Swisslog on shopping spree
Recent acquisitions part of bid to become leading automation powerhouse.
The automation solutions provider has acquired a carefully selected portfolio of technologies and employees from Grenzebach Automation in Germany.
This move aims at strengthening its expertise in the areas of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and logistics robots. This acquisition dovetails with Swisslog’s strategy of expanding its position in the e-commerce and omni-channel segments and pursuing opportunities in the field of production logistics.
Following an existing partnership between the two companies, Swisslog acquired intellectual property from Grenzebach Automation on 16 April 2015. This includes software technology in the areas of: AGVs – including the jointly developed mobile storage and picking system CarryPick, automated case picking, automated item picking, palletising and de-palletising.
A select team of Grenzebach employees will transfer to Swisslog and form a new Swisslog location.
Forte bought
Swisslog has also acquired US warehouse automation system integrator Forte Industries for an undisclosed sum.
This acquisition will support Swisslog’s strategy in the North American market with a complementary product and service portfolio.
Forte is a US based consulting, systems integration and software technology firm focused on optimising distribution centres for many of the world’s fastest growing companies. Forte plans, designs and implements material handling automation systems with its warehouse execution software (WES) as the core of each solution.
