Sepro Robotique reports record year in 2013

Robot maker Sepro Robotique (SR) enjoyed its most successful year ever in 2013, selling 1,650 robots and sprue pickers around the world, an increase of 26 per cent over 2012.

The overall strength of the global plastics market played a role in the company’s fortunes, said Michel Renaudeau, chief executive of the La Roche-sur-Yon, France-based company, but he also stressed the importance of other factors. “Over the last five years 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,” Renaudeau said in a statement.

Founded 40 years ago, SR was mainly a European supplier as late as 2008, with nearly three quarters of its sales France, Germany and other European countries. “Today, sales outside Europe have increased by almost half,” the company said. “North America has become Sepro’s largest market with more than 20 per cent of global sales, Latin America has jumped to 10 per cent, 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.”

In December 2013, Sepro America moved to a new building in Cranberry Township, Pa. “The facility, which is nearly double the size of its previous space, is needed to support growth in the region,” the company said. Sepro America now employs nearly 30 people (up from 20 in 2011) and anticipates adding at least two more positions during 2014.

SR is represented in Canada by Industries Laferriere (Mascouche, Que.), and Shadow Automation Inc. (Uxbridge, Ont.).