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Cyngn announced a commercial DriveMod Tugger deployment with G&J Pepsi, the largest independent Pepsi bottler in the U.S. The company said the expansion into material handling for consumer packaged goods marks a new chapter in its mission to broaden the adoption of autonomous technology across industries.
Founded in 1925, G&J Pepsi said it has grown to become the largest independent Pepsi bottler in the country, serving customers across Ohio and Kentucky. G&J Pepsi has built a robust portfolio of more than 650 products, managed by a dedicated workforce of more than 1,900 employees.
PepsiCo’s products are distributed across more than 200 countries and territories. This extensive reach is achieved through a combination of company-owned operations and partnerships with independent bottlers and distributors such as G&J Pepsi.
DriveMod Tugger provides flexibility inside and outside
Designed to operate in clear, dry environments, the DriveMod Tugger can transport goods outdoors as well as inside, providing greater flexibility for material handling across different areas of a facility.
Cyngn’s next-generation DriveMod Tugger has a towing capacity from 6,000 to 12,000 lb. (2,721.5 to 5,443.1 kg).
“Partnering with G&J Pepsi, a respected family-owned business with nearly a century of history, aligns with our goal to bring scalable, autonomous technology to leaders in essential industries,” said Lior Tal, Cyngn’s chairman and CEO. “We’re excited to support G&J Pepsi’s vision for streamlined, technology-driven operations that will allow them to continue delivering high-quality products and customer service.”
Founded in 2013, Cyngn said its DriveMod Tugger typically delivers payback in less than two years. The Mountain View, Calif.-based company also offers the DriveMod Forklift, which can lift nonstandard pallets.
G&J Pepsi adopts automation to address labor challenges
By incorporating Cyngn’s autonomous vehicles, G&J Pepsi aims to improve productivity within its expansive operations, setting a standard for technology-driven efficiency in beverage distribution.
Cyngn added that its collaboration with G&J Pepsi will focus on deploying DriveMod systems to address labor challenges and optimize distribution capabilities across large-scale warehousing environments.
“Our partnership with Cyngn underscores our commitment to innovation and operational excellence,” said Jeff Erwin, vice president for manufacturing and quality at G&J Pepsi.
“We just completed a 77,000 sq. ft. [7153.4 sq. m] warehouse expansion, and by integrating DriveMod into our material handling processes, we’re not only addressing today’s labor challenges but also positioning our business to meet the growing demands of tomorrow,” he said. “We see this collaboration as an important step in ensuring we continue to deliver for our customers with the highest levels of efficiency and reliability.”