Warehouse automation and software specialist Dematic has recently finalised a contract with Globalpesca, a prominent Italian provider of frozen foods catering to the hotel, restaurant, and catering sectors. This collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiencies at Globalpesca's new low-temperature cold storage warehouse designated for frozen goods.
Andrea Ruffoni, supply chain director at Globalpesca, highlighted the factors that influenced their decision, saying, “Important factors in our decision process included knowing that Dematic has many years of experience developing automation solutions for the hospitality and catering industry and it has deep experience in the storage of food items at low temperatures.” He further expressed confidence in Dematic’s capabilities, stating, “And when it comes to stacker cranes for pallets, we were confident that Dematic was the right company to partner with.”
Operating from its headquarters in Gravellona Toce, located in Italy's Piedmont region near Milan, Globalpesca S.p.A. has been a family-owned business for nearly 125 years. In response to the rapid growth experienced in the hospitality and catering industry, the company has acknowledged the necessity to adapt by managing increased order volumes while continuously enhancing service levels. In pursuit of these goals, Globalpesca identified automation as a means to streamline its operations, particularly by optimising inbound product planning and storage handling processes.
The Dematic solution is to be deployed in a new warehouse facility next to Globalpesca’s existing distribution centre in Gravellona Toce. The facility will feature a self-supporting structure designed specifically to cater to the temperature and load requirements vital for a cold storage operation. This new temperature-controlled warehouse, the second of its kind adjacent to the main distribution centre, will stand 24 metres high and cover an area of approximately 1,400 square metres.
Included in the automation solution are two RapidStore® UL1200 stacker cranes, which are expandable with an option for a third crane in light of anticipated future expansion. Additionally, a pallet transport system utilizing BK25 conveyors will be part of the setup, alongside two Ergopal picking workstations, with an option for a third workstation to enhance operational flexibility. The installation and commissioning of these systems are expected to be completed by early 2026.
The strategic initiative aims to automate Globalpesca’s operations, thereby facilitating more precise inventory tracking and improving working conditions for its operators. A key improvement includes minimising the need for personnel to access the extremely low −25°C areas of the facility, ensuring they operate from ergonomically designed workstations geared towards pallet preparation.
Collaboration played a crucial role during the project's planning phase, with an Italian team from Dematic working closely alongside Globalpesca’s customer project team led by Ruffoni. Together, they explored various scenarios to ensure the solution provided aligns with Globalpesca’s future scalability objectives. Mauro Corona, sales director for Dematic Italy, commented on the synergy between the teams, stating, “The extensive automation expertise of Dematic and Globalpesca’s deep experience in their industries came together in a strong cooperative partnering for an efficient solution that will provide a strategic lever for Globalpesca in a demanding business environment.”
As the project progresses, it signifies a significant move towards enhancing automation in the frozen food supply chain sector, reflecting broader trends in warehouse operations and automation across industries.
Source: Noah Wire Services