BELLIGNAT, FRANCE — Like pairing wine with cheese at a Paris café, two French plastics machinery companies — injection press-builder Billion SAS and robot maker Sepro Robotique have signed a partnership agreement, introducing an integrated equipment package.
The two companies have worked together for many years, officials said. This pact, announced July 7, cements the relationship, as both companies formally agree to work together to expand into new global markets, such as Africa.
The two companies are introducing a complete equipment package, including Billion presses and robots from Sepro, to be sold under the Billion name. Sepro's Visual robot control system will be integrated into Billion's Dixit 3 injection press controller. That means all robot functions, both inside and outside of the molding space, may be set up and controlled from the Dixit controller.
Billion is based in Bellignat. Sepro is in La Roche-sur-Yon. The partnership was announced by Korbinian Kiesl and Jean-Michel Renaudeau, the CEOs of Billion and Sepro, respectively.
“This partnership will allow us to respond to a group of processors who want to optimize their purchasing process,” Kiesl said. “More and more, these molders are interested in bundling so they can focus their negotiations on a reduced number of suppliers. It also allows us to provide a complete turnkey solution, not only where we are already active, but also in emerging markets and where there is growing interest in automation. This is particularly the case on the African continent.”
Renaudeau said the cooperation agreement is part of Sepro's strategy to give customers more options. “We want to be in a position to equip any injection molding machine, new or existing, and no matter if the molder wants to buy the robot separately or as part of a complete equipment solution,” he said.