With its acquisition of Blesco Inc., viastore systems has its material handling bases covered. Automated storage and retrieval systems are viastore's best-known products, and the company has installations worldwide. Blesco is a systems integrator and software developer that is known for its cranes and robotic pallet-handling solutions. As of Jan. 1, Blesco is operating under the viastore systems name.

The two companies had often worked together on projects in North America and found that their products, knowledge, and skill sets were complementary, said executives at a press conference. Among their largest joint projects was an automated manufacturing facility for Lockheed-Martin, where the partners provided and integrated software and material handling automation, including a mini-load system and automated conveyors.