We are excited to share news of recent developments at Franklin Automation. On September 27, 2021, after 31+ years of operating as a family business, the Kigyos family decided to sell a majority share of their ownership to the Neyret Group of France, also a family-owned business and truly one of the world’s premier suppliers of advanced automation systems. Specifically, Neyret Group is a highly successful supplier of high-speed Intermittent and Continuous Motion assembly and testing systems with two modern machine building operations in France, a sales office in China and now a third machine building operation in North America. The company works closely with many industries including medical devices and pharmaceuticals; it was due to the significant growth in these particular customer segments that made it imperative they find the right domestic partner to bolster their sales and service offerings in the region.

Going forward, Frank and his brother Kevin have both retained minority shares in Franklin and will continue managing its operations.  Furthermore, they will participate in all corporate decision making at the Board level.  This is a significant development for Franklin Automation as it continues offering the personal service and price points of a smaller automation house yet providing the financial security and collaborative advanced engineering strength of a world class, multi-national automation group. As for the loyal customers in the broom, brush and mop industry, Franklin Automation will continue as usual, its representation of the Wohler, Roth and Giori companies in the U.S. and Canada.

We invite you to visit Neyret Group’s website where you can learn more about the company and its culture for the development of advanced automation engineering solutions. There are a number of presentation videos on the site which provide an excellent illustration of the Neyret Group story.

Finally, we want to thank our valued Customers and Suppliers for your continued loyalty over the years. Without you this exciting opportunity would not have existed.