Electric80 – Chicago, Illinois

October 30, 2024

Electric80

An International Leader in Automated Solutions

Paving a leading niche in a field renowned for its competition

E80 Group, a global Brand in integrated automation solutions, has been pioneering intralogistics advancements for the consumer goods sector since 1980. Headquartered in Italy with a North American hub in Chicago, the company has built a robust reputation for developing cutting-edge systems that cater to the unique needs of consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industries like food, beverage, and tissue.

As the industrial landscape continues to evolve, automation is taking center stage in efforts to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability across supply chains. With over 450 fully integrated plants worldwide and more than 9,000 laser-guided vehicles (LGVs) installed globally, E80 Group is committed to providing future-oriented solutions.

We recently spoke with Andrea Pongolini, Executive Vice President of Sales at E80 Group Inc., who shared insights into the company’s latest projects, the industry trends they are preparing for, and the impressive growth trajectory that has positioned them as a trusted partner in industrial automation.

To begin, we asked Andrea Pongolini about the key industry trends that E80 Group is preparing for.

Q: What are some of the new industry trends that E80 Group is preparing for?

Andrea Pongolini

“One of the most prominent trends is the increasing demand for fully integrated, end-to-end automation solutions. This demand is not just a North American phenomenon but is also gaining traction across Europe and other markets. Companies are looking for ways to enhance their supply chain resilience, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. And automation is at the core of these efforts.”

Pongolini then added: “Another trend we’re preparing for is the shift towards smarter, safer, and more connected logistics systems. This includes advancements in technology and digital connectivity solutions, enabling more intelligent and predictive operations.

We have consistently prioritized system safety, but we’re now witnessing a growing demand for increased data security and system reliability.”

Next, Pongolini shared some insights on the key projects that E80 Group is currently working on.

Q: Can you tell us about a new project the company is working on?

“In North America, E80 Group has been providing automated trailer loading and unloading systems for over 12 years. We’ve had great success with this technology and, recently, we’ve expanded its deployment to Europe and Australia, where we’ve tailored our systems to meet the specific technical requirements of those regions. Today, we can confidently say that we are capable of automating any intralogistics process, from material unloading to finished goods loading, across a variety of facilities.”

Pongolini also detailed some of the advancements in the safety of their laser-guided vehicle (LGV) technology: “Additionally, to strengthen our focus on laser-guided vehicle (LGV) safety, we’ve spent the last years developing SmartDect technology. This is a system that uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to precisely locate people in real time, especially in environments where humans and automated systems can interact. By doing so, we significantly minimize any residual risks and enhance the safety of our LGVs.”

He also highlighted the company’s focus on improving systems for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) markets:

“Another key point is the continuous investment in R&D projects aiming to develop a fully automated system designed to streamline Order Case Picking for the FMCG market. Some of the most important goals are the minimization of inefficiencies linked to manual work and the ability to operate 24/7 with seamless adaptability, with the possibility of applying the solution even to brownfield projects. It offers real-time data tracking and ensures scalability, flexibility, and increased safety throughout operations.”

Pongolini also discussed the ongoing development of E80 Group’s proprietary software platform:

“We are continuously implementing our SM.I.LE80 software platform. As automation evolves, so must our software. We are constantly adding new features, improving system integration, and enhancing the user experience. We aim to ensure that our customers are equipped with the latest tools to drive efficiency and stay ahead in an ever-changing industry, supported by real-time analytics. We invest in these developments to keep our systems future-proofed and to help our clients scale and optimize their operations as their needs evolve.”

We also wanted to know more about the growth E80 Group has experienced in recent years.

Q: How has E80 Group grown in recent years?

“In the past six years, E80 Group has experienced tremendous growth, strengthening its key role in the industrial automation sector for the CPG industry. Back in 2018, we had a revenue of around 250 million euros with a workforce of about 800 people. Today, we’re projecting revenues of approximately 550 million euros for 2024, with over 1,400 employees. To date, we’ve completed 450 fully integrated plants worldwide, installed over 2,800 robotic systems, 9,000 automated laser-guided vehicles, and delivered dozens of ASRS warehouses.”

Pongolini attributed this growth to the company’s continuous focus on exceeding industry standards: “By consistently exceeding industry standards and tailoring our solutions to optimize production efficiency, we’ve been able to maintain a strong growth trajectory. Our commitment to innovation and adaptability has positioned E80 Group as a trusted partner for global enterprises seeking comprehensive automation solutions.”

Finally, we asked Pongolini to reflect on the company’s history and its journey of innovation.

Q: Can you tell us about the background and legacy of E80 Group?

“From my perspective, the history of E80 Group is remarkable. Founded as Elettric80 in 1980 by Enrico Grassi and a group of young entrepreneurs in a small Italian town, the company revolutionized automation with its first ‘end-to-end’ automated LGV system for plastic valve production in 1992.

This early innovation laid the groundwork for what would later be recognized as Industry 4.0. E80 Group has always been committed to delivering comprehensive solutions, combining both hardware and software to fully integrate and transform manufacturing sites. Today, E80 Group serves as a trusted partner in integrated automation, serving numerous Fortune 100 food and beverage companies.”

He also shared the company’s expansion into the U.S. market:

“Alongside our cutting-edge technologies, we emphasize dedicated customer service, which has driven our expansion, including the strategic establishment of our US headquarters in Chicagoland in 2004. The InnovE80 office in downtown Chicago at 448 N LaSalle Dr is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to innovation and client engagement, providing a modern space for developing advanced solutions and empowering collaboration.”

E80 Group’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions has positioned the Company as a trusted partner in industrial automation for over four decades. By continuously investing in research and development, the company ensures that its integrated systems not only meet but exceed the expectations of a dynamic and demanding market.

Whether through advancements in LGV technology, safety improvements, or the integration of real-time data analytics, E80 Group remains focused on delivering smart, flexible, and scalable solutions — Designed for the factories and distribution centers of the future.