Hybrid Automation Systems for Foodservice Supply Chain Logistics

Kesko has partnered with KNAPP to integrate automated material handling systems into its new central logistics centre in Nurmijärvi, Finland. The facility is designed to consolidate supply chain operations for the hotel, restaurant, and catering (HoReCa) sector.

Addressing Supply Chain Complexity in Foodservice
The grocery retail and foodservice industries require high delivery reliability and the ability to process broad product ranges under strict timelines. As order volumes increase, traditional manual picking methods face capacity limitations. Kesko initiated this collaboration to transition its intralogistics infrastructure toward a scalable model capable of serving diverse customer profiles and order types from a single technology platform. KNAPP was selected as the automation partner after a joint planning phase to provide the necessary hardware integration and software orchestration.

Hybrid Automation and Storage Architecture
The technical architecture provided by KNAPP combines automated hardware with manual logistics processes, utilizing software to guide operations dynamically. The integrated platform features automated pallet handling for bulk goods, high-bay storage solutions for inventory density, and shuttle-based storage systems that feed goods-to-person picking stations for small items. KNAPP is responsible for supplying the automation hardware and the overarching software framework, while Kesko manages the facility construction and operational transition.

Facility Deployment and System Integration
The new logistics centre is actively under construction in Nurmijärvi, with building phases having commenced in early 2026. The automation systems will be integrated sequentially into the facility's structural design. By deploying a unified software platform, the site will orchestrate both the automated storage retrieval systems and the manual workforce, ensuring that inventory data and order routing remain synchronized across all warehouse zones.

Operational Scalability and Process Stability
Targeting the HoReCa supply chain, the primary use case involves processing complex, multi-item orders with high throughput requirements. The goods-to-person picking strategy minimizes physical travel time for warehouse operators, directly improving order fulfilment efficiency and workplace ergonomics. This hybrid model provides Kesko with the capacity to handle growing baseline volumes while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to seasonal demand spikes in the foodservice sector. "A logistics centre is a multi-year project and a long-term investment, so it is important for us to choose a partner that can look ahead and understand our needs years from now," noted Pekka Tala, Development Director at Kesko.

Edited by Aishwarya Mambet, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.

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