Software as the driving force

Print Solutions

Böwe Systec has signed an agreement to take a majority stake in Red Ledge, a software company based in the UK.

Red Ledge was founded in 1996 and is based in Yorkshire. As an established software company, it has specialised in Auto-ID solutions and its barcode, RFID, voice and sensor technologies are used successfully around the world in post and parcel sorting centres, warehouses and production facilities. Its core expertise includes competitive software platforms such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) and serialisation solutions.

The acquisition of Red Ledge is an important milestone for Böwe Systec as a leading supplier of smart automation solutions. ‘As a ‘one stop shop’ we want to be the first port of call for all our customers’ intralogistics requirements,’ said Joachim Koschier, managing director of Böwe Systec. ‘They should be able to source everything from us that they need to optimise their parcel sorting centre and their internal processes. From goods receiving to goods out –everything from one supplier. The acquisition of Red Ledge was therefore a logical step and is a cornerstone of our corporate strategy.’

‘Our recipe for success is that we listen to what our customers need. With Red Ledge by our side not only can we supply the hardware, which is of course important and essential, but also the software that intelligently knits everything together. Red Ledge’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Warehouse Control System (WCS) mean that we can offer our sorting customers substantial added value,’ added Böwe Systec managing director Dirk Van Vinckenroye.

Alan Wilcockson and Andy O‘Donnell, Red Ledge’s joint managing directors, also see tremendous potential in the merger. ‘We are a leading supplier of Auto-ID solutions and our systems allow us to control all aspects of intralogistics highly efficiently,’ explained Alan. Andy added, ‘At Red Ledge we are involved in strongly growing and global markets. Working with Böwe Systec, we will in future be able to undertake additional projects in the parcel and intralogistics market in particular. We see the merger as a win-win for both companies and we look forward to working together.’