AB InBev reveals automated warehouse
The site features robotic cranes that operate across six storeys and nine miles of racking to pick stock from pallets in under 60 seconds, ready to be loaded into waiting lorries.
Lloyd Manship, brewery manager for AB InBev, said the investment demonstrated the company’s commitment to Wales.
“It means we can get our beer out and into stores and pubs faster and more efficiently than ever before – that’s ultimately good for us, our customers and the environment,” he added.
“I’m proud that this technology is a global first for AB InBev and look forward to seeing its implementation all over the world.”
New automated system
Workers whose jobs have now been over taken by the new automated system have now been moved to different areas of the logistics area.
At the launch, project manager John Tudball told local press there would be no danger that automation would make the jobs of AB InBev’s manual workers redundant and that there would be no change in the number of employees.
The implementation of automation at Magor has also created four full-time engineering jobs, with plans to develop an adjacent warehouse having the potential to create a further eight jobs.
Increasing warehouse safety
The system would also increase safety at the warehouse, claimed Tudball, as well as increase the brewery’s capacity. It would also mean less beer would have to be transported between warehouses, resulting in the site’s carbon footprint reducing by 605t of carbon dioxide – the equivalent to the electricity consumption of 600 homes.
AB InBev’s Magor site is its largest British factory and produces two-thirds of the Stella Artois, Beck’s and Budweiser sold in the UK.
Meanwhile, AB InBev has appointed Paula Lindenberg as its next president of UK operations.
