Associated Food Stores and Symbotic Announce Agreement to Implement Industry-Leading Warehouse Automation System
May 08 2023 - 5:00PM
Associated Food Stores (AFS), a provider of groceries and other
goods and services to independent retailers in nine Intermountain
states, and Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM), a leader in A.I.-enabled
robotics technology for the supply chain, today announced they have
entered into a commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s
A.I.-powered robotic warehouse automation technology in AFS’ Utah
distribution center.
Symbotic’s end-to-end automation system, with robotic case pick
capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to improve a
variety of retail-facing experiences, including overall supply,
expanded selection and delivery of products to stores.
“We appreciate the partnership with Symbotic which enables us to
cast an exciting vision for future growth and long-term relevance
with the shoppers and retailers we serve,” said David Rice, AFS’
president and CEO. “Their expertise and professionalism allowed us
to make what could have been a difficult decision, incredibly
straightforward.”
“While very important, a modernized distribution system is not
just about automation and technology, but also about optimizing
processes and empowering people. It’s a strategic investment that
can increase efficiency and enhance our ability to service our
member retailers,” said Roger White, AFS’ executive vice president
and COO.
“We are pleased to welcome AFS as a customer and look forward to
working with them to transform their distribution center,” said
Rick Cohen, Symbotic’s chairman and CEO. “We are dedicated to
ensuring our A.I.-powered robotics platform helps customers
increase efficiency, reduce costs, enable new capabilities and
improve worker satisfaction.”
“We believe implementing the Symbotic system creates great
opportunities for our distribution center team members to grow
their skill sets and expand their future opportunities with the
company,” said Glen Keysaw, AFS’ vice president of distribution.
“Due to the proactive efforts of our management team, all current
team members at the distribution center will have jobs going
forward and the distribution center will continue supporting
current and future independent grocers throughout the Intermountain
West.”
ABOUT ASSOCIATED FOOD STORES
Associated Food Stores was established in 1940 when 34
independent retailers joined together to battle high supplier costs
and competition from large chain stores. That fighting spirit has
continued to help the grocery wholesaler grow over the last 75
years. With a focus on independent retailers, AFS has changed the
way these retailers operate and allowed them to prosper. AFS
currently serves nearly 450 retailers across the Intermountain
West. For more information about Associated Food Stores
visit www.afstores.com.
ABOUT SYMBOTIC
Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the
supply chain with its end-to-end, A.I.-powered robotic and software
platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for
the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage
companies. Applying next-generation technology, high-density
storage and machine learning to solve today's complex distribution
challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched
speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of
commerce, Symbotic transforms the flow of goods and the economics
of the supply chain for its customers. For more information, visit
www.symbotic.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
For Associated Food Stores:
Rand MickelsonDirector of
Communicationsrtmickelson@afstores.com801-978-8452
For Symbotic:
Kimberly ZminkowskiDirector,
Marketingmediainquiry@symbotic.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62db4996-3ab5-4b5d-8e0c-7e96cf932420
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