Automation and Robotics Unveiled at Next-Gen Facility by Smithfield Foods and Lineage Logistics
“The robotics and software fully automate over 97% of the product movement through the facility,” said a recent press release.
Smithfield Foods, Inc. teamed up with Lineage Logistics, LLC to design and build a new, nearly 20 million cubic feet, fully-automated, next-generation distribution center in Olathe, Kan., according to the release.
The facility houses 18 automated cranes that move inventory, “featuring one of the largest temperature-controlled layer-picking systems in the world,” to assemble and disassemble pallets of goods. Utilizing Lineage’s technology, “Computer vision systems automatically identify the contents of each pallet,” the release said.
“The facility also features Lineage’s patented blast cell technology that reduces freeze time and energy use by approximately one-half relative to traditional blast cells, aligning with Smithfield’s industry leading commitment to sustainability,” the release said.
Smithfield’s President and CEO Shane Smith explains that their company is working to implement these enhancements across Smithfield’s value chain and distribution network, to support customers and reduce its environmental footprint. Smithfield has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, become carbon negative and halve food waste in its U.S. operations by 2030, the release explained.
“Automation is an increasingly important element of our strategy to achieve efficiencies across our business and exceed customer expectations,” said Brady Stewart, Chief Operating Officer for Smithfield Foods. “The opening of our new facility in Olathe brings unmatched innovation and new levels of resiliency to our supply chain.”
In addition to state-of-the-art software inside the building, Lineage Link, a customer platform provides Smithfield the ability to access and control their product and see inventory levels. Interacting seamlessly with the operating software inside the facility, Smithfield can ensure tasks are prioritized and “maintain the highest level of throughput and productivity.”
