KUKA has signed an agreement to sell its division KUKA Industries Obernburg GmbH & Co. KG has been signed. The division, which integrates robot-based solutions, will go to Aretè Cocchi Technology and FAI Holding.
KUKA Obernburg site
The business unit KUKA Industries Obernburg GmbH & Co. KG focuses on highly customized automation solutions and special machines for welding, cutting, casting and laser processing, as well as for automation in the packaging, food and supplier industries. KUKA had acquired the division from Reis Robotics in 2013 and in 2016 renamed it KUKA Industries GmbH & Co. KG.
"With this acquisition, we will strengthen our packaging, automation and robotics business. We see great potential in the robotics integration know-how of KUKA Industries Obernburg for markets that complement our existing activities. We plan to expand the business with the support of our international network in Europe, America and Asia," said Gino Cocchi, Chairman of ACT.
"We are proud to have supported the closing of such an important industrial transaction. We have developed a long-term relaunch plan for KUKA Industries Obernburg, starting with the reintroduction of the former traditional brand 'Reis Robotics' and products such as the 'RobotStar' controller. We are looking forward to the unique combination with Aretè Cocchi Technologies, a top Italian technology and automation company. Reis Robotics is back and will once again become a reference in the industry," added Luigi Maniglio, Senior Partner of FAI.
Kuka AG had acquired Reis Robotics in 2014, with which it had had a closer cooperation for some time. 51% of the company's shares initially went to KUKA, and in 2016 KUKA acquired the remaining shares and became the sole owner. Reis GmbH & Co KG Maschinenfabrik (Reis Robotics) was founded in 1957 by Walter Reis. The Obernburg, Bavaria, site was the main location of the formerly independent family-owned company.
"The focus of the new owners is a better fit for the business model and offers a unique strategic perspective for KUKA Industries Obernburg and its employees. This includes more independent sales structures and higher visibility in the market," said KUKA CEO Peter Mohnen.
The parties have agreed not to disclose the terms of the transaction.
