VDL Groep acquires Crux Agribotics and strengthens its position in foodtech

With the acquisition of Crux Agribotics, VDL Groep further consolidates its position in foodtech, one of the growth markets of the family industrial company from Eindhoven. Through data and AI (artificial intelligence), the ‘smart robot’ from Crux classifies, sorts, and packages fruits and vegetables. This contributes to the automation of global vegetable and fruit horticulture. Using robotics, growers save on labor costs and food waste is reduced. Additionally, the generated data is analyzed to further optimize the cultivation process. Crux Agribotics is based in Eindhoven and employs sixty staff members.

As part of the VDL Groep, Crux Agribotics is among others enabled to scale up internationally more quickly in the production, assembly, and delivery of automated sorting and packing lines. This allows the company to further expand its market position into robotisation solutions in and around the greenhouse.

Long-term vision the foundation

"We are proud that Crux Agribotics is joining the VDL family," says Richard Vialle, co-founder of Kind Technologies, the parent company of Crux Agribotics. "As an innovative and leading AgTech company, Crux Agribotics is working to ensure sustainably that more safe food can be produced per square metre using high-tech systems, with fewer resources, footprint, and waste. It is fantastic that the Eindhoven-based Crux now joins the regional family business, where a long-term vision forms the foundation of its DNA."  

Acceleration

Chief Executive Officer Willem van der Leegte of VDL Groep: “Among other things, by combining mechanics, electronics, and software, we provide added value to our customers with our high-quality products and services. Automation, visual technology, and AI increasingly provide support. The expertise of our new colleagues from Crux Agribotics is valuable in creating acceleration in further automation in greenhouse construction. Moreover, the knowledge from Crux complements, for instance, that of VDL Cropteq Robotics, our platform for an agricultural robot that cuts leaves from cucumber plants, where visual technology, robotics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and horticultural knowledge are combined.”

Renewing and making the food chain more sustainable

The VDL companies in Foodtech are involved in innovating and making the food chain more sustainable. Technology is the key to tackling challenges and seizing opportunities. By utilizing robotics and precision technology, more sustainable and profitable food production is made possible. Equipped with modern machinery and well-trained specialists, they supply machines and systems to the global food processing industry. This enables customers to stand out with innovative solutions, further reduce their production costs, and do so with the right consideration for the environment and society.