K2 Kinetics acquires Austin-based robotic packaging firm

York-based industrial automation firm K2 Kinetics has acquired an Austin, Texas-based designer and manufacturer of case packers.

K2 announced on Tuesday that it acquired Robotic Packaging Machinery LLC, or RPM, for an undisclosed price.

K2 primarily engineers and designs equipment for the food and beverage industry. Prior to closing the deal with RPM, the companies had a close working relationship with K2 building, installing and servicing RPM machines.

RPM was founded in 2011 by Scott Thiede. The company’s robotic case packers can be used for de-casing, case packing, box loading, tray packing, carton and clamshell loading and more.

The acquisition of RPM expands K2’s product portfolio and gives it access to Thiede’s industry expertise, according to Kevin Keller, managing director of K2 Kinetics.

“We’re excited to have RPM and Scott on board – both from a product line and knowledge acquisition standpoint,” said Keller “Scott brings new and different skill sets to K2 Kinetics and we’re excited to stretch our collective bandwidth and expand into a new product category and additional industries.”

RPM’s machines represent the company’s focus on simple, reliable and compact equipment, according to K2. Their small footprint allows them to fit into any existing product line and can pack a vast array of products in a variety of industries.

“This was a perfect opportunity to come under the umbrella of a company like K2 Kinetics, who for over a decade has provided customized packaging and processing solutions to the food and beverage industry,” said Thiede. “Their creativity and ability to implement solutions to complex challenges most integrators avoid quoting makes this an ideal combination, allowing additional customization.”