High-speed robot maker CBW Automation Inc. has been sold to Swiss company Mold & Robotics Group and its in-mold labeling automation and tooling company, H. Müller-Fabrique de Moules SA.
The two companies both specialize in packaging. Fort Collins, Colo.-based CBW makes high-speed side-entry and top-entry robots and case packing automation for injection molding and thermoforming. Its markets include packaging and medical products.
Müller, based in Conthey, Switzerland, makes molds and automation for in-mold labeling, including complete systems.
"This merger creates the first globally active industry leader in tooling and automation with an established presence in America and in Europe," company officials said in a Nov. 29 news release. That global presence is important because many producers of consumer goods and packaging manufacturers are active internationally.
CBW President Dave Carson said CBW is now "part of a strong international group to reinforce our technological leadership."
"I see Mold & Robotics Group as the right organization to successfully ensure the future of CBW Automation in the long-term," Carson said in the release.
Udo Gröber, CEO of Müller and Mold & Robotics Group, said customers of both companies "will benefit from improved responsiveness delivered by our full presence in American and Europe."
The combined companies will be able to improve and shorten the development process, he said.
CBW was founded in 1970. The company developed the first automated system to handle Cool Whip lids from injection molding machines.
Müller, founded in 1959, is a leader in packaging design, mold and automation for injection molded thin-wall packaging, with specific expertise in IML. Müller does system integration. It is the platform company of the recently created Mold & Robotics Group.
Müller is a long-time maker of robots that insert labels into molds and remove IML parts.
Six years ago, Muller entered the market for general takeout robots, not necessarily for IML.