The worlds first banana ripening Automated Storage and Retrieval System.
Key Figures at a glance:
| Location | London |
| Operational Time | 12 hours 5 days a week (inbound 12 hours per day) |
| Throughput IN | 42 pallets per hour |
| Throughput OUT | 42 pallets out per hour |
| Taxis | 8 |
| Building Height | 7 metres |
| VTUs | 2 |
| Inbound Locations | 2 |
| Outbound Locations | 2 |
| Specials | The worlds first banana ripening Automated Storage and Retrieval System. |
Maximizing throughput, safety, and space with integrated racking, pressed zero gap storage and precision traffic management.
Project Overview
Compagnie Fruitière London operates the world’s first fully automated banana ripening system, purpose-built for storage and ripening. Powered by the Moffett WCS
Compagnie Fruitière sought to revolutionise their ripening operations by developing the world’s first fully automated banana ripening solution. To achieve this, they partnered with Moffett Automation to design a system that would combine storage, airflow optimisation, and advanced ripening control into one seamless process.
Moffett Automation was tasked with four key objectives:
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To deliver a fully automated solution purpose-built for both storage and ripening.
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To employ pressed zero-gap pallet storage for maximum airflow and space utilisation.
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To provide a system controlled entirely via the Moffett WCS, eliminating external integrations.
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To enhance operational safety and efficiency with features such as door-to-rack bridging and integrated maintenance access.
Challenges Presented
Reimagining Intralogistics Across Divided Infrastructure
Traditional ripening processes limited airflow, space utilisation, and operational efficiency, while relying heavily on manual handling. To overcome these challenges, they needed a solution that could combine storage and ripening within a fully automated, tightly controlled environment.
The Moffett System was developed to deliver this transformation. Purpose-built for storage and cross-refrigeration ripening, it employs pressed zero-gap pallet storage to optimise airflow and capacity, with pallets automatically transferred into airtight ripening chambers. The system is controlled entirely through the Moffett WCS, eliminating external integrations, while door-to-rack bridging and integrated maintenance access ensure safe, efficient operation.
Storage Transformed
Moffett Automation delivered A Seamless, Scalable, and Sustainable Intralogistics Ecosystem
Moffett Taxi™
8 Taxis were deployed, delivering pallets to all four operational requirements of the warehouse.
Moffett Conveyor™
This was complemented by employing a conveyor line that integrated seamlessly with the Moffett system
Moffett VTU™
Vertical lift systems were introduced to optimise vertical space utilisation, enhancing overall storage capacity.
Moffett WCS™
We implemented a robust software suite incorporating pallet storage management, traffic control, and route scheduling. This system not only managed the physical movement of pallets but also ensured efficiency and reliability during peak demand periods.
Safety measures
The project also included the installation of safety measures such as fencing and light curtains, remote access, ensuring that the solution was not only effective but also scalable and future-proof.
Technical online support
Moffett Automation provided a 24/7 online support system staffed by their own experts to ensure continuous, uninterrupted operation and quick resolution of any issues.
Local mechanical support
The Moffett Automation system is supported by a leading local service partner who will provide preventive maintenance and rapid 24 hour onsite response if and when required.
Project Results
Faster order turnaround, improved fulfilment accuracy, and greater product availability have strengthened Compagnie Fruitiere market competitiveness.
One of the most significant achievements at Compagnie Fruitière London was the successful deployment of the world’s first fully automated banana ripening facility. Equipped with the Moffett Automation system, the site provides capacity for 1,800 pallet locations while combining storage and ripening in a single, streamlined solution.
The use of pressed zero-gap pallet storage maximises airflow and space utilisation, while automated transfers move pallets seamlessly into airtight ripening chambers. Controlled entirely by the Moffett WCS, the system requires no external integration, simplifying operations and ensuring precision throughout the process.
Additional innovations, including door-to-rack bridging of 220mm and integrated maintenance baskets, further enhance operational safety, efficiency, and accessibility. The result is a facility that not only sets new standards in ripening automation but also delivers a cosmetically suited, future-proof platform capable of supporting Compagnie Fruitière’s long-term growth.
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