Associated Food Stores is excited to announce the successful activation of phase one of project ROAR, an ambitious warehouse modernization initiative at AFS’ Utah distribution center. This milestone advances AFS’s 85-year commitment to efficiency and service for nearly 500 independent grocers in the Intermountain West.
Symbotic’s end-to-end automation system, with robotic case pick capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to improve a variety of retail-facing experiences, including overall supply, expanded selection and delivery of products to stores. The AFS warehouse is the first in Utah to implement this technology.
To celebrate this achievement, AFS will host a special event on Thursday, March 6, at 10 a.m., featuring a symbolic power-up ceremony and a guided tour of the newly implemented system. Media representatives, industry partners and other stakeholders are invited to attend and witness firsthand the state-of-the-art automation technologies now operational within the facility.
The automation initiative is designed to transform the distribution center into a next-generation facility equipped to meet both current and future demands.
“The successful activation of Phase One of Project ROAR is a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional service to our member retailers,” said David Rice, AFS’ president and CEO. “By embracing advanced automation and partnering with Symbotic, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of supply chain innovation, ensuring that our retailers receive products more efficiently and accurately than ever before.”
According to Glen Keysaw, AFS’ vice president of distribution, “Implementing the Symbotic system creates great opportunities for our distribution center team members to grow their skill sets and expand their future opportunities with the company. Due to the proactive efforts of our management team, all current team members at the distribution center will have jobs going forward and the distribution center will continue supporting current and future independent grocers throughout the Intermountain West.”
This initiative underscores AFS’s mission to empower local retailers with the tools and resources necessary to compete and thrive in an evolving marketplace.