At the end of 2023, Gearbox and Pliant announced that they would be joining forces. Both companies are well-known names in the horticultural sector and, with their experience in vision software, AI algorithms and robotisation, they complement each other well in the development of high-tech solutions.
With the acquisition of a majority stake, Gearbox is taking an important step for the future by further expanding its expertise in both control software and vision & AI technology. The combination of the strengths of both companies has created an ambitious enterprise with over 60 experienced employees in high-tech automation.
“It’s a fantastic match. We are a great fit in terms of both expertise and culture, and we enjoy creating smart robotisation solutions for our customers. By continuing to work together, we are strengthening our position in the market and can help our customers even better and faster,” says Simone Keijzer, CEO of Gearbox.
Expansion of product portfolio in the horticultural sector
The products offered by Gearbox and Pliant in the fresh produce sector complement each other well. Gearbox already offers various robotisation solutions for quality control and robotisation of vegetables, fruit and flowers, while Pliant has extensive experience in upgrading existing sorting lines with advanced software technology. The combination of the product portfolios will enable immediate further growth at an international level.
Offshore solutions
With the addition of Pliant to the Gearbox family, offshore knowledge and technology are also being added. The Pliant Offshore team specialises in creating 3D measurement solutions and control software for the international offshore and maritime market. Pliant Offshore equipment and software assists in monitoring the laying of cables and pipelines, the installation of wind turbine foundations such as monopiles and other structures during installation, inspection and maintenance. These solutions make business operations more efficient and therefore more cost-effective. Under the name Pliant Offshore, the team will continue to develop for the offshore sector as before.
“It is remarkable that we complement each other so well in terms of expertise. We have known each other for years, have worked together on projects before, and that makes this step a very logical one,” says Alex Heurkens, co-founder of Pliant.
Ready for the future
For customers, nothing will change; they will retain their trusted contacts. Gearbox and Pliant Offshore will, however, draw on each other's expertise to further improve quality. And the goal for 2024? Simone and Alex are in agreement when it comes to the plans for the coming years: to continue building 'The Next Generation' together in both the Food & Flower sector and the Offshore market, thereby supporting our customers by making their daily work smarter and easier with vision software, AI and robotisation!
