The Grand Rapids-based North American operation of Dematic Holding sà rl is consolidating newly acquired HK Systems Inc of New Berlin, Wisconsin into the Dematic family.

Both businesses play a role in robotic technology within the materials handling community.

Leading and developing the design, delivery and support of the combined operations in the US and Canada is John K Baysore, chief executive officer of Dematic North America.

Baysore says: "Throughout the transition, customers will remain our top priority. The combined company will provide enhanced material flow solutions to improve our customers' supply chain performance while increasing their service levels and profitability. Our goal is to deliver seamless end-to-end solutions for diversified vertical markets from manufacturing to distribution. In addition, the acquisition combines two powerful customer service infrastructures to deliver the industry's most responsive and dependable integrated materials handling systems support."

HK Systems provides automated materials handling and software solutions.

Dematic, a supplier of intelligent logistics and materials handling solutions including automated guided vehicles, disclosed an agreement in principle with HK on 4 August (Forkliftaction.com News #476) and concluded the acquisition on 15 September. Terms were not disclosed.

Now, Dematic employs more than 4,100 logistics professionals and has annual business volume of about USD1.2 billion. Dematic manufacturing plants are located in the US, Europe, China and Australia.

Based in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Dematic designs, manufactures, implements and supports automated materials handling systems that reduce operational costs and optimise supply chain performance. Prior to adopting the global Dematic name, the company was known as Rapistan.