Cimcorp’s Robotic Handling Helps German Grocer

Cimcorp’s Robotic Handling Helps German Grocer

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Cimcorp, a pioneer in robotic handling solutions, is helping German grocery retail group REWE safeguard its fresh produce supply chain through a comprehensive suite of Success Services. This agreement builds on the deployment of Cimcorp’s advanced logistics solution at REWE’s fulfillment center in Oranienburg, Germany, which supplies fruits and vegetables to 950 retail locations across the Berlin region. Extending the partnership beyond implementation, Cimcorp will ensure ongoing operational excellence and long-term reliability for REWE’s critical fresh food operations.

With facilities typically handling more than 650,000 units a day, the relentless pace and volume of REWE’s warehouse operations require services that can ensure continuous and punctual deliveries, especially in major urban markets where missing a delivery window can mean failing to deliver altogether.

“For us, reliability is essential; our markets count on timely and error-free deliveries, and our system must reflect that expectation. We rely on our partners to deliver services that match the urgency of our market’s expectations,” said Matthias Menzel, General Manager at REWE’s largest fresh and chilled goods warehouse in Oranienburg.

A multifaceted service portfolio for peak performance: REWE’s Success Services from Cimcorp have been meticulously designed to guarantee the highest possible system uptime and thereby product availability for over 370 supermarkets and 580 stores served by the Oranienburg facility daily. The services include:

Preventive Maintenance Service: This solution brings expert technicians to regularly analyze and report on the condition of REWE’s automated handling systems, perform fundamental maintenance, and collaborate with in-house staff on best practices. By scheduling comprehensive inspections twice a year, REWE can proactively address wear and fatigue, reducing the risk of unexpected failures and safeguarding consistent, top-tier performance throughout the year.

System Support Service: Offering rapid and reliable remote assistance, this service acts as a critical safety net. REWE’s staff receive direct support from highly trained specialists who diagnose and resolve technical issues that cannot be managed onsite, significantly reducing the likelihood and duration of production stoppages.

On-Site Support Service: For incidents requiring immediate physical intervention, expert personnel are available to deliver corrective maintenance, repairs and ongoing preventive measures. The onsite response is structured flexibly, with service available six days a week — and extended coverage on Sundays and public holidays as needed — ensuring that even in urgent breakdown scenarios, downtime remains minimal.

System Management Service: In an era of increasing IT security challenges, this service remotely monitors, protects, and maintains the IT backbone of REWE’s automated conveyor systems. This includes everything from antivirus protection and network administration to database oversight, always reinforcing system reliability and proactive threat detection.
Empowering people and embracing the future

The transition to automation, paired with robust service, has been driven not only by the need for reliability but also by workforce realities. With labor shortages and physically demanding tasks impacting the sector, automation — supported by effective maintenance and support services — ensures that existing staff are better utilized and not overstretched.

REWE’s commitment to comprehensive training means dedicated technicians are fully equipped to manage the system, with Cimcorp’s team always on standby for escalations.

“We want Cimcorp in the background running the system, a strong partner ready to react fast if something happens that we cannot solve ourselves,” said Menzel.

Setting new standards in retail logistics. REWE’s Success Services underscore a strategic vision: to maintain operational excellence, optimize employee welfare, and guarantee the highest standards of service for every store, every day.

“Our customers’ success is our mission,” said Heikki Seppälä, Head of Services at Cimcorp Group. “For REWE and clients like them, we secure uptime because system downtime is simply not an option, especially in fresh food logistics where every second counts.”

About Cimcorp

Cimcorp Group has been simplifying material flows since 1975. We improve our customers’ profitability by offering unique solutions for automation. Our reliable robotic systems run with easy-to-use software, optimized for intralogistics, and our lifetime services secure our customers’ success in business. As a global system integrator, we make it possible for our customers – who work mainly in the tire industry and grocery retail – to succeed in their market, today and tomorrow. With a worldwide network of offices and partners – and as a member of Murata Machinery Ltd., one of the world’s largest logistics automation suppliers – Cimcorp offers local support globally.