Grupo Bimbo to Build New Distribution Center in Mexico

Grupo Bimbo has tapped Cimcorp to deliver the order picking system for a fully automated distribution center in Mexico City.

While Stöcklin is the general contractor responsible for realizing the brand-new distribution center, Cimcorp is providing the fully automated picking system. Peter Riesterer, managing director at Stöcklin Logistics de México S.A. de C.V., explains the cooperation between Cimcorp and Stöcklin in the joint project: “The finally realized solution is a result of clear definition of requirements from Stöcklin and the experience and customer-oriented approach of Cimcorp.”

Grupo Bimbo is one of the leading baked goods producers in the world. When completed, the new fully automated distribution center will supply over 100 smaller distribution centers and run 24/7 year-round. Featuring a high-bay warehouse with 24,576-pallet capacity and the dispatch of nearly 8,000 pallets daily in approximately 400 trucks from 32 ramps, it is clear that automated order picking on this scale has to be 100% error-free as well as efficient.

“It is important, in realizing this highly automated operation, not only to have a partner with experience and the ability to provide a quality solution, but also one who can guarantee the corresponding support services once the system is in productive operation," Riesterer explains.

Cimcorp will provide the order picking solution and the software that controls the material flow within the three order picking areas. “The … solution for Grupo Bimbo consists of three robotic order picking cells as well as our warehouse control system, which takes care of the material flow within the three order picking cells and secures traceability and real-time inventory for the automated picking system," said Kai Tuomisaari, vice president of sales at Cimcorp. 

Though a massive organization, Grupo Bimbo is still a bakery and has all the classic elements and challenges that bakeries worldwide face, such as continuously shorter lead times. This, combined with the need for minimum footprint and maximum efficiency at the lowest possible investment and operational costs, put some pressure on the planning process.

The project marks the first cooperation between Stöcklin and Cimcorp. Grupo Bimbo expects the new distribution center to open in summer 2019.