Piab Group acquires Manut-LM to become the leader in lifting automation in France

Manut-LM is an almost 40-year-old French manufacturer of lifting equipment, mainly built on vacuum tube technology. The long manufacturing experience, coupled with the new factory that is only 2 years old, will be a great contribution to the division’s production capabilities. Manut-LM has a complementary product offering in the wood segment which can be extended to all TAWI sales partners.

Manut-LM will add significant value to Piab Lifting Automation’s turnover and make France the largest European market for the division.  Manut-LM’s owner and Managing Director Mr. Eric Gruau will also assume the responsibility for TAWI Levalair France. The ambition is to merge the two commercial teams and market the two brands in France. Manut-LM will maintain managing the existing export distributors.

The main rationale for the acquisition is to grow the business in France and in selective export markets. The increased commercial reach in France will strengthen Piab’s presence and leverage TAWI’s extensive product portfolio in major trade channels.

Thomas Bräutigam, President Piab Lifting Automation: “I am delighted to welcome a great company, brand and quality products to our division. Becoming the number one company in of the largest and fast-growing markets in the world is fantastic”.

Eric Gruau, Managing Director & Owner Manut-LM: “To combine the largest French vacuum lifting brand and the largest international brand with a much wider product portfolio is an opportunity I don’t want to miss. I believe this will secure a great future for our employees and business”.

Clas Gunneberg, CEO Piab Group: “This acquisition is a true breakthrough for Piab Lifting Automation in the French market, and I am welcoming all employees of Manut-LM to the Piab Group. Together we are all evolving automation through progressive gripping, lifting and moving solutions”.

For more information, please contact:

Thomas Bräutigam, thomas.brautigam@piab.com

About Piab

Piab is evolving automation through progressive gripping, lifting, and moving solutions since 1951. We believe in an automated world where no resources are wasted, and no humans are injured. With annual sales of more than 1.5 billion SEK, 700 employees, and presence in more than 100 countries, we help our customers improve their operations for the better daily. Since 2018, Piab is owned by Patricia Industries, part of Investor AB.

Evolving ourselves.

Evolving you.

Evolving automation.