Cimcorp Enters Russian Distribution Market with Aims to Boost Grocery Freshness

GRIMSBY, Ontario—April 9, 2019—Cimcorp, a manufacturer and integrator of turnkey robotic order fulfillment and tire-handling solutions, announces it is entering the Russian distribution market. The move comes in response to growing demand from Russian grocery retailers for more efficient fresh produce logistics.

By partnering with FL Group, an industrial automation integrator based in St. Petersburg, Cimcorp is confident that its solutions will be well received. Kai Tuomisaari, Cimcorp's Vice President, Sales, commented, "Grocery retail distribution in Russia is ripe for automation. Our robotic handling solutions enable retailers to maximize product freshness, which is key to optimizing sales and enhancing the customer experience."

Tatiana Borisova, CEO of FL Group, agreed that the time is right for logistics automation in Russia's grocery sector. "Russian retailers need to respond dynamically to market demands to ensure operational cost efficiency and low pricing, while at the same time providing their customers with high-quality products and services. The quality issue is always critical for fruit and vegetables, which is why I believe that Cimcorp's automation for fresh produce distribution has huge potential in Russia."

Cimcorp has supplied robotic handling systems to retailers such as Mercadona and Colruyt, as well as a number of food and beverage manufacturers, including Kroger, Grupo Bimbo, Valio, Fazer and Carlsberg/Sinebrychoff. The company—which has installations in 40 countries across six continents—is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of inquiries from supermarket chains across Europe.

Using robots that operate from overhead gantries, Cimcorp's modular solutions provide instant access to every SKU, ultra-fast handling and total picking accuracy. "This means shorter lead times and improved freshness for perishable products," explained Kai Tuomisaari. "Maximized shelf life can secure vital competitive advantages for our clients in the fresh produce, bakery and dairy sectors."

Cimcorp's automation combines buffer storage and order picking in one efficient, flexible and scalable operation. Products are handled gently in plastic crates, which are designed with excellent ventilation and are stacked directly on the floor. By avoiding the need for racking, the system ensures maximum space utilization and also allows the entire working area to be cleared, automatically, for hygienic cleaning. A standard robotic module—30 meters long, 12 meters wide and 6 meters tall—is easy to install in existing warehouses, even in city locations. Computer control of all material flow ensures full tracking and traceability.

"Robotic handling dramatically reduces operational costs," said Tatiana Borisova, "while ensuring 100-percent picking accuracy and minimum damage to goods. Added to this is the fact that employees no longer risk strain injuries through the lifting of heavy loads."

In addition to solutions designed for full-crate picking, Cimcorp offers systems for picking layers and cases, as well as single items at goods-to-person picking stations. "Cimcorp's systems are therefore ideal for streamlining intralogistics in a number of sectors," added Tatiana Borisova, "including general retail, e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and third-party logistics."

FL Group will promote Cimcorp's solutions at two forthcoming exhibitions in Moscow—Russian Retail Week (June 3-8) and CeMAT Russia (Sept. 24-26).

About FL Group
FL Group represents advanced technology companies specializing in industrial and retail automation in the Russian market. Based in St. Petersburg, FL Group offers a comprehensive service, including marketing, sales, contracting, supply and after-sales support. For more information, visit www.retail-automation.ru.

About Cimcorp
Cimcorp Group—part of Murata Machinery, Ltd. (Muratec)—is a leading global supplier of turnkey automation for intralogistics, using advanced robotics, material handling and software technologies. As well as being a manufacturer and integrator of pioneering material handling systems for the tire industry, Cimcorp has developed unique robotic solutions for order fulfillment and storage for the food & beverage, retail, e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and postal services sectors. Together with its parent company, Cimcorp boasts a worldwide network of service locations. Designed to reduce operating costs, ensure traceability and improve efficiency, these systems are used within manufacturing and distribution centers in over 40 countries across six continents. For more information, visit http://www.cimcorp.com.

More Info: http://www.cimcorp.com/