Krauss-Maffei Kunststofftechnik, in Munich, has bought Neureder, Schwaig, Germany, which specializes in high-end automation equipment. Krauss-Maffei says the acquisition enhances its ability to deliver advanced system solutions.

Still, K-M says it will continue to integrate automation technology, including linear drives and pick-and-place robots, from other suppliers, “if it provides a better match for our customer’s application requirements.” K-M and Neureder have cooperated in various projects in the past.

Neureder founder Josef Neureder will continue to manage the company, which will continue to operate independently. It will also continue to supply its Colibri small high-speed robots exclusively for production cells built by Demag Ergotech (now part of Demag Plastics Group, see lead story).