2013 Was Record Year for Sepro Robotique

At the end of 2013, Sepro Robotique will be able to celebrate its most successful year ever, selling 1650 robots and sprue pickers to customers around the world…26% more than in 2012. Jean-Michel Renaudeau, CEO of Sepro, La Roche sur Yon, France, acknowledged the overall strength of the global plastics market, but noted that several other important factors played into his company’s success this year.

“Over the last five years,” Renaudeau said, “we have invested heavily in the development of new robot technology, expanding our presence in key global markets, and building strong partnerships with automation specialists and injection-molding machine manufacturers. Our product line is almost completely new in the last three years and now includes new 3-, 5- and 6-axis robots as well as specialty robots for in-mold labeling, two-material molding and three-plate molds. Our Touch and Visual control systems are also evolving so that customers can have the same easy-to-use platform whether they need the simplest 3-axis functionality or complex multi-axis capabilities inside and outside the molding area. Finally, our close ties to injection-molding OEMs mean processors can get all the benefits of Sepro technology in a complete and integrated molding package. No matter what their application, no matter where they are located, no matter what their operating parameters, Sepro has options that can meet their needs. That is what we call ‘Your Free Choice in Robots” and we think that is why more and more companies are choosing Sepro robots every year.”

Jean-Michel Renaudeau, CEO, Sepro Robotique

More evidence of the increased awareness of and interest in Sepro was seen at the K 2013 tradeshow, which was held in October in Dusseldorf, Germany. Mounting what was, by far, its largest exhibit ever, Sepro made contact with 65% more customers and prospects than they did at the previous show in 2010. These numbers are even more impressive when compared to overall attendance at the show, which was actually down about 2% in 2013 vs. 2010. Visitors came from all over the world, and indication of Sepro’s expanding global presence. 

Global growth

In 2008, Sepro Robotique was mainly a European supplier, with nearly three quarters of its sales France, Germany and other European countries. Today, sales outside Europe have increased by almost half. North America has become Sepro’s largest market with more than 20% of global sales, Latin America has jumped to 10% and Asia has doubled its share. At the same time, sales in Germany have held steady while most other European regions have seen significant increases.

The growth in North America and Germany, Sepro’s top two global markets, has been supported by moving these regional daughter companies into new expanded facilities and by adding personnel.

In 2012, Sepro Germany made the move to a new plant in Dietzenbach near Frankfurt. Not only did the new building offer more space for administration and sales, but it also opened about 700 square meters (7534 square feet) of floor space for robot engineering, assembly, testing and training. Sepro Germany also strengthened its sales and service staff. Elsewhere in Europe, daughter companies in the UK, Spain and the Benelux countries are also growing along with Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, where Sepro is represented by independent distributors.