de México S.A. de C.V., explains the cooperation between Cimcorp and Stöcklin in this joint project as being excellent and most professional as from the first contact: “The finally realised solution is a result of clear definition of requirements from Stöcklin and the experience and customer-oriented approach of Cimcorp.”
BIMBO is one of the leading baked goods producers in the world. When completed, the new fully automated distribution center will supply over 100 smaller distribution centers and run 24/7 all year round. Featuring a high-bay warehouse with 24,576-pallet capacity and the dispatch of nearly 8,000 pallets daily in approximately 400 trucks from 32 ramps, it is clear that automated order picking on this scale has to be 100% error-free as well as efficient. Riesterer explains: “It is important, in realizing this highly automated operation, not only to have a partner with experience and the ability to provide a quality solution, but also one who can guarantee the corresponding support services once the system is in productive operation.”
Cimcorp will provide the order picking solution and the software that controls the material flow within the three order picking areas. Kai Tuomisaari, Vice President of Sales at Cimcorp, describes the solution provided: “The Cimcorp solution for BIMBO consists of three robotic order picking cells as well as our Warehouse Control System (WCS), which takes care of the material flow within the three order picking cells and secures traceability and real-time inventory for the automated picking system.”
Though a massive organization, BIMBO is still a bakery and has all the classic elements and challenges that bakeries worldwide face, such as continuously shorter lead-times. This, combined with the need for minimum footprint and maximum efficiency at the lowest possible investment and operational costs, put some pressure on the planning process. The project marks the first cooperation between Stöcklin and Cimcorp.”After a comprehensive evaluation phase, Cimcorp was selected as a partner because, from the beginning, Cimcorp was convincing with its creative solutions and customer-oriented approach,” Riesterer explains.
“What has been remarkable in this cooperation is the mutual respect and trust. It is our first project together, but I believe it is the beginning of a long-term partnership,” Tuomisaari says.
GRUPO BIMBO expects the new distribution center to open in the summer of 2019.
About Stöcklin
Since 1934, the Swiss Stöcklin Group has been a competent partner worldwide for innovative and customer-specific logistics solutions. As an experienced, international system integrator for intralogistics systems, Stöcklin supports customers right from the planning and development phase through to delivery of complete turnkey systems. The company’s products, produced primarily in-house, allow it to offer conveying and storage systems for diverse types of load carrier, as well as floor handling equipment to strengthen customers’ long-term, sustainable competitiveness.
About Grupo Bimbo
Grupo Bimbo is the largest baking company in the world. Founded on December 2nd 1945, Bimbo has a portfolio of more than 13,000 products, distributed among more than 100 highly prestigious umbrella brands. Grupo Bimbo’s billion-dollar power brands include Bimbo, Marinela, Arnold, Brownberry, Oroweat and Barcel. Other highly recognized brands include Thomas’, Sara Lee, Entenmann’s, Ricolino, Tia Rosa, Plus Vita and Dempster’s, among others. In general terms, products range from breads, buns, cookies, snack cakes, English muffins, bagels and tortillas to chips and sweets, and packaged foods, among other products. Grupo Bimbo’s operations span throughout 4 continents: America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
About Cimcorp
Cimcorp Group – part of Murata Machinery, Ltd. (Muratec) – is a leading global supplier of turnkey automation for intralogistics, using advanced robotics and software technologies. As well as being a manufacturer and integrator of pioneering material handling systems for the tire industry, Cimcorp has developed unique robotic solutions for order fulfillment and storage that are being used in the food & beverage, retail, e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and postal services sectors. With locations in Finland, Canada and the United States, the group has around 400 employees and has delivered over 2,500 logistics automation solutions. Designed to reduce operating costs, ensure traceability and improve efficiency, these systems are used within manufacturing and distribution centers in 40 countries across six continents.
