In a pioneering move for the global wine industry, Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has launched a cutting-edge integrated automation and barrel handling system at its Barossa Valley winery in South Australia. This $10 million investment marks a significant leap forward in winemaking technology, enhancing production capacity, sustainability, and safety while cementing the Barossa Valley’s reputation as a hub of innovation.
Innovative Automation System:
The state-of-the-art system features nine driverless forklifts, known as autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), which are controlled by a custom digital barrel management system developed in collaboration with digital technology company Nukon, part of the SAGE Group. This end-to-end automation also includes automated barrel washing and filling facilities and individual barrel identification, allowing for meticulous traceability throughout the barrels’ life cycle.
Enhanced Production and Efficiency:
Running 24 hours a day, five days a week, the new system is expected to boost the red wine handling capacity of the barrel hall to an impressive 125,000 barrels. The automation is projected to expand the site’s production capacity by up to 60%, offering a substantial increase in luxury and premium winemaking output for brands such as Penfolds, Pepperjack, and Saltram.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Safety:
In line with TWE’s commitment to sustainability, the AGVs are powered by modern, lithium battery-powered vehicles using 100% renewable electricity, contributing to the company’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030. The automation also reduces energy consumption compared to manual handling processes. Additionally, the enhanced data and analytics from the automated system ensure improved quality and traceability for the 60,000 barrels of wine on-site.
This groundbreaking automation initiative builds on TWE’s previous investments in the Barossa Valley site, which opened in 2022 following a $165 million extension. The facility, TWE’s largest bottling operation globally, has since been enhanced with over 6,000 solar panels producing up to a quarter of its electricity needs, a wastewater treatment plant, and stormwater capture feeding a nearby 254-megalitre lined dam.
Creating a Safer Workplace:
By minimising manual handling tasks, the automation system creates a safer working environment. Team members in the barrel hall have been re-skilled to operate the digital management system and oversee the new automated vehicles, or have transitioned to other roles within the site. This shift optimises the allocation of team members, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks.
Industry Leadership and Future Prospects:
Kerrin Petty, TWE’s Chief Supply & Sustainability Officer, highlighted the significance of this innovation: “Our Barossa Valley site is fast becoming an international hub of innovation in winemaking, sustainability, and resilience. Introducing full automation in our barrel hall increases our luxury and premium winemaking capacity, so we can craft more of our renowned wines for wine lovers around the world while creating a safer working environment for our people.”
Jodie Rowlands, Director of Supply Technology, echoed this sentiment, noting the positive impact on safety, efficiency, and traceability: “The efficiency and precision of automated, sensor-based forklifts to transport the barrels lowers energy consumption compared to manual handling processes. We’ve seen improvements in safety, efficiency, and traceability in our barrel hall, with the team on-site embracing the new way of working.”
As TWE continues to push the boundaries of winemaking technology, the Barossa Valley facility stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. With its new automation system, TWE not only enhances its production capabilities but also sets a new standard for the global wine industry, ensuring that wine lovers around the world can enjoy the finest wines crafted with precision and care.