Schaeffler expands robotics portfolio with Melior Motion acquisition

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Melior Motion’s planetary gearboxes are used in industrial robots with medium to high payload capacities. | Source: Melior Motors

Schaeffler Group, an automotive and industrial supplier, signed an agreement to acquire all shares of Melior Motion for an undisclosed amount. With the acquisition of Melior Motion, Schaeffler adds more powerful gearboxes for higher payloads to its portfolio.

The acquisition strengthens Schaeffler’s robotics portfolio. The company began expanding its robotics presence in 2017 when it brought a strain-wave gearbox for use in a collaborative robot to production.

“In Melior Motion GmbH, we are acquiring a highly innovative company in the robotics field that is on a strong growth course. This acquisition adds to our still young portfolio of robot actuators and considerably expands our position as an innovative supplier in this important business area,” Stefan Spindler, Schaeffler’s CEO, said. “As a user of robots ourselves, we will also utilize the special characteristics of this portfolio to increase efficiency at our 75 Schaeffler production sites.”

Melior Motion began in 2017 and is based in Hameln, Germany, but is planning another production site in China. In 2021, over $26 million (23 million euros) in revenue in 2021. The company’s main markets are Europe and China.

The deal is expected to close by the end of January 2022. Schaeffler plans to expand Melior Motion’s production capacity throughout 2022.

“The developments and products of the highly qualified team at Melior Motion GmbH are an ideal addition to the Schaeffler Group’s product portfolio. The much lower backlash, compared to competitors’ products, is derived from an ultra-precise planetary gearbox concept with special characteristics,” Ralf Moseberg, senior vice president of industrial automation at Schaeffler Industrial, said.

“The high torque density, long service life, and outstanding energy efficiency are of exceeding interest to our large customer base in the field of robotics. The two companies’ products are complementary and share the same group of customers. We also expect the similarity of our manufacturing technologies to enable us to realize synergies in purchasing and production.”

Schaeffler Group began in 1946, and is based in Herzogenaurach, Germany. The company’s industrial division focuses on creating bearing supports and components.