Case and New Holland's parent company, CNH, is introducing an "advanced virtual simulation ecosystem" and an automated logistics warehouse at its San Matteo research and development (R&D) hub in Modena, Italy.
According to CNH, this dual €21 million investment will advance its core capabilities, accelerating product development through digital simulation.
CNH also believes it will optimise supply chain execution through high-speed robotics.
Markus Mueller, president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa at CNH explained : "In a challenging global market, speed and precision are critical.
"At San Matteo, we are combining advanced simulation with automated logistics to reduce development time, improve product quality, and ensure faster parts availability for our customers across Europe”.
CNH says the new simulation hub establishes a "virtual-first methodology".
This means that it identifies machine design anomalies early in the product lifecycle "quickening time-to-market by over 30%".
The Dutch multination has described the project as "operating as an integrated digital twin.
"This ecosystem minimises engineering risks, optimises field validation, and reduces testing emissions across three technological pillars."
The three technological pillars are as follows:
- Dynamic Simulator – A driver-in-the-loop system on an immersive 6-axis motion platform to test complex vehicle behavior prior to physical production.
- Multi-Dyno Test Cell – A controlled environment validating advanced powertrain systems and electric hardware against virtual models.
- Advanced Sensor Test Track – A high-repeatability benchmarking facility with full weather simulation to verify precision sensors and autonomous features.
Complementing CNH's virtual R&D hub is a state-of-the-art automated logistics center.
This is powered by an advanced AutoStore robotic retrieval system, which CNH is saying ensures parts availability within 24 hours for more than 1,200 dealers and workshops worldwide.
According to CNH, the facility delivers "definitive performance breakthroughs compared to traditional warehouses" thanks to:
- Speed: Retrieval time reduced from 15 minutes to under 30 seconds, up to 550 parts per hour
- Efficiency: 70% higher storage density; 85% reduction in physical strain
- Sustainability: 93% annual energy savings vs previous system
This milestone reinforces CNH’s commitment to Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, often dubbed the 'Tractor Valley'.
CNH credits part of this development to its strategic academic and technical partnerships, in particular with Università di Bologna and Università di Modena and Reggio Emilia.