Dematic, a global leader in supply chain automation, has partnered with Pattison Food Group to modernize grocery fulfillment operations at the company's 485,000-square-foot ambient distribution center in Langley, British Columbia. The facility leverages advanced automation technologies designed to improve split-case fulfillment efficiency, increase throughput capacity, and support scalable grocery distribution operations across Western Canada.
Automated Solutions for Modern Grocery Fulfillment
The automated solution reduces manual handling, enhances order accuracy, and increases fulfillment agility in response to evolving consumer demand. It supports Pattison Food Group's nine retail grocery banners, including Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart Foods, and Quality Foods.
“Dematic’s strength extends beyond automation to a deep understanding of the operational realities shaping modern grocery fulfillment,” said Mike Olson, senior vice president of supply chain and wholesale at Pattison Food Group. “That expertise helped us build a scalable, intelligent operation that improves performance today while supporting the flexibility needed for future growth.”
Key Automation Technologies Deployed
Dematic's solution incorporates several advanced automation technologies, including improved warehouse orchestration through Dematic’s suite of software solutions. It increases high-density grocery storage capacity with a Dematic RapidPick® and a nine-aisle Dematic Multishuttle® system, providing nearly 62,000 automated storage locations. The system supports efficient split-case and full-case fulfillment for approximately 11,000 grocery SKUs through 16 goods-to-person workstations.
Additionally, the solution increases throughput and fulfillment efficiency through integrated decant, conveyor, sortation, tote handling, buffering, and sequencing systems. It also improves operational efficiency and supports reusable tote-based sustainability initiatives, while maximizing system uptime through resident maintenance and lifecycle services.
Partnership for Long-Term Growth
“As grocery operations become more complex and consumer expectations continue to rise, success depends on fulfillment environments that are intelligent, adaptable and built to scale,” said Alexandre Guiard, senior vice president of business solutions, Americas at Dematic. “With decades of experience supporting grocery supply chains worldwide, our partnership with Pattison Food Group reflects a shared commitment to building intelligent fulfillment operations where software, automation and operational intelligence serve as the mind behind the machine — improving service levels, increasing operational confidence and supporting long-term growth.”
Dematic delivers intelligent automation solutions for the supply chain that adapt to change, maximize productivity and capacity, reduce risk, and create lasting competitive advantage. Drawing on the combined expertise of more than 10,000 employees worldwide, Dematic develops, implements, and supports operations featuring advanced technologies and software. With consulting, research, engineering, manufacturing, and service centers in over 26 countries, Dematic is a trusted partner for distributors, warehouses, and manufacturers globally. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION, the Supply Chain Solutions Company.
