Sources: Besser Co., Alpena, Mich.; CP staff
Besser has added concrete masonry building or hardscape unit and pallet handling automation capabilities, acquiring the assets of St. Hubert, Quebec-based Slab Innovation. An early-September transaction formalized the next step in a strategic alliance netting successful completion of many joint plant projects throughout North America since 2017.
“It’s fitting that in the same year we’re celebrating our 120th anniversary of serving the global concrete products industry, we’re expanding our commitment to innovation by welcoming Slab Innovation into the Besser family,” says Besser CEO Ryan Suszek. “The addition provides our customers access to robotic solutions that are proven to increase plant efficiency, improve worker safety, and expand product lines.”
“Officially joining the Besser team is an honor and a tremendous accomplishment for us,” adds Slab Innovation President Benoit Slavinski, who joins Besser as vice president of Robotics. “We’re bringing our 20-plus years of experience and passion for crafting custom robotic solutions for the concrete industry. The opportunities ahead are unlimited in all segments of the industry, including those beyond Besser’s current scope.”
The Slab Innovation team expands Besser capabilities with a workforce highly skilled in mechanical and electrical engineering, equipment fabrication, plus customization of robotics controls and programming. Besser also adds two brick-and-mortar facilities in Canada to its existing North American manufacturing and service footprint. They will focus on identifying, building, and integrating flexible and robust robotic applications to meet each producer’s specific needs.