German robotics supplier Hahn Group GmbH has hired Bernhard Rupke, who has a background at automation supplier Hekuma GmbH and two injection press makers, as director of Hahn's material handling division.
That division includes subsidiary automation firms Waldorf Technik, Wemo and GeKu. A year ago, the Germany company bought technology for the Sawyer collaborative robot from the defunct U.S. cobot pioneer Rethink Robotics Inc.
Rupke started at Hahn Aug. 1.
Rupke's experience includes serving as managing director of Hekuma's managing director. He also worked at Engel Holding GmbH and Demag Ergotech GmbH, now Sumitomo (SHI) Demag.
Rupke, an engineer, has been responsible for developing new business areas, corporate strategic direction and the revision of process flows.
Based in Rheinböllen, Germany, Hahn Group employs about 1,400 people at 24 locations around the world, including multinational manufacturing. This year, the company opened a U.S. operation, Hahn Plastics Automation Inc., in Windsor, Conn.
Hahn's markets include automotive, consumer goods, electronics, medical technology and health care. At K 2019, Hahn will be at Hall 10, Stand E 61.