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Injection molding manufacturer Billion SAS of France and Sepro Group, a French-based provider of robotics for the injection molding process, have formally agreed to work together to expand into new global markets. The companies want to strengthen cooperation already active in regions such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany and North Africa, and at plastics trade shows around the world.

Together, the two companies are introducing a complete plastics equipment package, including presses manufactured by Billion and robots made by Sepro, which will be sold under the Billion brand name.

Sepro’s proprietary Visual robot-control system will be integrated in Billion’s Dixit 3 injection- machine control, providing simple, intuitive programming of all machine functions. All robot operations, both inside and outside of the mold space, may be set up and controlled from the Dixit user interface on the molding machine.

“This partnership will allow us to respond to a group of processors who want to optimize their purchasing process,” said Korbinian Kiesl, Billion CEO. “More and more, these molders are interested in bundling so they can focus their negotiations on a reduced number of suppliers. It also allows us to provide a complete turnkey solution, not only where we are already active, but also in emerging markets and where there is growing interest in automation. This is particularly the case on the African continent.”

Sepro CEO Jean-Michel Renaudeau says the new cooperation is part of an overall strategy to provide customers with more choice. “We want to be in a position to equip any injection molding machine, new or existing, and no matter if the molder wants to buy the robot separately or as part of a complete equipment solution.”