Western Canada Grocer Modernizes Split-Case Operations Pattison Food Group has installed automated fulfillment systems at its 485,000-square-foot ambient grocery distribution center in Langley, British Columbia, in partnership with Dematic. The facility now incorporates advanced storage and order-fulfillment technologies designed to increase throughput and reduce manual handling across operations that serve the grocer's nine retail banners, including Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart Foods, and Quality Foods.
Core Automation Components The system includes a Dematic RapidPick unit and a nine-aisle Dematic Multishuttle system providing nearly 62,000 automated storage locations. Sixteen goods-to-person workstations support efficient handling of split-case and full-case orders across approximately 11,000 grocery SKUs. Integrated decant, conveyor, sortation, tote handling, and sequencing systems work in tandem with Dematic's warehouse orchestration software suite. The facility also incorporates reusable tote-based sustainability measures and on-site maintenance with lifecycle services to maximize uptime.
Operator Perspective "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." Alexandre Guiard, senior vice president of business solutions, Americas at Dematic, added: "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. 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."
Why It Matters
For grocery operators managing omnichannel fulfillment at scale, this deployment demonstrates the ROI case for automated systems in dense SKU environments. As consumer demand for fast, accurate order fulfillment continues to drive investment in warehouse automation, the Langley facility serves as a reference point for mid-size regional grocers evaluating similar capital projects.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
