July 19, 2024
(press release)
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The $10 million system features nine driverless forklifts, a custom barrel management software system, automated barrel washing and filling facilities, and individual barrel identification. The investment expands the site’s production capacity by up to 60% and enhances traceability of the barrels across their life cycle, while also reducing energy consumption and creating a safer working environment by minimising manual handling tasks. With integrated components creating an end-to-end automated system, it’s a world-first in winemaking. Speaking at the launch event attended by government and industry representatives, TWE’s Chief Supply & Sustainability Officer Kerrin Petty said “Our Barossa Valley site is fast becoming an international hub of innovation in winemaking, sustainability and resilience. Introducing full automation in our barrel hall increases our luxury and premium winemaking capacity, so we can craft more of our renowned wines for wine lovers around the world while creating a safer working environment for our people.” The driverless forklifts, known as autonomous guided vehicles, are controlled by a customised digital barrel management system developed with digital technology company Nukon, part of the SAGE Group. The process runs 24 hours a day, five days a week, and is expected to boost the red wine handling capacity of the hall to 125,000 barrels. The integrated system means our international winemaking team can remotely move barrels through the maturation process. TWE Chief Supply & Sustainability Officer Kerrin Petty at the official opening, with Barossa Mayor Bim Lange OAM, Member for Schubert Ashton Hurn MP, and TWE Director of Supply Technology & Innovation Jodie Rowlands. The laser-guided forklifts in the 35,000m2 barrel hall have been tailored to the site by Italy-based automation provider E80 Group. The system’s enhanced data and analytics improve the quality and traceability for the site’s 60,000 barrels of wine across brands including Penfolds, Pepperjack and Saltram. Modern, lithium battery powered vehicles, powered by 100% renewable electricity contributes to TWE’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030. TWE Cellar Area Lead Daniel Bergen leads a tour of the automated barrel handling system at the Barossa Valley site during the official launch. Director of Supply Technology Jodie Rowlands added “We’ve seen improvements in safety, efficiency, and traceability in our barrel hall, with the team on site embracing the new way of working. The efficiency and precision of automated, sensor-based forklifts to transport the barrels lowers energy consumption compared to manual handling processes.” The barrel hall’s autonomous guided vehicle in action. Resources:quality(50))
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