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Related Meals Shops (AFS), a supplier of groceries and different items and companies to impartial retailers in 9 Intermountain states, and Symbotic Inc., a frontrunner in A.I.-enabled robotics know-how for the availability chain, as we speak introduced they’ve entered right into a business settlement to implement Symbotic’s A.I.-powered robotic warehouse automation know-how in AFS’ Utah distribution heart.

Symbotic’s end-to-end automation system, with robotic case choose capabilities, will permit AFS’ distribution heart to enhance quite a lot of retail-facing experiences, together with general provide, expanded choice and supply of merchandise to shops.

“We respect the partnership with Symbotic which permits us to solid an thrilling imaginative and prescient for future progress and long-term relevance with the consumers and retailers we serve,” mentioned David Rice, AFS’ president and CEO. “Their experience and professionalism allowed us to make what may have been a troublesome determination, extremely simple.”

“Whereas essential, a modernized distribution system is not only about automation and know-how, but additionally about optimizing processes and empowering individuals. It’s a strategic funding that may enhance effectivity and improve our capacity to service our member retailers,” mentioned Roger White, AFS’ government vp and COO.

“We’re happy to welcome AFS as a buyer and sit up for working with them to remodel their distribution heart,” mentioned Rick Cohen, Symbotic’s chairman and CEO. “We’re devoted to making sure our A.I.-powered robotics platform helps clients enhance effectivity, cut back prices, allow new capabilities and enhance employee satisfaction.”

“We imagine implementing the Symbotic system creates nice alternatives for our distribution heart workforce members to develop their talent units and develop their future alternatives with the corporate,” mentioned Glen Keysaw, AFS’ vp of distribution. “As a result of proactive efforts of our administration workforce, all present workforce members on the distribution heart may have jobs going ahead and the distribution heart will proceed supporting present and future impartial grocers all through the Intermountain West.”