Kion Group completes acquisition of Dematic

Nov. 3, 2016 – The Kion Group says it has successfully completed its acquisition of Dematic, a specialist of automation and supply chain optimisation.

According to the parties, the purchase makes the Kion Group “one of the world’s leading providers of supply chain solutions with a unique and comprehensive portfolio of products ranging from forklift trucks to fully automated material handling solution,” allowing it to tap into growth driven by trends such as Industry 4.0, digitalization and e-commerce.

“Today marks the dawn of a new era for the Kion Group, Dematic and our customers,” said Gordon Riske, CEO of the Kion Group. “Our combined global presence, intelligent and tailored material handling as well as comprehensive automation and software technology solutions, plus now more than 30,000 dedicated and highly skilled employees will enable us to deliver even more value for our customers.”

The new Dematic operating unit will be led by John Baysore, previously CEO of Dematic North America, who will hold the role of president and CEO. Business in North America will be looked after by Scott Watts, executive vice-president North America.

“The newly established solution portfolio affords our customers the ability to accommodate their ever changing business requirements and will dynamically optimize their warehouse and distribution functions,” said John Baysore. “The market for system solutions is expected to grow by around 10 percent per year in the medium term. We have the innovative technology, software expertise and global network to meet the supply chain requirements of the future, such as those resulting from the rapidly growing e-commerce sector and the many other vertical markets we serve.”

As a result of the transaction, the Kion Group will start managing its business and reporting financials by three segments in December 2016: Industrial Trucks and Services, Supply Chain Solutions and Corporate Services.