ABB Robotics announces its “preferred partnership” with LeMatic Inc., a company that provides automated packaging lines and slicing equipment for high-capacity baked goods applications.

LeMatic and ABB are working cooperatively to design and implement product handling, packaging and palletizing solutions for the food industry – specifically focused on baked goods – from ovens to shipping docks. LeMatic is incorporating ABB’s robots and controllers into their packaging systems to provide quality plant solutions to manufacturers.

“LeMatic is honored to receive ‘preferred partner’ status with ABB. This level of partnership adds value to an already great relationship with a world leader in robotics,” said Dale J. LeCrone, president of LeMatic. “Preferred partner status gives LeMatic more visibility and input in product design, and provides increased opportunities to integrate the latest robotic technology with our traditional packaging systems.”

LeMatic’s newest offering, AutoOp™ (Automatic Operator) cells, integrates robots and vision into new and existing bakery production lines to improve efficiency and product quality in the production process. Ideal for high-speed picking, packing and palletizing – and customizable based on the application – AutoOp sets the standard in new technology for bakery automation.

“Developing ‘preferred’ partnerships with companies like LeMatic enables us to expand manufacturing solutions for key market segments. By capitalizing on the unique technologies of both partners, we create products that allow our customers to compete successfully in a global marketplace. We look forward to the solutions yet to be created from these alliances and the many opportunities these partnerships will bring to our customers,” said Kirk Goins, president of ABB Robotics North America.

About LeMatic Inc.

LeMatic, based in Jackson, Mich., has provided innovative solutions for packaging, slicing and automated systems to the worldwide baking industry since 1973. The company’s new generation of equipment now includes the latest in robotic picking, packaging and palletizing, as well as vision-based inspection, counting and packaging systems.

About ABB, Inc.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 109,000 people.

About ABB Robotics

ABB is a leading supplier of industrial robots – also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 150,000 robots worldwide.