FARR
WEST, Utah, March 6,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Food Stores
(AFS), a leading provider of groceries and other goods and services
to independent retailers in nine Intermountain states, and Symbotic
Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM) announced the successful activation of an
ambitious warehouse modernization initiative at AFS' Utah distribution center. This milestone
advances AFS' 85-year commitment to efficiency and service for
nearly 500 independent grocers in the Intermountain West.
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. With
improved accuracy and aisle-friendly pallet deliveries to stores,
the system enables increased speed to shelf and SKU availability
for AFS' customers, while improving inventory utilization for AFS
itself.
To celebrate this achievement, AFS will host a special event on
Thursday, March 6, at 10 a.m. MT, featuring a
commemorative power-up ceremony and a guided tour of the newly
implemented Symbotic system. Media representatives, industry
partners and other stakeholders are invited to attend and witness
firsthand the state-of-the-art automation technologies now
operational within the facility.
The automation initiative is designed to transform the
distribution center into a next-generation facility equipped to
meet both current and future demands.
"The successful activation of phase one is a testament to our
dedication to providing exceptional service to our member
retailers," said David Rice, AFS'
president and CEO. "By embracing advanced automation and partnering
with Symbotic, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of
supply chain innovation, ensuring that our retailers receive
products more efficiently and accurately than ever before."
Symbotic's Chairman and CEO, Rick
Cohen, reinforced this sentiment: "We are excited to provide
AFS with the innovation, flexibility and reliability provided by
Symbotic's advanced A.I. and warehouse automation technology. We
look forward to working with AFS for its next phase and continuing
to support its retailers with a superior service experience."
According to Glen Keysaw, AFS'
vice president of distribution, "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. 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."
This initiative underscores AFS' mission to empower local
retailers with the tools and resources necessary to compete and
thrive in an evolving marketplace.
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
500 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.
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SOURCE Associated Food Stores
