The Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn, in partnership with Swisslog, has opened a state-of-the-art home shopping center in Zwolle, near the IJsselmeer. The second facility will be able to process 55,000 orders per week through automation.
The new center will utilize a combination of robots and advanced software systems to automate food picking and packing. The AutoStore system ensures fast and accurate order fulfillment. QuickMove lightweight conveyors facilitate smooth goods transport within the warehouse, while the integration of SynQ software improves overall warehouse management.
With around 300 robots, the Zwolle HSC aims to significantly reduce the manual workload for its employees. The integration of human and technological resources, it is said, ensures high-quality service.
Photos: Swisslog
With a building environment certified according to the British BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) system, the Zwolle HSC demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability. The use of energy-efficient robotics and modern control technology also ensures that the overall energy consumption of the facility is extremely low and contributes to Albert Heijn's environmental responsibility.
Albert Heijn and Swisslog first collaborated on the Barendrecht HSC, which set a new standard for automated food processing. This initial project involved automating the warehouse with the AutoStore system, enabling the processing of 45,000 orders per week. Barendrecht HSC played a key role in refining the processes and technologies that are now being implemented in Zwolle.
Giulia Colombi, Head of the EMEA Region at Swisslog: “Our collaboration in Barendrecht and Zwolle demonstrates the potential of automation in revolutionizing food handling.”.
With the commissioning of the Zwolle HSC, Albert Heijn aims to solidify its position at the forefront of e-commerce in the supermarket industry.
