Date: July 22, 2026
Key takeaways:
Highlights from Metro Supply Chain's modernized kitting line operation include:
- ~30% increase in throughput
- Reduced labour requirements due to automation of repetitive tasks
- Improved accuracy and consistency across the line
- Lower operating costs through efficiency gains
Overview
At Metro Supply Chain, we’re continuously improving our operations to deliver greater speed, accuracy and efficiency while supporting customer growth. As part of our commitment to operational excellence, we’ve invested in advanced automation that modernizes our kitting operations and strengthens long‑term performance for our customers.
The opportunity for enhancement
With rising demand and evolving customer expectations, we saw an opportunity to build on our established automation foundation, further reducing manual touchpoints and improving end‑to‑end flow.
To support our customer’s growth projections, we set out to:
- Increase kitting throughput
- Improve accuracy and consistency
- Reduce labour requirements for repetitive, low‑value tasks
- Streamline end‑of‑line processes, including palletization and stretch wrapping
These objectives needed to be achieved while preserving the high standards of quality, compliance and service that our customers expect today.
Our solution: a fully integrated automated kitting line
To meet these goals, Metro Supply Chain partnered with Plan Packaging to deliver a turnkey upgrade that modernized and integrated the line end‑to‑end, scaling capacity, strengthening controls and streamlining downstream handling.
Key technologies implemented:
- Updated tray erector aligned to new client specifications
- Automated literature feeders
- Tray labelling and check weighing
- High‑efficiency conveyance with multiple inspection checkpoints
- Enhanced PLC/HMI interfaces and upgraded control panels
- Automated palletization with integrated pallet depositing
- Fully integrated stretch‑wrapping and pallet labelling
By automating both the kitting and end‑of‑line processes, the new system significantly reduced manual touchpoints and improved overall flow.
The results
The impact of further automation and end‑to‑end integration was substantial:
- ~30% Increase in throughput
- Reduced labour requirements due to automation of repetitive tasks
- Improved accuracy and consistency across the line
- Lower operating costs through efficiency gains
The new system provides the flexibility to more easily scale during high‑volume periods.
Looking forward
By modernizing this kitting line, Metro Supply Chain has strengthened its ability to support customer growth. This project demonstrates how smart automation can elevate performance, reduce operational strain and ensure we continue delivering exceptional service in a rapidly evolving logistics landscape.
