United Natural Foods, Inc. and Symbotic Inc., an automation technology company, have entered into a commercial agreement to implement the latter company’s A.I.-powered robotics and software automation in five of UNFI’s distribution centers over the next four years. The distributor may also implement Symbotic’s warehouse automation systems in additional facilities under the agreement terms.
“We’re pleased to introduce Symbotic systems into our distribution network, which we believe will benefit our customers, suppliers, and associates,” said Mark Bushway, UNFI chief supply chain officer, in a statement. “We currently have automation in a number of our distribution centers, but we believe the Symbotic System will improve the accuracy, efficiency, quality, and speed of our supply chain and help take our operations to a new level.”
Symbotic’s end-to-end automation method is designed to enable UNFI to enhance capabilities and efficiency, improve order accuracy, increase storage capacity within its facilities, and facilitate planned growth, according to the distributor. The system is also expected to create operating efficiencies at the customer store level by fulfilling customer-specific orders.
“We are excited to welcome UNFI as a customer and look forward to working with them to transform their distribution centers,” said Michael J. Loparco, CEO of Symbotic, in a statement. “Additionally, we believe this agreement further validates the broad applicability of the Symbotic A.I.-powered robotics and software platform.”
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