Mars and XPO
Logistics Transform the Supply Chain with
Innovative Robotics
BOIGNY, FRANCE - February 13, 2018 - The French subsidiary of the agri-food group Mars has
implemented automated handling systems and robotics at the XPO
Logistics site at Boigny-sur-Bionne, near Orléans. XPO, a leading
global supply chain service provider, manages the site for
Mars.
Scalable solution supports sales
development in France
Mars and XPO collaborated on solving the challenges associated with
package preparation while managing volume growth and retailers'
expectations. The result is an innovative and customer-focused
approach that has the capacity to accommodate up to 10 million
packages a year. XPO has deep expertise in automated applications
for the logistics sector, and utilizes advanced automation at more
than 25 sites in Europe, a third of which are located in
France.
In less than a year, a joint innovation team
comprised of specialists from XPO and manufacturer Alstef
mechanized 1,600 square meters (17,200-square-feet) of space at the
temperature-controlled Boigny site. The facility manages the
storage and distribution for a wide range of Mars products: pet
care (PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, SHEBA®), chocolate (M&M's®,
TWIX®, SNICKERS®, Celebrations®), Wrigley (FREEDENT®, SKITTLES®),
and food (UNCLE BEN'S®, EBLY®).
Quality and reliability enhanced
by robotization
To increase competitiveness through productivity, the Boigny site
has been equipped with a robot that can prepare 50,000 to 60,000
packages per day while operating on a continuous basis. It
increases reliability by minimizing errors during strenuous aspects
of order preparation, making the best use of employee labor and
enhancing working conditions.
Jonathan Jambon, French market supply chain
director of Mars, said, "Our growth in volume, the expansion of our
product range and the development of new distribution channels have
led to increased demand for layered pallet preparation and package
preparation. To adapt to these changes and satisfy our customers,
we have put our trust in XPO to design an innovative solution that
is both flexible and meets the requirements of Mars Quality
standards."
The future of logistics brought
to Mars today
Richard Cawston, managing director of supply chain, XPO Logistics
Europe, said, "In light of the growth of our customer Mars, our
challenge was to completely transform the logistics solution by
tailoring the latest technical advances in software, robotics and
pneumatic equipment, all without disrupting activity. With this new
solution, we can realize efficiencies in distribution while
lowering operating costs for Mars."
Produced by Alstef, a designer and manufacturer of
automated handling and storage systems, the customized solution is
integrated throughout the package preparation process, from the
arrival of goods in plastic film wrap to the preparation of new
pallet loads ready for shipment. Upstream in the process, an
automated storage and retrieval system places the pallets in racks
at high speed. Each type of package is handled in the fastest and
most consistent way possible without sacrificing workstation
ergonomics.
The system's major innovation lies in the
preparation stage. The robot's articulated arm can pick up as many
as five stacks of packages at one time to assemble pallets with
multiple product codes. Equipped with grippers and a pneumatic
system, the robot ensures product safety at each stage. Nearly 90%
of Mars products are compatible with the automation, which has the
flexibility to adapt to the constraints of the various packaging
options (glass, cardboard or plastic bags). For outsized packages,
a manual preparation system has been designed to reduce repetitive
employee movements as much as possible through the use of automatic
conveyors.
About XPO Logistics
XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) is a top ten global logistics
provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most
successful companies in the world. The company operates as a highly
integrated network of people, technology and physical assets in 32
countries, with 1,455 locations and more than 95,000 employees. XPO
uses its network to help more than 50,000 customers manage their
goods more efficiently throughout their supply chains. The company
has two reporting segments, transportation and logistics, and
within these segments its business is well diversified by
geographies, verticals and types of service. XPO's European
headquarters is in Lyon, France and its corporate headquarters is
in Greenwich, Conn., USA. xpo.com.
About Mars,
Incorporated
Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history
making diverse products and offering services for people and the
pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is
a global business that produces some of the world's best-loved
brands: M&M's®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®,
ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5(TM), SKITTLES®, UNCLE
BEN'S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary
health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®,
VCA® and Pet Partners(TM). Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars
operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles -
Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom -
inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all
its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.
For more information about Mars, please visit
www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and
YouTube.
Media Contact:
XPO Logistics, Inc.
Erin Kurtz
+1-203-489-1586
erin.kurtz@xpo.com
Media Contact:
Mars: BM i&e agency
Isabelle Cliquet
+33 (0) 1-56-03-12-76
Isabelle.cliquet@bm.com
This
announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf
of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely
responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the
information contained therein.
Source: XPO Logistics, Inc. via Globenewswire
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