Highly automated distribution center at Coop

Coop faced the challenge of realizing a state-of-the-art distribution center in Eskilstuna, Sweden, that efficiently and sustainably meets the complex demands of a nationwide store network. The logistics processes had to cover large quantities of goods as well as different temperature ranges – ambient (temperature range 5 – 35 °C) and chilled (temperature range 0 – 5 °C). At the same time, material flows were to be seamlessly automated, error rates minimized, and capacities created for up to over 600,000 units per day. Particularly challenging was the store-specific creation of error-free mixed pallets and the smooth integration of numerous robotic systems and automated storage technologies into a continuous end-to-end process.

To meet these requirements, SSI Schaefer implemented a fully automated intralogistics solution with the SSI Case Picking System at its core. Immediately after goods receipt, ten Layer Master robots integrated by fpt robotics take over the depalletization of homogeneous pallets. Subsequently, the items are stored in two automated small parts warehouses with a total of over 600,000 storage locations. Around 700 SSI Flexi Shuttles ensure efficient put-away and retrieval here.
For store-friendly order picking, 34 mixed palletizer robots from fpt robotics are used – again divided into ambient and chilled areas. They assemble error-free, stably built mixed pallets, thereby increasing picking quality and transport efficiency. The entire system is controlled by WAMAS logistics software, which synchronizes all processes in real-time and ensures maximum transparency. This created a powerful, flexible, and sustainable solution that meets all of Coop's logistics objectives.

Photos: © SSI SCHÄFER