Automated material handling solutions providersIntelligrated, Mason, Ohio, andSwisslog Holding AG, Buchs, Switzerland, said they formed a strategic alliance in North America to serve food, beverage and retail markets.

Swisslog has a North American sales office in Newport News, Va. Officials said the venture means Swisslog warehouse automation products will be available alongside Intelligrated's U.S.-manufactured technologies and regional network. 

The new venture's products include Swisslog's Vectura pallet AS/RS, Tornado Miniload AS/RS, ProMove pallet conveyors, AutoStore goods-to-person piece picking and storage solution and WarehouseManager™ and AutomationManager™ software. Intelligrated will offer IntelliSort® sortation systems, Alvey® palletizers and robotics, Real Time Solutions® order fulfillment systems, case conveyor products, BOSS® controls and the InControlWare® software suite.

"Our joint efforts will provide customers with both proven and innovative solutions designed and implemented in a rapid, cost-effective manner," said Jim McKnight, Intelligrated's senior vice president, system sales and marketing.

"This partnership will extend the reach and depth of our solutions focus for clients, especially in the food, beverage and retail markets by combining key strengths of both organizations," added Markus Schmidt, senior vice president, Swisslog North America.