With the new year around the corner, Gearbox and Pliant want the world to know that they have decided to continue as one. Both companies are household names in the horticulture sector and with their combined experience in vision software, AI algorithms, and robotics, they are the ideal match for developing high-tech solutions.

Gearbox, having a majority interest in the new venture, is taking a big leap forward by securing the knowledge on both operating software and vision technology even more strongly and broadly across the organisation. As Pliant adds over 20 years of experience in software development, Gearbox grows to more than 60 expert employees in high-tech automation.

“We are a great match, in expertise as well as company culture, and we are both passionate about developing smart robotics solutions for our clients. By continuing as one, we strengthen our market position and it allows us to help our clients better and faster,” says Simone Keijzer, CEO of Gearbox.

 

 

 

Founders Pliant & Gearbox f.l.t.r. Alex Heurkens, Walter Kleijweg, Simone Keijzer, Johan Kreeft

Extending the product portfolio for the horticulture sector

The products that Gearbox and Pliant provide for the fresh produce industry complement each other very well. Gearbox, for example, already offers various robotics solutions for quality control processes and the robotisation of growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Pliant, on the other hand, is highly experienced in using advanced software technology to upgrade existing sorting lines. As they can now combine their product portfolio, the company is in an excellent position to expand its growth on an international level.

Offshore solutions

With Pliant joining in, the client base now also includes the offshore sector. The specialist team working for Pliant Offshore realises 3D measuring solutions and control software for the international offshore and maritime market. Pliant Offshore equipment and software solutions assist with processes such as monitoring cables, monopiles, pipes, turbines, vessels and other structures during installation, inspection and maintenance. Such solutions not only make operations more efficient but also more cost-effective. The name Pliant Offshore remains and its team will continue to develop solutions for the offshore sector.

“The fact that we complement one another in expertise is quite unique. We’ve known each other for years and realised projects together before, so this next step only makes perfect sense,” says Alex Heurkens, Co-founder of Pliant.

Ready for the future

In any case, nothing will change for customers, they will keep their known contacts. Gearbox and Pliant Offshore will use each other’s expertise to increase quality even further. So what’s the goal for 2024? Simone and Alex are of one mind when it comes to their plans for the coming years. They’ll be working together on the ‘The Next Generation’ in both the Food & Flower sector and the Offshore market by supporting their clients with smarter and easier operating processes through vision software, AI, and robotics!