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Kardex Group
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Kardex Group
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Kardex Holding AG, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, specializes in automated storage and retrieval systems, integrated material handling, small parts storage, and automated high-bay warehouses for modern warehouses in a variety of industries. Employing around 2,700 people across 30+ countries, Kardex Holding AG has been listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since 1989.

Key Information

History

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Kardex has been a significant name in business data storage since 1898, tracing back to the Rand Ledger Company. The brand became closely linked to the widespread adoption of the index card as a standard tool for business data management, reflecting its role in the evolution of information organization and retrieval systems throughout the 20th century.

Kardex as a company name was introduced in 1915, subsumed in 1927 (it remained as a brand name and a division name), and revived in 1977.

Separate Rand-led companies (1898–1925)

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Main article: James Rand, Jr.

Rand Ledger (1898–1925)

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American Ledger was founded by James H. Rand, Sr.[2] in 1898. Rand had been a banker for many years and had come to see that existing index card systems used by clerks were inefficient. What was needed was a rationalized system using dividers, file tabs, and labels. Rand Sr. invented an improved filing system based on these concepts and founded the Rand Ledger Company to manufacture his index system,[3][4] called the Visible Ledger.[5]

James Rand, Jr. joined his father's company after being graduated from Harvard University in 1908 and ran it from 1910 through 1914. In 1915 the elder Rand re-assumed control of the company and Rand Jr., unable to reach agreement with his father on business matters, left.

American Kardex (1915–1925)

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James Rand, Jr. formed his own filing and index supply company, American Kardex, in 1915. Within five years, American Kardex grew to be one of the leading office supply companies in the United States. It was roughly equal in revenues to Rand Ledger, and the two companies easily dominated the American office supply market. In 1920, American Kardex had more than $1 million in gross sales. The company's products were widely used in the health care field ("filling a kardex" became a common term for entering data into a patient's medical record), and demand in Europe was so strong that Rand soon built a factory in Germany.

Rand Kardex Bureau (1925–1927)

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As competition between American Kardex and Rand Ledger intensified, Mary Rand (James H. Rand, Sr.'s wife and James Rand, Jr.'s mother) brokered a reconciliation between father and son. In 1925, the two men agreed that American Kardex should purchase Rand Ledger. The new company, Rand Kardex, was the largest office supply company in the United States. James Rand, Sr. became the company chairman, while James Rand, Jr. was its president and general manager.

James Rand Jr. soon began expanding the company through acquisitions. He bought companies including Index Visible, Safe-Cabinet, Dalton Adding Machine, Baker-Vawter Ledger, and Library Bureau (founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey), which was probably the first company to sell filing cabinets commercially (around 1900) and may have invented them.[6]

In its brief existence, the company was first known as Rand Kardex and then, after the acquisition of Library Bureau, as Rand Kardex Bureau.

Remington Rand (1927–1955)

[edit]
Main article: Remington Rand
Kardex visible file cabinets, 20th century

In 1886, E. Remington and Sons sold its typewriter business and the rights to the Remington name to the Standard Typewriter Manufacturing Company which in 1902 changed its name to Remington Typewriter Company.[7] In 1927 Rand Kardex merged with Remington Typewriter. The new company was called Remington Rand, and Kardex was a division and brand of that company.

Remington Rand was led by James Rand Jr. for the duration of its independent existence. Company sales grew from $5 million in 1927 to $500 million in 1954, although market share suffered in the face of competition from IBM.

Remington Rand purchased the Eckert–Mauchly Computer Corporation in 1950, delivered the UNIVAC I in 1951, and bought Engineering Research Associates in 1952, all this making them a major player in the new computer industry.

Sperry Rand (1955–1978)

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Main article: Sperry Rand

In 1955, Sperry Corporation acquired Remington Rand and renamed itself Sperry Rand. Remington Rand remained as a separate brand name and in the name of some divisions. The Remington Rand Systems division was concerned with filing systems and associated products such as file folders, and other material and physical data storage and handling systems, including Kardex.

In 1978 Sperry Rand decided to concentrate on the computer business, and sold a number of divisions including Remington Rand Systems. (Remington Rand Machines was also sold along with some other divisions, and the company dropped "Rand" from its title and reverted to Sperry Corporation; in 1986 they merged with Burroughs Corporation to form Unisys.)

Kardex Systems (1978–2008)

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The Remington Rand Systems division of Sperry Rand, now based in Marietta, Ohio, was acquired by Aarque Management Corporation of Jamestown, New York, and renamed to Kardex Systems to take advantage of Kardex's status as a long-famous brand in filing systems.[8][9]

In 2003 the company was sold to RACK Enterprises and Ronald Miller was made president.[10]

Miller established a separate company, Randex, also selling filing and storage system components, for operation in Europe. Randex continued to exist as a separate company under Miller family control after Kardex Systems was sold to Remstar.[8]

In 2008 Kardex Systems was acquired by Kardex AG of Zurich, Switzerland. Kardex AG had been founded in 1977 (although what is now its Kardex Mlog division had been established in 1922 as Mehne GmbH) and its American subsidiary, Remstar, established in 1981 in Westbrook, Maine.

Kardex Group (2008– )

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Kardex Remstar vertical storage carousel in use

In 2009, Kardex Holding AG incorporated Kardex US into their existing US operation, Remstar, which had been established in 1981 based in Westbrook.

In 2010, MLOG Logistics GmbH was acquired by Kardex Holding AG and integrated into the Kardex Group. Kardex Mlog has its origins in the steel construction company Erwin Mehne KG, which was founded in Heilbronn in 1922 and initially specialized in steel construction and bridge building.[11][12] From 1968, the former Mehne GmbH also offered complete automated high-bay warehouses. In 1989, the company was taken over by MAN and operated as MAN Logistics GmbH. In 2005 the company was sold in a management buy-out. The company, now trading as MLOG Logistics GmbH, subsequently expanded throughout the European market. In 2009, production and administration were relocated to the current site in Neuenstadt am Kocher, Germany. In 2010, MLOG Logistics GmbH was acquired by Kardex Holding AG and integrated into the Kardex Group.

In 2020, Kardex acquired a stake in the start-up company Rocket Solution GmbH,[13] based in Unterhaching near Munich. The company develops standardized automated storage and retrieval systems consisting of dynamic storage and retrieval vehicles, known as Rocket Shuttles, which move within the racks and deliver containers and trays to the system interfaces.

In 2021, Kardex Remstar opened its new factory in West Columbia, USA, the first factory outside of Germany, where it operates manufacturing facilities in Bellheim and Neuburg.

In 2021, the Kardex Group became a global AutoStore™ partner.[14]

Business Units

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Kardex Remstar

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Kardex Remstar is a manufacturer of automated storage and retrieval systems small-sized inventory. Remstar has a global presence with more than 30 subsidiaries and representative offices, offering customers comprehensive service and support in addition to its automated storage and retrieval systems. The company generated sales of €557.1 million with 2'100 employees. Kardex Remstar has production facilities in Neuburg an der Kammel and Bellheim, Germany, and in West Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

Kardex Mlog

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Kardex Mlog develops, manufactures and maintains integrated material handling systems and automated high-bay warehouses. The company acts as a general contractor and supplier of components and systems from its own production facilities in the fields of new installations, modernization and service. These include storage and retrieval machines up to 45 meters high, conveyor technology and software. With 370 employees, Kardex Mlog achieved a turnover of €104.2 million in the financial year 2024. The company is headquartered in Neuenstadt am Kocher, Germany.

Kardex AS Solutions

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AutoStore offers storage and order-picking for small parts based on autonomous robots. As a global partner, Kardex is involved in the distribution, planning and installation of AutoStore worldwide. Kardex AS Solutions generated revenues of EUR 130.4[15] million in 2024 with 190 employees.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kardex Group

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from Grokipedia
Kardex Holding AG, commonly referred to as the , is a Swiss multinational corporation headquartered in that provides intralogistics solutions, specializing in automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and systems. The company develops, produces, and maintains premium automated products designed to optimize storage, retrieval, and workflow efficiency in warehouses and production environments, serving industries such as , , , and . Established with roots in early 20th-century storage innovations, Kardex Holding AG has been publicly listed on the since 1989 and employs around 2,900 people across more than 30 countries worldwide. The Group operates through three primary business units: Kardex Remstar, which focuses on dynamic storage and retrieval systems like vertical buffer modules and horizontal carousels; Kardex Mlog, offering integrated materials handling solutions including automated high-bay warehouses and pick-to-light systems; and Kardex AS Solutions, serving as a global partner for AutoStore cubic storage systems to enable flexible . Kardex emphasizes standardized systems, life-cycle services, and software integration to ensure and low for its customers, with a global presence spanning , , , and other regions. In recent years, the company has reported robust financial performance, achieving revenues of $856 million in 2024 with 12.6% growth and continuing positive momentum in 2025, including an EBITDA margin of 13.0% for the first half of the year.

Company Overview

Profile and Operations

Kardex Holding AG, the parent company of the Kardex Group, traces its origins to 1898 with the founding of the Rand Ledger Company , evolving through various mergers into the Swiss-based entity headquartered , , where it began as a provider of filing and indexing systems before evolving into a global leader in intralogistics solutions. Headquartered , the company has been publicly listed on the since 1989, enabling its expansion as a holding entity overseeing specialized subsidiaries. The Kardex Group employs approximately 2,900 people and maintains operations across more than 30 countries, delivering tailored solutions to industries such as , , and . Its core business centers on automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), materials handling technologies, and comprehensive intralogistics services, emphasizing , scalability, and lifecycle management for storage . As a , Kardex Holding AG coordinates the strategic direction and synergies among its subsidiaries, focusing on in automated warehousing without direct involvement in day-to-day production. In 2024, the group achieved net revenues of €791.2 million, reflecting robust demand for its solutions amid growing needs. This figure breaks down by key segments as follows: Kardex Remstar at €557.1 million, driven by dynamic storage systems; Kardex Mlog at €104.2 million, focused on integrated materials handling; and Kardex AS Solutions at €130.4 million, specializing in scalable .

Financials and Market Position

Kardex Group's consolidated net demonstrated robust growth from 2020 to 2024, fueled by rising demand for intralogistics solutions amid global optimizations. increased from €412.9 million in 2020 to €455.5 million in 2021 (a 10.3% rise), €565.6 million in 2022 (24.2% growth), €702.9 million in 2023 (24.3% increase), and €791.2 million in 2024 (12.6% growth). This trajectory underscores the company's ability to capitalize on market expansion in automated storage technologies. In 2024, profitability remained strong, with EBITDA reaching €112.1 million (a 14.2% margin) and EBIT hitting a record €98.4 million (up 14.6% year-over-year), while of €80.7 million. These metrics highlight efficient operations and margin expansion despite inflationary pressures in the sector. In the first half of 2025, the company reported net revenues of €415.7 million, a 12.4% increase from the prior year, with an EBITDA margin of 13.0%. Kardex Holding AG trades on the under the ticker KARN.SW, with shares posting a 24.29% gain in 2024. The company's stood at CHF 2.09 billion by December 2024, reflecting investor confidence in its growth prospects within the capital goods sector. As a market leader in automated storage and retrieval systems, Kardex Group commands a strong position in the global intralogistics landscape, particularly for unit-load and small-parts handling solutions. Its emphasis on initiatives, including energy-efficient designs with standby modes and optimized power usage, aligns with industry shifts toward greener operations and helps reduce clients' carbon footprints. Key competitive advantages include tailored customization for high-bay warehouses, supporting storage heights up to 50 meters for maximal space efficiency, and advanced integration with Industry 4.0 technologies like IoT-enabled controls for real-time material flow optimization. These capabilities enable Kardex to deliver scalable, high-performance systems that enhance throughput in diverse industrial settings.

Historical Development

Early Innovations and Separate Entities (1898–1925)

The Rand Ledger Company was founded in 1898 by James H. Rand Sr., a former bank cashier from , who developed the Visible Ledger system to address inefficiencies in traditional record-keeping. This innovation utilized dividers, file tabs, and labels to make key account details immediately visible without removing files, significantly speeding up access for businesses handling large volumes of financial data. The company operated as a primary supplier of loose-leaf ledgers and related office equipment, establishing a foundation for mechanized filing solutions in the pre-computer era. In 1915, James H. Rand Jr., Rand Sr.'s son, independently established the American Kardex Company in Herkimer, New York, after borrowing $10,000 to launch his venture, capitalizing on his ideas for advanced index systems amid tensions with his father's firm. Rand Jr. invented the Kardex system that year, a card-based filing method featuring standardized index cards with visible record areas for quick updates and retrieval, tailored for dynamic business records like customer accounts and orders. American Kardex specialized in these card index systems, rapidly expanding production of steel cabinets and accessories, and within five years, it had grown into one of the leading suppliers of office filing equipment in the United States. Key innovations from these entities included rotary card files, such as the Cardex No. 257 model produced by American Kardex, which allowed rotating access to cards in a compact, cylindrical format for enhanced efficiency in consulting records without linear searching. These systems transformed office workflows by reducing retrieval times from minutes to seconds, enabling better management of accounting ledgers and inventory tracking in an era dominated by manual processes. Early adoption was widespread among U.S. businesses, particularly in banking, , and retail sectors, where the Visible Ledger and Kardex facilitated precise and financial oversight, laying groundwork for scalable record management before digital alternatives emerged.

Mergers and Corporate Evolution (1925–1978)

In 1925, the Rand Kardex Company, formed by the merger of American Kardex and Rand Ledger, combined with Library Bureau to create the Rand Kardex Bureau, Inc., establishing a leading provider of centralized filing and office supply services across the and internationally. This entity was acquired in 1927 through a merger with the , resulting in the formation of , Inc., which broadened its scope into comprehensive office equipment manufacturing, including , filing systems, and accounting machines. Under Remington Rand from 1927 to 1955, significant advancements occurred in and storage technologies, notably the integration of Powers Accounting Machine Company's punched-card tabulating systems acquired during the merger, which enabled early mechanized data handling for business applications. The company further expanded into computing by acquiring the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation in 1950, leading to the development and delivery of the , the first commercial electronic digital computer for business use, to the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951. In 1955, merged with the , a leader in and guidance systems, to form Sperry Rand Corporation, which shifted emphasis toward defense technologies, advanced , and integrated storage solutions while retaining the brand for office products. During the and under Sperry Rand, Kardex products evolved from manual filing cabinets to powered vertical , exemplified by the introduction of the Lektriever in the early , an electromechanical system that automated by rotating shelves to an operator's workstation, enhancing efficiency in office and industrial storage. Complementary innovations like the Kardveyer horizontal further supported early automated retrieval processes, integrating with emerging systems for management. By 1978, as Sperry Rand sought to focus exclusively on computing and defense, it divested its office equipment division, including the Remington Rand Systems unit, through a sale to Aarque Management Corporation, which reorganized it as the independent Kardex Systems, Inc., based in .

Revival and Group Formation (1978–present)

In 1978, the Kardex division was spun off from Sperry Rand Corporation to form Kardex Systems Inc., an independent US-based entity specializing in vertical storage solutions for efficient inventory management. This revival marked a shift from the conglomerate structure of the previous era, allowing focused development of automated storage technologies. Meanwhile, in , Kardex AG was established around 1977 as a separate company developing intralogistics solutions. Kardex Systems Inc. (US) operated independently through the and , pursuing growth in automated storage systems for applications, including shuttle-based retrieval technologies that enhanced scalability and speed in . Separately, Swiss-based Kardex Holding AG went public in 1989 on the , enabling expanded investment in intralogistics. A pivotal restructuring occurred in 2008 with the formation of the Kardex Group, when Zurich-based Kardex AG acquired the assets of US-based Kardex Systems Inc., consolidating operations under a holding structure to streamline global activities and foster synergies across storage and logistics segments. This integration created a more agile organization dedicated to intralogistics, with headquarters in Zurich. Post-2008, the Kardex Group expanded strategically through acquisitions and partnerships. In 2010, it acquired MLOG, a German provider of integrated systems, bolstering its automated picking and sorting capabilities. In 2020, Kardex took a minority stake in Rocket Solution , a software firm specializing in , to enhance digital integration. The following year, 2021, saw a global partnership with AutoStore for cube-based storage systems and the opening of a new manufacturing facility in , to meet North American demand. As of 2025, the Kardex Group continues emphasizing digital intralogistics solutions, adapting to global challenges through AI-driven and sustainable practices, while maintaining its focus on high-density storage innovations, with reported positive financial momentum including an EBITDA margin of 13.0% for the first half of 2025.

Business Segments

Kardex Remstar

Kardex Remstar serves as the core arm of the Kardex Group, specializing in the development, production, and maintenance of dynamic automated storage and retrieval systems, including vertical buffer modules (VBMs) and horizontal carousels. This division focuses on hardware solutions that optimize utilization and in intralogistics environments. In 2024, Kardex Remstar generated net revenues of €557.1 million, marking a 5.0% increase from the previous year and representing a record high driven by its expanding installed base. In the first half of 2025, net revenues reached €283.0 million, up 6.5% from H1 2024. As of 2024, the division employed approximately 2,100 people worldwide and operates manufacturing facilities in (including sites in and ), the (such as in ), and maintains a presence in through production support and assembly operations. In January 2025, Jens Hardenacke became CEO of Kardex Remstar following the retirement of Urs Siegenthaler. Key products include the Power File, a vertical designed for secure document and file storage; the Shuttle XP vertical lift module (VLM), which provides high-density storage for small to medium-sized parts by delivering trays directly to the operator; and the Megamat RS rotary , a space-efficient system based on a for quick access to . These systems emphasize vertical utilization to minimize floor footprint while maximizing storage capacity. Kardex Remstar's solutions find applications across industries such as , pharmaceuticals, and , where they support efficient order picking, kitting, and management by reducing search times and improving . For instance, in pharmaceutical settings, the systems ensure secure, compliant storage and rapid retrieval of components, while in , they facilitate high-volume picking to meet fulfillment demands. Innovations within Kardex Remstar include integrated software solutions like Power Pick, which enable real-time tracking, optimized picking sequences, and connectivity with enterprise systems for seamless flow. Additionally, designs incorporate energy-efficient features, such as LED and low-power drives, to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. The division supports a global service network spanning over 30 countries, offering customization options like modular configurations and load capacities up to 630 kg per tray for tailored high-density storage solutions.

Kardex Mlog

Kardex Mlog, a division of the Kardex Group specializing in integrated material flow systems and software for warehouse automation, was acquired by Kardex Holding AG in April 2010. Headquartered in Neuenstadt am Kocher, , the company employs approximately 375 people and generated €104 million in revenue for the 2024 financial year. In the first half of 2025, net revenues were €54.6 million, up 4.8% from H1 2024. In July 2025, Winnie Ahrens was nominated as Co-Head of Kardex Mlog, with a by the end of 2025. Its operations emphasize automated high-bay warehouses and conveyor systems designed to optimize storage density and throughput in demanding intralogistics environments. The core offerings of Kardex Mlog include advanced software solutions such as the Kardex Control Center, a modular (WMS) that streamlines material flow, inventory tracking, and order processing. This system integrates with tools like PowerPick for efficient , enabling real-time optimization of picking and sorting tasks. Additionally, Kardex Mlog provides automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that support seamless transport within warehouses, enhancing connectivity between storage, picking, and dispatch areas. Kardex Mlog's solutions focus on intralogistics optimization, featuring ergonomic picking stations and sort-to-light technologies that guide operators with visual cues to reduce errors and accelerate fulfillment. These components are engineered for high-bay warehouse applications, where conveyor systems handle movements at rates up to 400 per hour, ensuring reliable for growing operations. In practical applications, Kardex Mlog has delivered throughput improvements in sectors like automotive and retail; for instance, its high-bay and conveying systems for , a global supplier of automotive fasteners, enabled efficient handling of diverse part sizes while maintaining operational continuity during upgrades. Similarly, in retail, the installation for Dan Cake Polonia, a bakery products distributor, incorporated automated high-bay storage and conveyors to boost capacity and support seasonal demand fluctuations. A key strength of Kardex Mlog lies in its modular and scalable systems, which are designed for easy integration with () software, allowing clients to achieve end-to-end visibility and adaptability without major overhauls. This approach aligns with broader Kardex Group goals of advancing in efficiency.

Kardex AS Solutions

Kardex AS Solutions was launched in early as a dedicated business unit specializing in the distribution and integration of AutoStore's cube-based automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). This establishment aligned with Kardex Holding AG's global agreement with AutoStore AS, designating Kardex as a worldwide and certified system for these solutions. The unit focuses on delivering high-density storage configurations that optimize space utilization and efficiency in intralogistics environments. The core products offered by Kardex AS Solutions consist of AutoStore's modular dense storage cubes, which feature a grid structure populated with bins accessed by autonomous robots for rapid retrieval. These systems are integrated with Kardex's for enhanced control, monitoring, and optimization of picking operations, drawing on complementary enhancements from the Kardex Mlog segment for broader integration. In 2024, the unit generated net revenues of €130.4 million, reflecting a 120.6% increase from the previous year and underscoring its rapid growth as a key contributor to the group's diversification into standardized solutions. In the first half of 2025, net revenues were €78.7 million, up 51.6% from H1 2024. Operating globally, Kardex AS Solutions provides comprehensive services including system design, installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term performance. These solutions find primary applications in sectors demanding ultra-high-density storage and fast throughput, such as fulfillment centers where space constraints and high order volumes prevail, and logistics for temperature-controlled picking of perishable goods. The AutoStore cubes enable up to four times greater storage density compared to traditional , with robots navigating the grid to deliver bins directly to ergonomic workstations, minimizing travel time and ergonomic strain for operators. To support U.S. operations, the unit leverages the 2021 opening of Kardex's manufacturing facility in , facilitating localized assembly, testing, and deployment of integrated systems. By mid-2025, Kardex AS Solutions had reached a of 100 installed AutoStore sites worldwide, demonstrating its established role in scalable, robotic-driven intralogistics.

Key Innovations and Partnerships

Landmark Products and Technologies

The Kardex Group's product evolution began with the invention of the in , developed by James Rand Jr. as a innovative filing solution for organizing records in steel cabinets, which revolutionized office storage by enabling visible indexing and quick access to information. This manual system laid the foundation for Kardex's focus on efficient document management, quickly becoming a standard in business and medical record-keeping. By the 1950s, Kardex transitioned from manual card indexes to powered vertical carousels, introducing mechanized rotation to bring stored items directly to the operator and significantly improving retrieval speed in industrial settings. These early automated carousels marked a pivotal shift toward vertical space utilization, reducing the need for extensive while handling diverse like parts and files. In 1957, under Sperry Rand, Kardex advanced this technology with the Lektriever system, a motorized vertical designed for automated file access that could store the equivalent of multiple filing cabinets in a compact unit, enhancing in offices and warehouses. The Lektriever's software-controlled operation allowed for networked integration, setting precedents for modern automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). The introduction of Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) in the 2000s, exemplified by the Shuttle XP launched around 2001, represented a major leap in ergonomic design and capacity, with an inserter/extractor delivering trays to an optimal picking height and supporting loads up to several tons per unit through modular configurations. This goods-to-person principle minimized operator movement, boosting efficiency in and distribution environments. From the onward, Kardex expanded into high-bay warehouse technologies, including pallet shuttles like the MMove wireless system introduced in 2014, which enables dense, multi-level storage of heavy loads in automated high-bay racking for scalable intralogistics. These systems facilitate high-throughput handling in vertical structures, optimizing space for large-scale operations such as fulfillment. Contemporary innovations integrate IoT into Kardex systems for , as seen in the Kardex Connect platform, which uses real-time sensor data to monitor equipment health, anticipate failures, and ensure high uptime through remote diagnostics. This connectivity reduces unplanned downtime and extends system longevity in dynamic warehouse settings. Overall, these landmark technologies have delivered substantial efficiency gains, such as up to 85-90% reductions in required floor space for automated storage setups, allowing businesses to maximize vertical capacity while cutting labor and operational costs.

Strategic Acquisitions and Collaborations

Kardex Group's strategic growth has been significantly driven by targeted acquisitions that enhanced its technological capabilities and market reach. In 2010, Kardex AG acquired , a German company specializing in software solutions for and intralogistics, to bolster its expertise in automated storage and retrieval systems. This acquisition integrated MLOG's software prowess into the Kardex portfolio, enabling more sophisticated control systems for high-bay warehouses and contributing to the formation of the . Building on this foundation, the 2008 consolidation under Kardex AG included the acquisition of assets from Kardex Systems Inc., a U.S.-based entity tracing its roots to the historical Sperry Rand operations in automated filing and storage. This move unified fragmented remnants of the legacy business, streamlining global operations and rebranding under the Kardex umbrella to focus on modern intralogistics solutions. Earlier milestones, such as the company's on the in 1989, provided the financial platform for subsequent expansions by establishing Kardex as a publicly traded entity with broader access to capital markets. More recent investments have targeted in picking and . In 2020, Kardex Holding AG acquired a 26.47% minority stake in Rocket Solution , a Munich-based startup developing innovative, standardized shuttle-based picking systems for and . This positioned Kardex to leverage Rocket Solution's advancements in high-speed , facilitating entry into robotics-driven intralogistics without full operational integration. A pivotal collaboration came in 2021, when Kardex Holding AG entered a global partnership with AutoStore AS, granting exclusive distribution rights for the Norwegian firm's cube-based automated storage and retrieval systems. This agreement also encompasses co-development opportunities, allowing Kardex to integrate AutoStore's high-density storage into its offerings and expand into new vertical markets like e-fulfillment. In September 2025, Kardex AS Solutions reached a milestone with the 100th AutoStore installation. These strategic moves have collectively expanded Kardex's portfolio into digital logistics software and , enhancing and enabling in automated picking technologies across and . For instance, the AutoStore partnership has driven revenue growth in automated solutions, with over 100 installations achieved as of September 2025, underscoring the business impact of these alliances.

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  36. https://www.southwestsolutions.com/image/business-image/automated-filing-carousel-images/kardex-lektriever-file-storage-machines-remstar-electric-filing-cabinet-images/
  37. https://www.kardex.com/en-us/products/vertical-lift-module/kardex-shuttle
  38. https://www.kardex.com/en-us/products/carousel/kardex-megamat
  39. https://www.kardex.com/en-us/products
  40. https://www.kardex.com/en-us/products/software/power-pick-software
  41. https://www.kardex.com/en/company/news/kardex-mlog-constructs-shuttle-warehouse-for-fischer-elektronik
  42. https://www.kardex.com/en/company/news/kardex-mlog-builds-a-42-meter-tall-high-bay-warehouse-for-rhw-logistik
  43. https://www.kardex.com/en-gb/products/software/kardex-control-center
  44. https://www.directindustry.com/prod/kardex/product-37211-942663.html
  45. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kardex_what-our-customers-say-activity-7378710015710396417-n551
  46. https://www.kardex.com/en-us/blog/pick-to-light-technologies
  47. https://www.kardex.com/en/company/news/high-bay-warehouse-dachser-takes-the-automation-highway
  48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF96yBJxryc
  49. https://www.forkliftrevolution.net/dan-cake-polonia-warehouse/
  50. https://www.kardex.com/en-us/products/interface/kardex-drive
  51. https://www.kardex.com/en/company/news/kardex-holding-ag-kardex-becomes-a-partner-of-autostore
  52. https://www.kardex.com/en/company/news/kardex-as-solutions-reaches-milestone-of-100-autostore-sites
  53. https://www.kardex.com/hubfs/SN_Investor%2520Handbook_V7.0_09.09.24_final.pdf
  54. https://www.kardex.com/en-us/products/autostore/autostore-system
  55. https://www.linpic.com/knowledgebase1/a-brief-history-of-kardex-shuttles-and-carousels/
  56. https://www.kardex.com/en-us/blog/vertical-vs-horizontal-carousels
  57. https://bscstoragesolutions.com/kardex-and-hanel-storage-solutions-history/
  58. https://s3.amazonaws.com/Icarus/DOCUMENTS/KardexRemstar_Manuals_1281.pdf
  59. https://www.kardex.com/en/company/news/a-pioneer-reaches-100
  60. https://www.kardex.com/en/company/news/boosting-machine-uptime-and-service-efficiency-with-the-upgraded-kardex-connect
  61. https://www.klexu.com/blog/Pay-Per-Use-automation
  62. https://www.raymondhc.com/optimization/automated-storage-and-retrieval-systems
  63. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPehFv0RaUA
  64. https://mergr.com/kardex-ag-acquires-mlog-logistics
  65. https://www.kardex.com/en/company/news/kardex-holding-ag-kardex-acquires-shares-in-technology-start-up-rocket-solution
  66. https://www.autostoresystem.com/news/autostore-announces-the-addition-of-kardex-holding-ag-to-its-global-partner-network
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