FKI Logistex, a global leader in integrated material-handling solutions, has formed a dedicated Robotics Integration Group to provide customers with focused robotic palletizing and depalletizing solutions, including system design, manufacture, programming, and support.

Building on more than 60 years of palletizing experience, the organization brings together a knowledgeable team of robotics engineers and integration experts to provide custom robotic palletizing systems for industries including retail distribution, manufacturing, food and beverage, and postal. The group will benefit the company's growing portfolio of Fortune 100 customers with multiple robotic installations by enhancing post-order capability and performance and increasing overall service and support.

According to PMMI's 2007 Packaging Machinery Shipments & Outlook Study, shipments of robotic palletizers rose by more than 16% in 2006. The FKI Logistex Robotics Integration Group was designed to help meet the increasing demand for robotic systems, which offer flexibility for dynamic packaging lines affected by sustainable packaging initiatives, marketing changes, and the proliferation of club stores.

"FKI Logistex understands the importance of our customers' green initiatives," said Frank Pellegrino, vice president of machine products for FKI Logistex Manufacturing Systems North America. "The Robotics Integration Group provides them with an enhanced resource for custom robotic palletizing solutions to give them the end-of-line flexibility they need as their packaging changes."

Bill Natsch, director of business development for FKI Logistex Manufacturing Systems North America, leads the Robotics Integration Group. Prior to joining FKI Logistex in 2006, Natsch was VP of Operations for Bastian Material Handling (formerly Van Pak), where he was responsible for robot integration. Natsch will report to Pellegrino.