Case study | COLD STORAGE
Lithium-ion powered material handling: 3PL fleet performance and reliability in freezing temperatures
Key metrics
+7% pallets moved
enabled by smarter fleet allocation and reliable power
–40% global costs
driven by better fleet allocation, energy performance, and streamlined workflows
–17% MHE required
achieved with data-driven right sizing and energy optimization
Company overview
Groupe Robert is a leader in the North American logistics industry with more than 40 distribution centers, representing millions of square feet of warehousing space. The company offers end-to-end excellence in handling merchandise from transportation to warehousing—and at every touchpoint in between.
Third-party Logistics (3PL)
Groupe Robert
Boucherville, Canada
Challenges
Groupe Robert used fast-charging lead-acid batteries (LAB) in their cold storage warehouses. Batteries were replaced every year and a half due to rapid deterioration and required a lot of maintenance. The company had to compensate for declining battery performance with more trucks than the job required or impose longer charging periods. Less throughput per truck and the ever-increasing maintenance costs motivated the search for an alternative that would deliver the performance and reliability to withstand the intense operating conditions of frozen environments (-18 °C — 0 °F).
Solutions
Groupe Robert selected UgoWork to transition from a lead-acid battery infrastructure to lithium, following a thorough testing of the five leading Li-on solutions. The new solution is backed by a customer- focused Energy as a Service (EaaS) program and a unique service level.
LIB with active thermal regulation
Professional and proactive service
Productivity-oriented EaaS program
Cold storage puts energy systems to the test.
Extreme temperatures accelerate battery wear and reduced throughput, exposing the limits of traditional power infrastructures.
Benefits
Superior battery performance and productivity gains
Thermal management allows for constant performance and reliability
More active hours enabled by shorter recharge time and elimination of maintenance (gain of 147 hours per truck on a calendar year)
Productivity gains by efficient distribution of MHE in the warehouse
Accessible energy experts committed to their client’s success
Local and reliable technical support teams that deliver a proactive, rather than reactive, service
Decision-making guided by performance reports
Exceptional peace of mind and a solid partnership
Fast operator adoption thanks to the simplicity of the UgoWork’s charging infrastructure and performance consistency
Robust energy solution able to support Groupe Robert’s sustained growth with fleet optimization opportunities
« In my entire career, I have never seen service like this! »
Tired of constant maintenance cycles?
If keeping your cold storage fleet running efficiently feels like a full-time job, maybe it’s time to talk about a solution built for your reality.
