The Heico Companies LLC, the parent holding company for a diversified portfolio of more than 36 businesses involved in manufacturing, construction and industrial services, including Ancra International, Kinedyne, S-Line and Wistra, has acquired Ancra Systems B.V.
Ancra Systems is a leader in the field of automatic truck (un)loading systems also known as ATLS. Headquartered in Boxtel, Netherlands, Ancra Systems is one of only a few global specialists in its field and expands Heico holdings of cargo management entities.
“This acquisition will bring advanced loading system technology to the North American trucking and material handling sectors and extend the advantages of automation throughout the warehouse, to the docks and into the trailers,” says Steve Frediani, president and CEO of the Heico’s Ancra platform. “The addition of Ancra Systems positions Heico as a global player in the automated cargo management, loading, control and unloading space.”
Loading and unloading a 53-ft. trailer with palletized cargo can commonly take between 30 and 45 minutes using a forklift. By contrast, loading and unloading a trailer using one of several automated systems from Ancra Systems can be accomplished in about three minutes, the company says.
“Automation and the efficiencies it brings has already permeated many dimensions of manufacturing and warehouse operations in Europe and North America,” says Marc Hezemans, managing director for Ancra Systems B.V. “The difference is that many European operations have been enjoying the additional benefits of our automated truck loading and unloading systems for more than 20 years.”
Recognized as an innovative leader in material handling and ATLS in Europe, the Middle East and South America, Ancra Systems has helped many multinational blue chip customers realize dramatic improvements in efficiency, equipment utilization gains and reduced product damage. The application of its automated systems has translated directly to cost reductions and increases in average 18-month ROI. Customers have also benefited from improved working conditions and safer working environments, Heico says.
“We are excited to bring our automatic loading and unloading systems to the North American market, and we expect to have our North American sales and technical support in position by the end of the first quarter of 2017,” says Marcel Berkers, sales director for Ancra Systems B.V. “We’ve watched these systems positively change industries around the world, and we expect the same thing to occur here in North America as well.”
