In October 2018, Frontmatec entered a partnership with Spanish robotics specialist, AIRA with a 40% acquisition of the company. Since day one, the partnership between Frontmatec and AIRA has been very strong and has contributed to the significant growth of robotic applications in the global red meat industry for the benefit of both companies. Taking full ownership of AIRA is a natural step for both sides as AIRA will become the global Frontmatec competence center for all robotic activities including R&D upon completion of the acquisition.
With the growth prospect in mind, scaling up production is needed. The board of Frontmatec and AIRA has approved an investment to build a new facility in Cardona, Spain with the purpose of meeting the increased demand and making AIRA one of the key manufacturing centers in Frontmatec. Planning works will start immediately. The new facility is expected to be completed towards the end of 2023 or early 2024. This new state-of- the-art facility will benefit not only the production of robotic solutions but is envisioned to serve as an additional production center for other Frontmatec solutions. This follows the Frontmatec strategy of technological leadership in automation, and in particular robotics, which is experiencing a strong demand globally.