Barcoding Inc., a supply chain automation and innovation company, today announced that it has acquired FRED Automation Inc., a provider of automated guided vehicles, or AGVs. Baltimore-based Barcoding said the transaction is part of its continued expansion and investment in industrial automation.
“The Barcoding team is thrilled to announce our acquisition of AGV company FRED Automation,” stated Shane Snyder, president of Barcoding Inc. “Barcoding continues to focus on growth and innovation for our customers.”
FRED Automation offers two AGVs
FRED Automation spun out of ASI Technologies Inc. in April 2021. ASI designs and manufactures electric wheel drives, and it developed the first prototype FRED AGV in 2017.
Philadelphia-based FRED Automation designs, makes, and supports AGVs for manufacturing, distribution, and warehouse facilities. The company said its FRED and Freddie robots can improve worker productivity and safety around materials handling.
In addition to the AGVs, FRED Automation offers several different options for both simple point A-to-B material moves and complex maneuvers involving dozens of pick-up and drop-off points.
“We are excited to be partnering with Barcoding,” said Doug Fastuca, CEO of FRED Automation. “Their approach and strength in the market will allow us to introduce our AGV products to more companies across North America.”
“We are eager to expand both production and services offerings for FRED and Freddie to help customers with employee safety and their materials movement automation,” he said.
Barcoding to target both factories and warehouses
With this acquisition, Barcoding said it will target both manufacturing facilities and warehouses that have repeatable material handling processes for FRED and Freddie AGVs.
“With today's labor challenges, AGVs like FRED and AMRs [autonomous mobile robots] like those from Zebra Technologies are the right automation solutions to drive productivity and customer satisfaction,” said Snyder. “With our acquisition of FRED Automation, Barcoding is now the top solution provider for industrial automation in the AIDC [automatic identification and data capture] space.”
Founded in 1998, Barcoding said it helps organizations be more efficient, accurate, and connected. The company has offices in Chicago, Houston, Seattle, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
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