Godrej Körber automates India's cold chain storage sector; introduces advanced AS/RS technologies

Godrej Körber, a joint venture company between Godrej & Boyce and Körber Supply Chain, a German company, is driving warehouse automation transformation for the Indian Cold Chain sector in India through differentiated automation solutions. Godrej Körber is steering for a 20% contribution in revenue from India's cold chain sector by introducing highly advanced high-density AS/RS systems in FY23.

The cold storage sector encounters challenges that other 'dry' warehouses do not face. The higher cost of operations in cold storage makes it critically important that the space must be utilized in the best optimal manner. In India, the dairy or cold chain industry has not evolved in terms of intralogistics automation as companies ignore the benefits of modern cold storage design which also includes a high-density storage system apart from advanced refrigeration technology.

Aside from needing to pay the labour working in cold storage more than in a dry environment, there are also major concerns such as attrition and difficulty recruiting individuals to work in freezing warehouses. Automation technologies such as ASRS systems, Conveyors, and Layer Picker solutions can guarantee faster delivery, allowing for less footprint and maximized space utilization in the facilities.

Godrej Körber is expecting 18% - 20% growth in the next 5 years as it has witnessed a major shift happening towards the adoption of automation in the supply chain after the pandemic and expects this trend to continue. Due to the growth of the manufacturing sector, development of organized 3PLs, Pharma, retail, e-commerce, and food service businesses, as well as shifting consumption patterns, the government is encouraging companies to invest into cold chain and cold storage facilities. Considering this, Godrej Körber is focussing on bulk handling in the automation industry, for leading private players as well as public-private partnership projects.

Suunil Dabral, Senior Vice President & Business Head, Godrej Körber stated, "An automated cold storage facility's purpose is to expedite procedures and increase safety for both staff and commodities. Godrej Körber aims to bring this transformation to India's cold storage facilities by providing special high density storage automation solutions, including stacker cranes and shuttle based AS/RS solutions that let you fully control the storage of all palletized commodities without the need for manual handling. By integrating advanced technology and innovation, we aspire to tackle supply chain complexity across sectors and automate a large number of the cold chain warehouses in India."

To further address the growing segment of Cold Chain storage, Godrej Körber exceeded order intake targets with order books full in FY22 and dominating an overall market size worth Rs 4000 crores owing to its successful coalition with global player Körber Supply Chain. Godrej Körber attended the IDF World Dairy Summit, which was held in Greater Noida for the first time in 48 years.