SES-imagotag, global specialist in digital in-store technologies in the retail sector, is to work with Bossard to brings its expertise to industrial and logistics IoT solutions.
The duo will work together under the newly formed company PDi Digital GmbH, in which Bossard holds a 30% stake. PDi Digital will combine Bossard's high competence in automated logistics for the industrial sector with SES-imagotag's specialised expertise in Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) and pricing automation technologies in retail. Operations start December 2019.
The move is the latest from Bossard in its quest to broaden its expertise in smart process management and automated logistics beyond industrial sectors.
Bossard said: "This push toward diversification mirrors SES-imagotag’s own commitment to bringing its ESL technologies to companies outside its established retail customer base."
SES-imagotag has equipped 20,000 retail stores worldwide with over 200 million electronic price tags.
"Potential in sectors not yet exploited"
PDi Digital plans to be a major player in various industries. Bossard will brings its business activities from subsidiary Effilio as part of the new venture. Bossard's expertise in smart operating systems (particularly the ARIMS platform) is to help optimise entire supply and processing flows. In addition, the company will have access to all technologies developed by SES-imagotag.
Bossard concluded: "Overall, we believe this partnership will offer additional growth potential in sectors we have not yet exploited. The broad-based marketing of proven expertise in structuring production and logistics processes in industrial and service enterprises is one area of growth that Bossard intends to fully leverage in the coming years."
Bossard has been incredibly active in terms of diversification and acquisitions in recent months. June 2019 saw the group expand its aerospace presence by acquiring Boysen, while in April it expanded its (already considerable) 3D printing expertise with a 30% share in Ecoparts. Feb saw Bossard acquire German fastening elements firm BRUMA. Recent financials have seen the group grow despite "challenging conditions".
