Dematic Rises From Rapistan

GRAND RAPIDS — It's not Rapistan, but it sure looks a lot like it.

The distribution and industry group of Siemens Logistics and Assembly Systems — the division created by the acquisition of the former Rapistan — has been spun off of the parent company as a new entity called Dematic.

"We're not going back to the Rapistan name, but it will look more like it from the company size and market standpoint," said Ken Ruehrdanz, manager of business strategy. "For strategic reasons we are being set up as a separate entity with its own identity."

Dematic, in its new role as the 70-year-old West Michigan company, is North America's largest supplier of automated materials handling systems and solutions. The company is in the midst of several new product launches, including the recently released C-L 100 package conveyor, the shoe-slat Flex Sorter, and a new logistics information technology Management Suite to complement its well-established Director Suite.

"Dematic Corp. will stay focused on innovation and customer service," said Prashant Ranade, president and CEO, in a press release.