In a strategic move designed to strengthen the Austrian group's presence in Asian markets, KNAPP management shareholders have sold 6 percent of KNAPP shares to Daifuku. The agreement marks yet another step on KNAPP's path of global expansion. Says CEO of KNAPP AG, Eduard Wünscher, "Our strategic goal is to expand our international activities continually. We are definitely ready for further growth: we are one of the global market leaders in core business areas, and our product and solution portfolio is highly innovative. With this co-operation, we have laid the foundations for increased development of Asian growth markets."
Daifuku is one of the world's largest suppliers of material handling systems, specialising in pallet and container warehouse systems. Japan is its primary target market, although the company also holds a strong market position in China and has sales and service operations in Germany, UK, Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden, the Philippines and Mexico.
The co-operation - the exact nature of which will be specified in additional contracts - will provide excellent synergies for joint market development and for several product groups, with the two companies emphasizing that they are committed to a lasting co-operation.
With the opportunities for growth in Asia having improved significantly - especially in China - KNAPP's managing board is delighted to have moved the group to a highly favourable position that will enable the development of Asian markets for the group's automatic and semi-automatic picking solutions. KNAPP will also gain access to an extensive complementary product portfolio in pallet handling, which can now be used for KNAPP warehouses.