Swisslog, the Switzerland-based company that provides automated equipment to warehouses and distributors, has acquired the Mason, Ohio–based Forte Industries.

While Swisslog provides high-end automation equipment, Forte Industries focuses on optimizing distribution centers, with expertise in conveyor systems, case and piece picking, and sortation solutions.

Forte employees will stay on as employees of Swisslog.

“We are convinced that the combination of Swisslog and Forte will deliver significant benefits to our customers that are far beyond the individual offerings,” said said Markus Schmidt, president Swisslog Warehouse & Distribution Solutions North America. “In addition, the acquisition will support Swisslog’s market strategy and particularly its positioning in the e-commerce and multichannel segments.”

“I am enormously proud that a global systems integrator with the stellar reputation of Swisslog sees Forte as such a valuable addition to its team,” said Gene Forte, founder and CEO of Forte. “The Forte brand has always stood for excellence and innovation, and I believe the synergies between our respective teams will result in an even more powerful proposition to our rapidly expanding client base.”

JCK