Last updated on March 25th, 2021 at 07:23 pm
Takeoff Technologies and Wakefern Food Corp. have teamed up to launch an automated micro-fulfillment center (MFC) in Clifton, New Jersey.
With Takeoff, orders are placed online through retailers—whether using their existing e-commerce platform or Takeoff’s customized UI solution—and Takeoff’s automated technology fulfills the order using robots in MFCs. Takeoff utilizes advanced robotics in the MFC, where orders of up to 60 grocery items can be assembled in minutes, increasing efficiency and ensuring customers get their online orders quickly.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Wakefern to help make their eGrocery service even better,” said Jose Aguerrevere, CEO and co-founder of Takeoff Technologies in Waltham, Massachusetts. “Our hyperlocal approach and technology results in lower packaging costs and high last-mile efficiency.”
Keasbey, New Jersey-based Wakefern, the largest retailer-owned grocery cooperative in the U.S., offers grocery e-commerce through its ShopRite from Home program. The new fulfillment center will serve select ShopRites operated by Wakefern member Inserra Supermarkets in north Jersey and New York.
Steve P. Henig, Wakefern’s VP of digital commerce and analytics, said, “We are excited to partner with Takeoff Technologies to see how their hyperlocal automation technology will benefit our cooperative, retail members and shoppers.”
“Our eGrocery automation is a turn-key, scalable solution that uses robotics to unlock convenience for shoppers without the need to charge extra fees,” said Max Pedro, co-founder and president of Takeoff. “It’s a win-win for grocers and shoppers.”
Takeoff Technologies and Wakefern have an agreement in place to open additional sites in the future.
Takeoff has an exclusivity agreement with Knapp, a global provider of automated warehouse solutions.
