{"id":4287,"date":"2026-05-12T14:27:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T14:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.icamonline.eu\/case-studies\/rigo-horizontal-warehouse-systems-for-pet-food-distributor\/"},"modified":"2026-06-18T10:30:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T10:30:16","slug":"rigo-horizontal-warehouse-systems-for-pet-food-distribution","status":"publish","type":"case-study","link":"https:\/\/www.icamonline.eu\/en\/case-studies\/rigo-horizontal-warehouse-systems-for-pet-food-distribution\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet food distribution: 4 RIGO systems for automated picking in a 2.5 m low-clearance basement"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Fast, organised and automated even where vertical systems cannot fit\n <\/h2>\n \n

\n In e-commerce pet food fulfilment, picking speed is critical: growing volumes, diverse SKUs and tight shipping deadlines require a process that eliminates unnecessary travel and prevents picking errors.
An additional constraint was the installation environment: a basement with a 2.5-metre ceiling height, which ruled out conventional automation systems. Designed specifically for low-height environments, the RIGO horizontal automated system transformed the available space into a high-productivity picking area. \n <\/p>\n <\/header>\n \n

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\n Industry\n <\/h3>\n \n

\n Distribution and logistics \n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/article>\n \n

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\n \n\n<\/svg> <\/div>\n \n
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\n Product\n <\/h3>\n \n

\n RIGO\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/article>\n \n

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\n Key result \n <\/h3>\n \n

\n 128 m\u00b3 of goods accessible within a very small footprint\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/article>\n \n

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\n Key feature\n <\/h3>\n \n

\n RIGO height: 2.4 metres\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/article>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n

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\n Pet food distribution<\/span> across retail and e-commerce\n <\/h2>\n \n
\n The company distributes a wide range of pet products, including food, accessories and specialised items, through a physical store and a steadily growing e-commerce channel.
\r\nWith more than 400 SKUs processed daily across both channels, speed and accuracy in picking are essential to ensure operational continuity and maintain a high level of perceived service quality, both in-store and online.\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n
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\n \"Pet\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n
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\n The logistical challenges\n <\/h2>\n \n
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As orders increased, the need for a more structured warehouse became clear. The available space, however, imposed strict constraints: a low-ceiling, below-ground warehouse area with a maximum height of 2.4 meters, load-bearing columns and partition walls, which ruled out any vertical storage system. <\/strong><\/p>\n

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The main operational challenges included:
\n\u2022 goods stored on pallets at floor level
\n\u2022 long searching and picking times
\n\u2022 continuous operator travel
\n\u2022 inefficient use of available space<\/p>\n

A solution designed specifically for low-ceiling environments was required not a compromise but a system purpose built for this type of space.<\/p>\n

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\n 4 RIGO systems installed side by side in a 2.4 metre low height environment fully maximising available space\n <\/h2>\n \n
\n The four RIGO horizontal automated systems are arranged one behind the other, making full use of the available height. Installed in a basement with a 2.5 metre ceiling, they deliver 2.4 metres of vertical storage with no wasted space.
\r\nThe layout was designed to incorporate existing structural columns without affecting operational flow, turning a structurally complex space into a continuous and highly functional storage area.
\r\nEach RIGO system is made up of 17 storage columns, delivering a total of 128 m\u00b3 of storage capacity within a single horizontal system.\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n
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\n Picking stations at both ends, operators in the centre: full productivity within 10\u201315 m\u00b2\n <\/h2>\n \n
\n Equipped with IRIDE, the picking and refilling stations are located at both ends of the four side by side RIGO systems, turning the horizontal layout into a compact operating zone. In just 10\u201315 m\u00b2, operators access the entire range without walking through the warehouse, working from a fixed ergonomic position while the system brings the goods directly to them.
\r\nIRIDE provides light-based guidance for every picking operation, eliminating errors even when dealing with products with similar packaging.\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n
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\n \"Picking\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n
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\n Key results\n <\/h2>\n \n

\n An automated storage system that works even where other solutions cannot\n <\/p>\n <\/header>\n \n

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    \n +100% picking productivity\n <\/h3>\n \n

    \n same workforce, double operational capacity thanks to a goods-to-person principle that brings materials directly to the operator.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n \n

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    \n 128 m\u00b3 of storage within 2.2 m height\n <\/h3>\n \n

    \n all stock managed in a basement space that traditional automated storage systems would not have been able to utilise\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n \n

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    \n Travel time eliminated\n <\/h3>\n \n

    \n operators access the entire stock without moving through the warehouse, from a single fixed workstation.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n \n

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    \n Fewer errors\n <\/h3>\n \n

    \n complete inventory traceability with no costs associated with order errors or returns\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n \n

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    \n Same workforce, zero overtime\n <\/h3>\n \n

    \n doubled productivity was absorbed by the existing workforce without increasing headcount or introducing additional shifts\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n \n

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    \n Reduced search and shipping times\n <\/h3>\n \n

    \n The system automatically identifies and delivers the required item, accelerating every order fulfilment cycle.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n

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    \n Find out how we optimized the pet food distributor\u2019s logistics at every stage of the process.\n <\/h2>\n \n \n
    \n \n \n\n<\/svg> Download the full article<\/span>\n <\/a>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n \n
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