ocado andover robots

Ocado’s CFC robots

The regional locations of the next two Kroger customer fulfilment centres to use Ocado’s automated technology have been confirmed as central Florida and Mid-Atlantic states.  

Kroger is to identify a total of 20 locations to build new CFCs that will use Ocado’s robotic technology over three years, under a deal struck between the retailers last May.

The first location was confirmed in November as Cincinnati, Ohio.

The latest announcement comes less than two weeks after Ocado’s automated warehouse in Andover was destroyed by a fire, which started on the grid-like platform on which robots move. 

Kroger chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen said the latest news would “redefine the grocery shopping experience for customers along the East Coast”.

Read more: Ocado shares burnt by Andover blaze

Alex Tosolini, the US retail giant’s senior vice president of new business development, said: “Kroger is developing the retail model of the future through our exciting partnership with Ocado, a UK-based company with global ties.

“We will co-innovate with Ocado to develop the best possible experiences for our customers, leveraging advanced robotics technology and creative solutions.”

Ocado Solutions CEO Luke Jensen said: “This announcement marks another important step toward combining Kroger’s long-standing dedication to innovative and world-class grocery services with Ocado’s unique, industry-leading technology 

“As the US retail landscape continues to change, these CFCs will play a crucial role in helping Kroger offer its customers a superior online shopping experience in these two major markets.”

Kroger is one of four international customers for Ocado’s CFC technology under deals signed since November 2017, the others being Casino in France, Sobeys in Canada and ICA in Sweden.