Expansion of expertise in electronic automation

Schunk Electronic Solutions strengthens its position in electronics manufacturing. Through the acquisition of Achat Engineering GmbH, the company expands its portfolio to include board handling and AOI classification systems. This transforms the modular machine system into an all-in-one solution offering – from stand-alone to fully integrated inline systems – for efficient, fully automated electronics production.

Schunk Electronic Solutions GmbH, headquartered in St. Georgen, Germany, is opening up additional market opportunities through the acquisition of Achat Engineering GmbH. The technology leader will now offer its customers an integrated portfolio for implementing scalable, digitally networked production systems in electronics manufacturing.

Complete offering from stand-alone to smart factory

The two companies have been collaborating for years in the fields of electronics and SMT (surface mount technology) manufacturing. With the acquisition, the complementary technology portfolios are now more closely integrated: Achat complements Schunk Electronic Solutions' existing depaneling and modular inline solutions with board handling modules, digital inspection solutions in AOI processes (VinCam), and solutions for connecting and controlling automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in intralogistics.

This creates an integrated offering ranging from stand-alone systems to end-to-end inline and smart factory architectures – customer-centric, scalable, and with reduced interface risk. "The merger is the logical step for us: We are strategically expanding our portfolio to offer a more modular and flexible solution for electronic assembly manufacturing as a comprehensive, single-source solution," says Ralf Vetter, Managing Director of Schunk Electronic Solutions. To ensure continuity and expertise, Achat founder Jürgen Schaffhausen will continue to advise the company. In addition, Nick Heronim will assume responsibility for the board handling and AOI classification systems division.

Shared markets, clear customer benefits

Achat Engineering was founded in 2002, is headquartered in Lengede, Germany, and currently employs 23 people. Both companies serve shared segments of electronics manufacturing, including SMT assembly, and share a commitment to co-innovation, collaborative partnerships, and consistent process digitalization, culminating in the vision of the "Dark Factory"—a fully automated production environment. With this integration, Schunk Electronic Solutions creates clear added value for its customers and partners: solutions will be planned and implemented from a single source, interfaces will be reduced, and projects will scale more quickly. At the same time, integration into the Schunk Group ensures a reliable supply and globally available service expertise for the jointly developed technologies.