Drakes Supermarkets selects Dematic’s sophisticated robot picking system

Global supplier of integrated automated technology, Dematic, has been chosen to install its robotic piece picking solution in Drakes Supermarkets’ new state-of-the-art distribution centre (DC).
It is the first time the robotic picking system will be deployed in Australia, ensuring high productivity and efficiency within the $80 million DC.
One of Australia’s largest independent grocery retailers, Drakes Supermarkets’ distribution centre will be located on a 17-hectare site at Edinburgh North, South Australia, and is expected to create up to 550 jobs.
Glenn Sutcliffe, Logistics Manager at Drakes Supermarkets, commented: “Our new facility will be the most advanced independent distribution and logistics centre in South Australia and is a key part of our group’s vertical integration strategy within the supermarket sector.
“We are excited that the centre will incorporate robotics as part of a wider high-tech warehouse picking system.”
Selecting Dematic’s RapidPICK Goods-to-Person (GTP) solution, including the Dematic Multishuffle buffering and sequencing system and robotic piece picking, the system will handle GTP compatible grocery products in an ambient environment.
It is only the second robotic piece picking machine Dematic will deploy globally.
Sutcliffe added: “As a business committed to continued growth, our goal is to build a new DC that allows us to offer the best level of service to our South Australian shoppers, as well as set the scene for our plan to expand nationally.”
Terry Jamieson, Business Development Manager at Dematic, said: “Some of the key benefits of the new Dematic solution include the security of high-value items and increased pick rates, which meet Drakes Supermarkets’ needs in an increasingly competitive grocery sector.
www.dematic.com.au