E80 Group unveils “InnovE80 Hub” in downtown Chicago
E80’s new interactive innovation center helps its customers concept, design and develop intralogistics solutions for CPG producers and distribution centers
E80 Group (E80), a global intralogistics technology leader in multiple markets including food, beverage, paper products, and packaged consumer goods, has announced the opening of its InnovE80 Hub located in central downtown Chicago, Illinois. E80’s new hub is focused on driving innovation together with customers and would-to-be customers to concept, design and develop integrated and flexible automated systems for their future logistics needs, the company explained.
“We start with doing a deep dive into the current logistics operations for each company as a baseline, then explore projects that will make them more competitive, create value for their customers, better support sustainability, and make them more profitable companies moving forward,” said William Nelson, President of E80’s North America operations.
Nelson stressed that E80 has extensive resources of in-house logistics automation engineers – encompassing systems designers, system analysts, proprietary simulation software, and extensive market experience, to help the hub develop appropriate concepts, designs, and simulations. “Our InnovE80 Hub collaboratively develops end-to-end automated logistics concepts, layout designs and simulations that precisely profile a company’s current and future throughput metrics, operational efficiency and resource requirements,” said Nelson.
Combining digital connectivity and intelligence and the latest technology in robotic handling, leveraging more than four decades of engineering expertise, E80 noted it has completed 400 integrated factories worldwide, with more than 2,700 robotic systems, 7,000 automated laser-guided systems, and 50 ASRS high-bay warehouses since 2016.
“E80’s experience in developing intralogistics solutions across a broad spectrum of industries, such as food and beverage, tissue, generally high-volume consumer products, uniquely enables us to provide broader systems design options for our customers,” explained Nelson. “The InnovE80 Hub further helps our customers realize how these solutions can become a reality.
“E80’s vision is to create custom, system-wide integrated solutions for every one of our customers, customizing our technology to their specific needs,” Nelson continued. “This technology is powered by software and encompasses LGVs, palletizing robots, robotic stretch wrappers, automated high-density storage systems, and layer and case picking solutions.”
Since 2004, E80 has called Chicagoland home for its North American operation, first in Evanston, then with offices and a workshop in Skokie, Illinois. While the Skokie location will still be maintained for warehousing and supporting services, E80’s US headquarters is now located with its new InnovE80 Hub in downtown Chicago, 448 N LaSalle Dr, Illinois 60654.
“The InnovE80 Hub, conceptualized by our founder, Enrico Grassi, embodies our dedication to collaborative innovation,” explained Nelson. “It's where our team, customers, and partners converge to create sustainable intralogistics solutions, breaking boundaries together. More than a physical space, it embodies our commitment to a future where progress thrives and aspirations materialize. It's a hub for workshops and strategy sessions, fostering digitalization, improvement, and integration to meet market demands – where we build tomorrow, one idea at a time.”
E80 Group President, Enrico Grassi, added: “The InnovE80 Hub serves as a nucleus for crafting optimal solutions, fostering knowledge-sharing, driving innovation, and nurturing collaboration with our customers. It's a proactive space where companies keep coming to chart their future, leveraging our expertise even before project initiation. This initiative represents a joint venture, cementing our enduring commitment and promising a future that gleams even brighter.”
