Robotgrader develops and manufactures advanced automation solutions for the food industry. The company specializes in robot-based systems that combine weighing, grading and pick and place technologies into one. Its main focus is the poultry industry, where the systems are used to automatically and precisely handle chicken parts, from raw product to packaged goods. Depending on the machine and raw material type, the solutions can process up to 320 products per minute. The result is reduced need for manual labour, increased packing capacity, and minimized product waste.
The company was founded in 2004 by Sverre Stenbom, based on the idea of using robotic technology to sort and pack fish in a thermoformer. Over time, development shifted toward the poultry sector, with a particular focus on fresh chicken. Robotgrader is headquartered in Mölndal, Sweden, and today the company has a team of ten highly skilled engineers.
The buyer is Ishida Europe, part of the Japanese group Ishida Co. The group develops and delivers comprehensive solutions for weighing, packing, and quality control within the food industry. The two companies have enjoyed a successful partnership since 2014, with Ishida serving as the exclusive European distributor of Robotgrader’s systems for more than a decade and installing systems in 13 countries worldwide. With Robotgrader now fully integrated within Ishida’s direct offering for food manufacturers, customers will benefit from greater access to technical expertise, spares parts, and project support. A planned expansion of the Robotgrader team will further strengthen service capabilities and system optimisation.
Darren Chandler, General Manager for Protein Solutions at Ishida Europe:
“Robotgrader has long been known for its innovative robotic grading systems, and this move brings together two family-owned businesses with a shared commitment to engineering excellence and quality service. We are excited to build on the success we’ve experienced already.”
“Precision tray-packing technology is becoming ever-more important to improving performance while reducing food waste and giveaway. We are confident our even closer ties will lead to even greater innovation in this space, and ensuring RobotGrader’s team can continue to flourish.”
Dave Tiso, Managing Director at Ishida Europe:
“With automation high on food manufacturers’ agendas, we are pleased to be able to offer RobotGrader solutions as a direct part of the Ishida portfolio. With Ishida’s experts in weighing, packaging and quality control, and RobotGrader’s mechatronics specialists working more closely together than ever before, we can provide even deeper integration to serve the needs of protein processors globally.”
Sverre Stenbom, CEO at Robotgrader:
”This is a very positive move for both companies and clearly demonstrates the ambition of Ishida to be a major contender in the protein packaging and automation sector. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
IMAP advised the seller throughout the process.
