On May 14, 2025, Refresco Italia inaugurated its new high-density automated warehouse at the Sulmona production site— a strategic investment that marks a significant evolution in the plant’s standards in terms of logistics efficiency, automation, and sustainability.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new AS/RS system, equipped with six stacker cranes and a double-deep storage capacity of 25.300 pallet places, developed by E80 Group—a global leader in integrated and automated solutions for producers and distributors of consumer goods—strengthens Refresco Italia’s competitiveness by ensuring new standards of quality and service.
“Italy is an increasingly important market for Refresco in Europe, and Sulmona is a key point of our presence in the country,” said Dieter Schulz, COO Europe of Refresco. “That’s why we approved the largest European investment of the year here. The new warehouse is one of the best in the group worldwide, and the credit goes to E80 Group’s technology and to the extraordinary commitment of the local team.”
E80 Group LGVs and AS/RS at Refresco Italia Plant
Refresco is the leading global independent beverage solutions provider for global, national, and emerging (GNE) brands and retailers in Europe, North America, and Australia. The company offers a complete range of products—from water to soft drinks, fruit juices, and teas—and stands out for its flexible, multi-user production platform, capable of generating industrial and logistical synergies on a global scale.
Operating in Italy since 2011 following the acquisition of Spumador, Refresco has strengthened its presence through continued investments, including the Sulmona plant, which has now become a strategic hub for production and logistics.
AUTOMATION AND INTEGRATION DRIVING INNOVATION
The new automated warehouse marks a turning point in the plant’s logistics management: fully integrated with existing systems, including the Block Storage, it is designed to ensure a continuous and optimized flow from the production line—served by laser-guided vehicles (LGVs)—through to shipment, reducing time, costs, and environmental impact. All this is made possible by the SM.I.LE80 software platform, which enables efficient system integration and ensures optimal operations management.
“This project is the result of strategic vision and great teamwork,” said Claudio Ciavattini, CEO of Refresco Italia. “A special thanks to the suppliers who supported us—especially DVC, Lyto’s, and E80 Group. But the most heartfelt thanks go to the Sulmona team: it’s thanks to their daily commitment that we can realize such important investments. This warehouse represents a new way of working, a step forward in efficiency, sustainability, and growth.”
The Automated Warehouse
The warehouse automation was implemented by E80 Group, the technology partner that worked closely with Refresco on this tailor-made project. With over 40 years of experience in developing automated solutions for the beverage, food, and tissue sectors, E80 Group has built a valuable partnership with Refresco. “Our goal—especially as we celebrate E80 Group’s 45th anniversary—is always to support our clients in optimizing their production and distribution processes,” commented Enrico Grassi, President and founder of E80 Group. “We are particularly proud of this project because we completed it here in Italy, together with top-tier partners and suppliers, offering the flexibility required by a client like Refresco.”
A CHALLENGING PATH, A SHARED ACHIEVEMENT
The milestones of a challenging but successful journey were recalled by Tullio Tiozzo, Strategic Operations Director: “In just a few years, we went from producing the first cans to nearly 400 million bottles annually. Thanks to technological investments, we now have a highly advanced facility. The automated warehouse is the ‘cherry on top’: it radically changes our logistics approach, integrating production and shipment into a single automated flow.”
Gaetano Vicino, Supply Chain Director, also highlighted the project’s transformative impact: “This is not a finish line, but the beginning of a new digital transformation journey. Today, I see a team that embraced the innovation challenge with enthusiasm. In just 12 months, we built a facility that marks a turning point.”
The inauguration of the new warehouse not only marks the conclusion of a project but also the start of a new phase of growth for Refresco in Italy and across Europe.
The Inauguration Ceremony
L’articolo Refresco Italia: New High-Density Automated Warehouse in Collaboration with E80 Group proviene da Italianfood.net.
