Sustainable, Fully Automated Solution for Supplying Over 800 Coop-Stores

Transforming logistics – with people and planet in mind

Coop is one of Sweden’s leading grocery retailers, operating over 800 stores across the country. To meet growing demands for efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain reliability, Coop needed to replace its existing infrastructure. The goal was to consolidate manual operations into a single, highly automated distribution centre capable of handling both ambient and fresh goods. 

Tailored automation for reliable and scalable fulfillment 

To meet Coop’s logistics and sustainability goals, SSI SCHAEFER implemented a highly automated, end-to-end intralogistics solution centred around the innovative SSI Case Picking system. The solution covers the complete material flow - from goods-in to palletising and shipping - and handles over 600,000 units per day at peak times. After goods are received, robots depalletise homogeneous pallets and the items are fed into two automated small parts warehouses in ambient and chilled with more than 600,000 storage locations. Approximately 700 SSI Flexi shuttles ensure efficient storage and retrieval. After retrieving and sequencing 34 palletising robots assemble the retail units into store-specific mixed pallets with high precision. The system ensures optimised picking accuracy, stable processes, and reduced transport volumes. The WAMAS logistics software controls and synchronises all automated processes, ensuring efficient material flow and real-time system transparency. 

Enhancing operational performance and sustainability in logistics

The implementation of the automated intralogistics solution led to substantial improvements in both operational efficiency and sustainability. The system, with a throughput capacity of over 600,000 units per day at peak times, has significantly optimised the material flow, ensuring faster processing and reduced transport volumes. This efficiency also supports Coop's environmental goals: By increasing the share of rail-based deliveries, Coop has reduced its carbon footprint while enhancing the sustainability of its supply chain. The facility also benefits from Sweden's second-largest photovoltaic system, generating half of its electricity needs, further reducing the environmental impact. The ergonomic design of the work environment has not only improved employee well-being but also supported the company in fostering a more diverse workforce. This shift has led to higher employee satisfaction and increased productivity, helping Coop attract and retain talent. Additionally, the streamlined, automated processes have contributed to improved accuracy, minimised errors, and a more sustainable overall operation.

Highlights of the customised solution 

• SSI Case Picking system: Automates the entire material flow from goods receiving to shipping, ensuring precision, speed, and error-free picking. 

• Ergonomic work environment: Designed to improve employee comfort and efficiency, fostering a diverse and productive workforce. 

• WAMAS software integration: Controls and synchronises all automated processes, providing real-time system transparency and optimised material flow across the entire logistics hub. 

• Energy-Efficient Solution: SSI SCHAEFER's design incorporates energy-efficient systems, such as automated storage and retrieval machines and robotic palletising, reducing energy consumption and supporting Coop’s commitment to greener operations. 

Advanced technology lineup for high-performance retail logistics 

• SSI Case Picking system for fully automated picking and handling of over 600,000 units per day 

• Ten robots for automated depalletising of homogeneous pallets directly after goods receiving 

• 43 SSI Exyz storage and retrieval machines in ambient, chilled and shipping buffer for energy-efficient pallet handling across multiple height classes 

• Two automated small parts warehouses in ambient and chilled with over 600,000 storage locations (bins and trays) 

• Approx. 700 SSI Flexi shuttles for triple-deep storage and high-speed retrieval operations 

• 34 robotic palletisers for precise, store-specific mixed pallet formation 

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