Acquisitions have become quite common in the materials handling space, and the latest trend is the combination of equipment makers and solutions providers. We've seen Toyota acquire Vanderlande and Bastian Solutions, KION pick up Dematic, and Jungheinrich purchasing MIAS Group.
It mirrors the convergence of traditional materials handling, automation and supply chain technology.
This week, China's Noblelift makes a similar move, acquiring French automated intralogistics company Savoye.
And, on the other side of the world, Material Handling Systems has acquired A2i Systems, while completing its acquisition of VanRiet Material Handling Systems.
We predict that there will be more of these deals in the months ahead.