JBS Foods Canada is announcing an ambitious move to fully automate its warehousing system at its Brooks, Alta., packing plant in conjunction with robotics company Scott Technology.
“We are excited about this partnership and the benefits the new system will provide to both our customers and our business,” said David Colwell, president of JBS Foods Canada, in a media release. “This state-of-the-art solution creates an opportunity to increase efficiency and promote a safe working environment for our team members.”
The project, which comes with a price tag of $71 million, is designed to handle and store 85,000 boxes of food products and be capable of picking 3,000 cartons an hour, shipping more than 40,000 cartons a day, according to the company.
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Despite the price, Scott Technology chief executive officer John Kippenberger said the system will reduce costs at the Brooks plant, one of the largest in Canada.
“This new system will help reduce storage costs and errors, and deliver improved inventory turns, while also improving worker safety as one box can weigh up to 110 pounds,” said Kippenberger in a statement. “It represents significant efficiencies and cost savings for JBS Foods Canada and will be the largest project of its kind for Scott to date.”
The New Zealand-based Scott Technology currently offers a range of automated systems in the manufacturing and mining sector in addition to food and beverage.
The company has developed an automated carcass processing system for lambs which is expected to come online this year. It is also developing systems for the beef and poultry sectors.
