Associated Food Stores (AFS), a leading provider of groceries and other goods and services to independent retailers in nine Intermountain states, and Symbotic Inc. have announced the successful activation of an warehouse modernization initiative at AFS’ Utah distribution center. AFS said the milestone advances its 85-year commitment to efficiency and service for nearly 500 independent grocers in the Intermountain West.
Symbotic’s automation system, with robotic case pick capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to improve a variety of retail-facing experiences, including overall supply, expanded selection and delivery of products to stores, AFS explained. With improved accuracy and aisle-friendly pallet deliveries to stores, the system enables increased speed to shelf and SKU availability for AFS’ customers, while improving inventory utilization for AFS itself, the company added.
AFS celebrated the go-live of phase one of the project with a special event on Thursday, March 6, with a commemorative power-up ceremony and a guided tour of the newly implemented Symbotic system at the DC in Farr West, Utah, which is just north of Ogden. The automation initiative is designed to transform the distribution center into a next-generation facility equipped to meet both current and future demands, AFS leaders said.
“The successful activation of phase one is a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional service to our member retailers,” said David Rice, AFS’ president and CEO. “By embracing advanced automation and partnering with Symbotic, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of supply chain innovation, ensuring that our retailers receive products more efficiently and accurately than ever before.”
Symbotic’s Chairman and CEO, Rick Cohen, reinforced this sentiment: “We are excited to provide AFS with the innovation, flexibility and reliability provided by Symbotic’s advanced A.I. and warehouse automation technology. We look forward to working with AFS for its next phase and continuing to support its retailers with a superior service experience.”
According to Glen Keysaw, AFS’ vice president of distribution, “Implementing the Symbotic system creates great opportunities for our distribution center team members to grow their skill sets and expand their future opportunities with the company. Due to the proactive efforts of our management team, all current team members at the distribution center will have jobs going forward and the distribution center will continue supporting current and future independent grocers throughout the Intermountain West.”
