Bizerba, FANUC, KILIVATIONS and Schmalz form strategic alliance to automate the food industry

The market is increasingly moving towards continuous line production. Yet many companies still face manual challenges in the so-called End-of-Line area – where food products are labeled, inspected, stacked or palletized after packaging. Growing labor shortages are increasing the pressure to act. This new partnership addresses these challenges with a holistic solution approach.

Complementary expertise for the entire line process

Each partner contributes its specific know-how to the alliance: Bizerba is responsible for weighing, labeling, slicing and inspection technologies and takes on the role of system integrator. FANUC contributes cutting-edge robotics and control technologies. KILIVATIONS brings years of expertise in the development of robotic applications and automation solutions. Schmalz adds extensive knowledge in gripping and vacuum technology – tailored specifically to the requirements of delicate food products.

At automatica 2025, the four companies presented a first milestone of their partnership: a modular, fully automated sandwich station for hygienic, contact-free handling of fresh food. The system combines precise slicing technology with state-of-the-art robotics, advanced vacuum gripping systems and high-precision dosing – enabling pinpoint production of snacks “on demand”, contactless and efficient.

Future-ready automation through industry know-how and interdisciplinary expertise

A wide range of promising projects is already underway – focusing on product handling, case loading and palletizing in the End-of-Line area of the food industry. Bizerba acts as the central point of contact and integrator of the overall solution.

Oliver Deifel, Director Global Customer Solution Center at Bizerba, emphasizes: “This strategic partnership is a perfect match and a key element of our Bizerba strategy to deliver holistic solutions for the food market. Our goal is to transform the entire line process downstream of the packaging machine into continuous, scalable automation concepts. As the central integrator, we combine our own portfolio with the specialist knowledge of our partners – efficient, future-ready and customer-focused.”

The combination of deep industry knowledge, technological excellence and many years of experience across industries makes this new alliance a powerful driver for transformation in food processing.