VCM_022026_LR

PARTNERINFORMATIE

since mid-2023, with the new logistics cen ter operating at full capacity. The commissi oning of the various temperature zones was executed in stages, following a precisely defined ramp-up plan. “Now that we are wor king with the new technology across all areas of the facility, I can confirm that we have achieved our goals - we are delivering more efficiently, faster, and more reliably,” summa rizes Richard Kearns. “Not only have the pro cesses within the logistics center improved significantly, but the entire supply chain has benefited. All stakeholders in our organiza tion - procurement, suppliers, sales, transpor tation, stores, and consumers - are profiting from this end-to-end, company-wide trans formation project.” It goes without saying that a transition from a conventional ware house landscape clearly requires professio nal change management - for both staff and leadership alike. “But WITRON supported us exceptionally well through this process.” By consolidating three existing sites into one facility, AWG was able to reduce staffing needs by nearly 50 % and cut truck trips in half as a result of higher pallet density and optimized route scheduling.

the facility also supports strict food safety protocols by further minimizing contamina tion risks through reduced manual handling. Supplier management is often an underrated success factor in such projects. It is essential, for example, to collaborate in improving pal let and packaging quality. AWG maintains a continuous feedback loop: Suppliers receive input on damages, case integrity, and pallet stability to keep the material flow running smoothly at all times. Future joint projects The Hernando site has already been designed with room for future expansion. In parallel, AWG is evaluating retrofit options for existing distribution centers and planning new green field automation sites. The AWG leadership is committed to growth without compromising service quality for existing members. The owners are satisfied, expect high logistics quality, and Richard Kearns now has the right intra-logistics solution to meet those expec tations - and with WITRON the right partner for future joint initiatives.

requirements across all temperature zones. At the same time, we were able to offer our employees attractive, ergonomic workpla ces.” These are important to Richard Kearns: “Training and onboarding times have been minimized. A safer working environment has been created. And a modern workplace environment plays a crucial role in attracting future talent. This logistics center is central to AWG’s HR recruiting strategy.” The new logistics center has noticeably improved delivery quality: The first ship ment to the pilot store stood out with sta ble, ready-to-unload, and shelf-ready order pallets. Automated pack pattern algorithms group similar products by pallet layer, ena bling more structured and faster unloading and shelf replenishment in the store. This significantly reduces breakage and return rates while increasing shelf availability. Pick errors are almost entirely eliminated. Indivi dual preferences of store operators can also be accommodated very effectively. Not least, Strong feedback from cooperative members

“WITRON delivered a state-of-the-art auto mated facility that meets all of our members’

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VALUE CHAIN MANAGEMENT - JANUARI-FEBRUARI 2026