Sojo Industries receives Series A funding, partners with Schreiber Foods
A significant portion of the funds will expand automation and robotics capabilities at Sojo Industries’ Temple, Texas facility.
This investment directly supports Sojo Flight, which is a “mobile automated robotic production solution,” and will enable “Schreiber to rapidly introduce innovative new variety and multipack packaging formats across their global network,” Sojo Industries CEO Barak Bar-Cohen told FoodNavigator-USA . He added, “Sojo's mobile technology and modular approach will help drive new revenue streams and satisfy global customer demand."
Additionally, the funding will refine Sojo Flight's patented skidding system for mobile lines and robotics.
Sojo Shield, a blockchain-based geolocation-driven track-and-trace platform, also will benefit from the funding. Bar-Cohen highlighted plans to integrate physical Internet of Things (IoT) assets like Sojo Seal into Sojo Shield, further enhancing its features and functionality.
Finally, Sojo will invest in building a strong team, seeking individuals with commercial and operational leadership, a passion for innovation and a solution-oriented mindset. This "Sojo Mojo," as Bar-Cohen described it, will be key to navigating the ever-evolving food and beverage landscape.
Sojo Industries, Schreiber Foods partner to enhance production efficiency, traceability
Sojo Industries partnered with Schreiber Foods, a global food manufacturer with more than $7 billion in sales across five continents. The collaboration will see Sojo Flight implemented across Schreiber's vast network, which will provide mobile manufacturing lines with diverse packaging capabilities. These mobile lines easily can be transported and deployed across the country, directly into different production facilities.
Sojo's approach to multi-pack production directly addresses several key challenges in the industry, Bar-Cohen said. The rise of variety and multi-pack offerings is suited to Sojo Flight, enabling smoother production adjustments and faster product launches. Sojo's automation technology also tackles rising labor costs and shortages, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution. Finally, by enabling on-site production, Sojo Flight minimizes the need for long-distance product transportation, resulting in significant cost savings on freight, Bar-Cohen added.
The partnership extends beyond production. Sojo Industries also is collaborating with Schreiber Foods to integrate Sojo Shield, a track-and-trace platform. Sojo Shield offers real-time geolocation data and valuable insights on critical tracking events, seamlessly integrating with Schreiber's existing inventory management system. This combined approach strengthens transparency throughout the supply chain, ensuring optimal product quality and efficient distribution.
"We are energized by this new partnership with Sojo. Their unique combination of physical assets and digital data collection aligns perfectly with our vision for optimizing our global operations. Sojo Flight empowers us to drive innovation across our facilities, offering customers new, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. Additionally, Sojo Shield provides a solution to critical last-mile challenges in today's ever-evolving track-and-trace environment,” Ron Dunford, president and CEO at Schreiber Foods said in a press release.
