FlexLink - 30 years in the lead of conveyor technology
From the start, FlexLink quickly developed into the market leader in conveyor systems. In 2010, FlexLink celebrates 30 successful years serving global, demanding industry.
The history of FlexLink started in 1980 as a production efficiency project within SKF, the world leading bearing manufacturer. The international break-through came instantly and the FlexLink conveyor solutions quickly got recognition in a wide range of industries, world wide. Today, 30 years later, the company is the established world leader in production logistics solutions – a major tool in increasing the efficiency in such diverse manufacturing industries as automotive, solar cells, food, medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
As the inventor of modern conveyor systems, FlexLink have always been the driver of the development in conveyor technology and production logistics solutions. A recent example is the January 2010 launch of a new conveyor platform which offers line layouts with a minimum footprint combined with sophisticated controls.
R&D (Research and Development) and quality have been decisive factors at FlexLink from the start in order to create sustainable value to its customers. The investments in further developments will continue and new products are in the pipe-line to be launched.
With an extensive network of own sales units in 25 countries – and business partners in more than 60 – FlexLink is celebrating the 30 years of serving industry in local events throughout 2010.
“We take the opportunity to celebrate our successful 30 years serving industry together with customers, business partners and employees. This is a good opportunity to manifest the achievements made over the years and to show our commitment to the future.” says Mattias Perjos, CEO, FlexLink AB.
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1980-81 |
Rapid development of products and international presence. The first and still the biggest selling product was launched: the XL conveyor platform. |
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1982–87 |
Development of the FlexLink organization and further product and solution developments such as the first pallet systemXMP and the wedge elevator. |
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1988–03 |
Establishment of Sales Units in: USA, Japan, Germany, Singapore, France, Italy, UK, the Netherlands, Brazil, Australia, China, Poland, Hungary, Spain, Malaysia, Thailand, Czech Republic, Finland. |
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The first structural system was launched. |
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1991–96 |
Distribution centres opened in Europe, USA and Japan. The heavy duty XKand XK palletplatforms were launched and FlexLink entered the automotive industry with strength. |
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1997–05 |
Acquired by EQT and became an independent company. |
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Further development of the product range, such as the first wide conveyorplatform with FlexLink chain, XB and the automatic guiding system (AGS). |
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Focus on segment specific competence and offers such as the Dynamic Flow Concept™, confirmed the company’s strong position within the tissue converting industry. |
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2005 |
Acquired by ABN Amro Capital, now AAC Capital |
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2006 |
Acquisition of Tops Conveyors, Canada. |
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Establishment of Compliant Logistics, a specialist company for the Medical & Pharma industries. |
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2007 |
Opening of sales companies in India and Indonesia. |
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Launch of the X85 conveyor platform– the biggest and most comprehensive launch in FlexLink’s history. |
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Opening of sales company in Russia and sales offices in Romania and Slovakia. |
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2008 |
Acquisition of Techne Srl. |
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The X85 product platform launch in September 2007 exceeded high sales targets. |
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FlexLink achieved record sales and order intake. |
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2009 |
Considerable investments made in R&D. Launch of the spiral elevator. |
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2010 |
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FlexLink is celebrating the past but looking towards the future with excitement. Investments in further developments is continuing and new products are in the pipe-line to be launched! |