Böwe Systec has taken a majority stake in UK software engineering and automation supply chain specialist Red Ledge, which has joined the Böwe Systec Group* the two companies announced today. Böwe Systec GmbH is part of the Possehl Group, which in its 2017 financial year generated a turnover of around 3.8 billion euros and employed some 12,500 people.
Founded in 1996, software company Red Ledge specialises in Auto-ID solutions. Its barcode, RFID, voice and sensor technologies are used worldwide in post and parcel sorting centres, warehouses and production facilities. Red Ledge’s core expertise includes competitive software platforms such as warehouse management systems (WMS), warehouse control systems (WCS) and pharmaceutical serialisation systems.
The acquisition of Red Ledge is an important milestone for Böwe Systec as a leading supplier of smart automation solutions. “As a ‘one-stop-shop’ we want to be the first port of call for all our customers’ intralogistics requirements”, stresses Böwe Systec managing director Joachim Koschier. “They should be able to source everything from us that they need to optimise their parcel sorting centre and their internal processes. From goods receiving to goods out – everything from one supplier. The acquisition of Red Ledge was therefore a logical step and is a cornerstone of our corporate strategy.”
“Our recipe for success is that we listen to what our customers need. With Red Ledge by our side not only can we supply the hardware, which is of course important and essential, but also the software that intelligently knits everything together. Red Ledge’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Warehouse Control System (WCS) mean that we can offer our sorting customers substantial added value” comments Böwe Systec managing director Dirk Van Vinckenroye.
Alan Wilcockson and Andy O‘Donnell, Red Ledge’s joint managing directors, also see tremendous potential in the merger. “We are a leading supplier of Auto-ID solutions and our systems allow us to control all aspects of intralogistics highly efficiently”, explains Alan Wilcockson. Andy O’Donnell adds: “At Red Ledge we are involved in strongly growing and global markets. Working with Böwe Systec we will in future be able to undertake additional and larger projects in parcel and intralogistics markets. We see the merger as a win-win for both companies and we look forward to working together.”
*Effective 1 March 2019