To serve a growing demand from manufacturers for automation in sheet metal-working, Swiss laser cutting machine and press brake manufacturer Bystronic, which has a UK subsidiary in Coventry (www.bystronic.com), is acquiring a 70% share of Milan-based Antil SpA (a manufacturer of automated sheet metal handling plant).

The majority shareholding will enable Bystronic to expand its range of automation technologies to include machine loading and unloading, robot-assisted bending and material storage, as well as allied services.

Antil was established in 1989 and currently employs 110 people, who will be retained. The brand will also be retained, and management will remain with the previous co-owner, Agostino Zanella.

In 2017, Antil had a turnover of about 18 million euros.

Bystronic CEO Alex Waser said: “Antil and Bystronic complement each other not only technologically but also culturally.

“Innovation and a clear focus on user requirements are important core components of both companies. Together, we will support customers with an outstanding sales and service organisation covering all aspects of sheet metal-working automation.”

Since 1994, Bystronic has been a part of Swiss industrial holding company Conzzeta.

In 2017, with more than 2,400 employees, Bystronic’s turnover was 774 million euros.