Snellman Chooses Inther Group Again: Continuing a Nearly 20-Year Successful Partnership

Finnish meat producer Snellman has once again chosen Inther Group as its partner for the automation of its logistics processes. After nearly twenty years of successful collaboration, Inther is implementing a completely new automated logistics system for Snellman’s new facility. This investment lays the foundation for the company’s continued growth and positions its logistics operations for the next twenty years.

A completely new logistics facility built on a foundation of long-term partnership

Snellman is a leading producer of refrigerated meat products for the retail market. Based in Finland, this family-owned company supplies products to supermarket chains both domestically and internationally. Inther’s existing logistics facility is nearing the end of its technical lifespan. At the same time, Snellman wants to expand production and further increase its logistics capacity. That is why the company decided to invest in a completely new automated distribution system.

The new system will be completely separate from the existing system built. This allows current operations to continue uninterrupted while the new solution is being implemented. Once the new system is operational, the transition to the new system will take place.

“A project like this doesn't start with technology, but with trust,” says Marc Biermann, Head of Sales Engineering at Inther Group. “We worked with Snellman for over a year on various design options. In doing so, we focused not only on current logistical needs but, above all, on how the system can continue to evolve over the next twenty years. We view their decision to choose Inther once again as a testament to the excellent partnership we have built over the past few years.“

Prepared for the Logistics of Tomorrow: Robot Picking as a Key Step Toward Automation

A key component of the project is the implementation of robotic picking for high-volume products. To this end, Inther is collaborating with robot supplier Bila. The robots will take over part of the order picking process, while other products will be handled using ergonomic manual Goods-to-Person Picking Stations are processed. The system is also designed to be scalable. This will allow Snellman to easily add additional robots in the future and further increase the proportion of automated order picking. The solution also consists of a shuttle storage system for 60,000 bins, elevators, conveyors, automatic replenishment, ergonomic picking stations and a new palletizing solution.

While the existing system operates almost continuously, the new facility is designed to handle significantly more capacity within fewer operating hours. At the same time, the solution provides ample room for future expansion, including through additional shuttle runs, additional workstations, and further automation of the picking process.

Integration of all disciplines

For Inther, the project brings together virtually all areas of expertise within the organization. Software, PLC control, hardware engineering and the integration from multiple specialized suppliers are combined into a single, complete system.

“This project clearly demonstrates what Inther does best,” says Noud van Schijndel, Project Manager at Inther Group. “We combine software, hardware and control technology into a single integrated solution. In addition, we are working with specialized partners to develop a system that not only meets Snellman’s current needs but is also prepared for future growth and expansion.“

Investing in a Sustainable Future

With the new facility, Snellman is not only opting for higher capacity and greater automation, but also for a logistics solution that can grow alongside the organization over the coming decades. The combination of proven technology, new automation concepts, and a long-standing partnership makes this project an important next step for both companies.

The fact that Snellman has once again chosen Inther underscores the long-standing relationship between the two companies. Over the past twenty years, Inther has remained closely involved in software support and the further development of the existing installation. Over the past few years, we have been working together on the plans for the new facility, which are now actually being implemented. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, after which the new facility will be operational in 2028.