Stäubli Group has announced the acquisition of a 70 percent stake in WFT GmbH & Co. KG, based in Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Germany. WFT has been a specialist in the construction of special purpose machines and mobile platforms for two decades. In line with Stäubli’s successful growth strategy, this acquisition allows to join innovative forces in new complementary fields such as autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) and automation add-ons.

Acquiring a 70 percent stake in WFT is an excellent opportunity to further increase Stäubli’s product range by adding specialized solutions to its comprehensive portfolio. All employees of the acquired business will join the Stäubli Robotics Division, while the factory in Sulzbach-Rosenberg will become part of the global production network of Stäubli. The new company will operate under the name Stäubli WFT GmbH. Following the recent acquiring of RS Roman Seliger, based in Norderstedt, Germany, as part of the Fluid Connectors Division, this new integration of WFT is also perfectly in line with the Group’s strategy of combining organic growth with targeted acquisitions to offer its clients innovative products and technologies.

Rolf Strebel, CEO of Stäubli, says: “Stäubli and WFT share a common belief to provide high-tech automation solutions of top quality to our customers by fully focusing on them and their specific needs. Our clients will profit from this step as our products complement each other. We warmly welcome WFT and its employees in the Stäubli Group and look forward to further expanding our business together.

With this acquisition, Stäubli is strengthening its global position in the field of robotics, building on the already established dynamic and innovative partnership with WFT within the area of AGVs and mobile platforms. “Our customers will benefit from our combined expertise and new applications, for example, in AGVs and robotic add-ons. In terms of productivity, high speed, resistance and flexibility, Stäubli Robotics delivers distinct technical advantages,” adds Gerald Vogt, group division manager, robotics.

“We are looking forward to joining Stäubli. Together, we will further develop our high-quality products and offer advanced technological solutions for our clients,” states Franz Wittich, who founded WFT and has been the managing director in the past and will continue to hold this position at the new Stäubli unit in Sulzbach-Rosenberg.

Both parties have agreed to keep the transaction price confidential.