Penske Logistics has completed the go-live of an automated bakery fulfilment operation in Illinois. The system from Cimcorp is designed to manage bread and roll orders more accurately as products move from production to retail stores.
The installation replaces manual unloading, storage and picking of trays, including stacks more than two metres high. Cimcorp’s MultiPick gantry robots and Warehouse Control System combine buffer storage with order assembly in a single flow. Orders are now selected at tray level, with Penske reporting 100% accuracy.
The operator expects processing to accelerate, supporting fresher store deliveries and more available shelf life. Labour requirements are also expected to fall by 50%, while removing manual handling of tall tray stacks should improve safety and allow staff to focus on other activities.
The modular system can be expanded for demand peaks and future growth. Real-time operational data is intended to support continuous optimisation. Penske selected Cimcorp for its experience in high-volume bakery automation, including deployments for Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Kwik Trip and Fazer Bakeries. More information on Cimcorp’s warehouse solutions and Penske Logistics is available from the companies.
A multilingual professional experienced in Europe, Canada, and China, Herbert has developed invaluable networks in the automotive and energy industries. He has led high-profile projects involving ENBW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Siemens Group, and the Fraunhofer Institute.