AQUILA invested EUR 5 million in an Artificial Intelligence based automation solution at the Ilfov, Dragomiresti warehouse
AQUILA (symbol AQ), one of the largest players in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution sector from Romania and the region, with over 30 years of experience in this industry, announces the completion of a EUR 5 million investment in an advanced logistics operations automation solution at the Ilfov, Dragomiresti warehouse.
The project sets a new standard of operational performance for the delivery of products from the convenience segment, fast moving consumer goods intended for frequent purchases and fast-paced deliveries.
Răzvan Bagherea, Organization and Human Resources Director, AQUILA:
“Our investments represent concrete steps toward a more efficient and sustainable future. In a context where portfolio expansion and volume growth have increased the complexity of the logistics operations, investing in automation and Artificial Intelligence is a strategic decision for AQUILA. We chose technologies that give us control, speed, and accuracy in deliveries, allowing us to scale volumes without proportional increases in resources, regardless of the market dynamics. The implementation of the automation solution has significantly optimized warehouse operations and has generated direct benefits for service quality delivered to customers and for internal efficiency. This automation gives us the flexibility to adapt to the diverse requirements of our customers and suppliers. The ability to manage complex and tailored operations for each client is part of our strategy to deliver integrated services.”
Through this automation project, AQUILA takes a concrete step toward faster and more accurate logistics operations, generating medium term competitive advantages through more efficient use of resources, reduced manual work, and optimized storage space. The accuracy of the picking and delivery processes increased from 92% to 99%, and product traceability is ensured across the entire logistics flow. A key element of the solution is the integration of Artificial Intelligence based vision systems, which identify products directly from images, without relying on labels or manual scanning, based on shape, color, and visual characteristics, including cases where orientation or packaging shows minor differences. The solution was delivered as a unified, scalable system focused on long-term performance.
The investment is part of a broader program assumed by AQUILA through which we strengthen the company’s operational resilience and build for the long term. Since listing on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, we have allocated over EUR 30 million to fleet renewal, logistics operations automation, and the implementation of IT solutions for transport optimization and the integration of alternative energy sources.
In the logistics business line, AQUILA provides efficient and customized services through storage, repacking and internal transport operations for food and non-food products in different temperature segments: ambient, refrigerated, and frozen, complementary to its fast-moving consumer goods distribution activity. AQUILA’s logistics network includes 4 logistics centers, 16 distribution centers (one located in the Republic of Moldova and one in Hungary), and 7 cross docking points (two located in the Republic of Moldova and one in Hungary). AQUILA has a storage capacity of over 145,000 pallets, of which 80% are ambient conditions, approximately 6% refrigerated, and 14% frozen.