Amazon to acquire Belgium’s Cloostermans to place more robots in warehouses

Amazon acquisition of Cloostermans : Online retailing giant Amazon is acquiring Belgium-based mechatronics company Cloostermans to expand the deployment of robotics for warehouse automation.

The financial terms of the deal were not revealed.

The acquisition is expected to help the retailer in stepping up the usage of customized technology to innovate the workplace and make it more productive, safer, and simpler.

Amazon started working with Cloostermans in 2019 and currently uses its mechatronics solutions, and advanced technology in its warehouse operations to move and stack heavy pallets and totes or package products together for delivery to customers.

Cloostermans is also expected to help the online retailing giant to cut down on packaging waste.

Currently, Cloostermans employs nearly 200 people, who will be observed into Amazon Global Robotics team in Europe.

Amazon acquisition of Cloostermans. Photo courtesy of Amazon.com, Inc.

Frederik Berckmoes-Joos — Cloostermans CEO, commenting on Amazon acquisition of Cloostermans, said: “We’re thrilled to be joining the Amazon family and extending the impact we can have at a global scale.

“Amazon has raised the bar for how supply chain technologies can benefit employees and customers, and we’re looking forward to be part of the next chapter of this innovation.”

Amazon started introducing robots in its facilities in 2012 and since then, it has deployed over 520,000 robotic drive units in its operations globally.

Commenting on Amazon acquisition of Cloostermans, Ian Simpson — Amazon vice president of Global Robotics said: “Amazon’s investments in robotics and technology are supporting how we build a better and safer workplace for our employees and deliver for our customers.

“As we continue to broaden and accelerate the robotics and technology we design, engineer and deploy across our operations, we look forward to welcoming Cloostermans to Amazon and are excited to see what we can build together.”

The closing of the deal is subject to the meeting of certain conditions.