Robotics portfolio strengthened
Stäubli Group takes over WFT
The Stäubli Group has announced the acquisition of a 70 percent stake in WFT GmbH & Co KG, based in Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Germany. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
The acquisition is in line with Stäubli 's successful growth strategy and enables the company to enter into innovative partnerships in new complementary areas such as automated guided vehicles (AGV) or automation expansion.
The acquisition of a 70 percent stake opens up excellent opportunities for Stäubli to supplement its comprehensive product range with specialized solutions. All employees of the acquired company will be integrated into the Robotics Division. The plant in Sulzbach-Rosenberg will become part of Stäubli's global production network. In future, the company will operate under the name Stäubli WFT GmbH. Like the recent acquisition of RS Roman Seliger in Norderstedt and its integration into the Fluid Connectors Division, the integration of WFT is in line with the Group's strategy of combining organic growth with targeted acquisitions. This enables innovative products and technologies to be offered to customers.
"Stäubli and WFT agree that we want to offer our customers high-tech automation solutions of the highest quality by focusing entirely on them and their specific needs. Our customers will benefit from this move as our products complement each other. We warmly welcome WFT and its employees to the Stäubli Group and look forward to growing our business together," says CEO Rolf Strebel.
The acquisition strengthens the company's global position in the field of robotics and builds on the already established dynamic and innovative partnership in the field of AGVs and mobile platforms. "Our customers will benefit from our joint expertise and new applications, for example in the areas of AGVs and robotic extensions. In terms of productivity, high speed, robustness and flexibility, Stäubli Robotics offers clear technical advantages," adds Gerald Vogt, Group Division Manager Robotics.
"We are looking forward to becoming part of Stäubli. Together we will continue to develop our high-quality products and offer advanced technical solutions," says Franz Wittich, who founded WFT, was previously Managing Director and will also take on this role at the new Stäubli unit in Sulzbach-Rosenberg.
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