Automated Co-Packing Expands Logistics Packaging Throughput

Automation in contract packaging is increasingly being used to manage shorter product cycles, promotional repackaging demands, and tighter fulfilment timelines in food and beverage logistics. In this context, Knowles Logistics has deployed a robotic co-packing system based on KUKA automation, customised by Granta for its warehouse fulfilment operations.

Handling variable packaging formats with less manual intervention
The new system is designed to automate co-packing tasks that typically require manual intervention, particularly where customers require changing packaging configurations such as multipacks or promotional bundles.

The robot, supplied by German automation manufacturer KUKA and customised by Cambridge-based automation integrator Granta, was configured for deployment into existing co-packing workflows. The setup allows packaging formats to be reconfigured more efficiently while maintaining process consistency across varying product requirements.

For food, beverage, and packaging logistics operations, this type of warehouse automation addresses a common operational challenge: maintaining packaging flexibility without increasing labour dependency or slowing throughput.

Automation investment beyond co-packing
The co-packing deployment follows a broader automation and digital supply chain programme across the company’s warehousing and fulfilment operations.

Over the past 12 months, autonomous cleaning systems including the CR700 Robotic Scrubber Dryer and K900 Industrial Vacuum Sweeper Robots, supplied by Crescent Industrial’s Cleaning Intelligence brand, were added to warehouse operations. These machines operate continuously, reducing manual cleaning requirements and allowing personnel to focus on other operational tasks.

The company also introduced the inventAIRy XL inventory drone for perpetual inventory management. By automating stock counting, the system increases cycle count frequency while improving inventory accuracy and product movement traceability.

Building a more automated fulfilment operation
The combination of robotic co-packing, autonomous cleaning, and drone-based inventory monitoring reflects a wider move toward logistics automation.

In co-packing environments, robotic systems can improve consistency in repetitive packaging tasks, particularly where packaging formats change frequently. Automated inventory management similarly supports tighter stock control, which is particularly relevant in food and beverage logistics where traceability requirements are stringent.

The business has also expanded its electric vehicle fleet as part of wider sustainability investments and indicated that further automation and digital initiatives are being assessed across its end-to-end logistics operations.

Edited by Aishwarya Mambet, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.

www.knowleslogistics.com