CKF Systems

What CKF Systems does

CKF Systems Limited is a UK-based system integrator of robotic and industrial automation solutions, headquartered in Gloucester and operating from a single integrated design and manufacturing facility. Founded in 1988/1989, the company designs, manufactures, assembles, tests, installs, and commissions turnkey automation systems, with a primary focus on robotic palletising (robot, layer, and gantry), multi-axis and collaborative robots, conveyor systems, and intralogistics automation. Its underlying technology stack integrates third-party robotics and control platforms (ABB, Yaskawa, Rockwell Automation), licensed conveyor IP (Intralox ARB), and proprietary standard modules manufactured in-house, combined with vision inspection (ABB PickMaster 3, Neuro Check, IFM cameras) and safety systems (Pilz, Troax, ABB SafeMove).

The company monetises primarily through bespoke, project-based hardware sales of multi-million pound automation installations to enterprise manufacturers, supplemented by after-sales service contracts, spares, training, and a finance partnership with Academy Leasing. Its go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales targeting blue-chip customers across food & beverage (Mondelez, Nestle, Unilever, Mars Petcare, Muller, Warburtons, McVities, Weetabix, Barry Callebaut), logistics (Gardiner Bros, Laithwaites, Sunday Times Wine Club), automotive (Jaguar Land Rover, Lear), and select pharmaceutical and industrial accounts. Customer concentration is moderate, spread across 25+ named enterprise logos in 4–5 verticals, though project lumpiness implies anchor-account dependence. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is quoted per project based on specifications, complexity, and scope, with multi-year contract cadences typical.

Name

CKF Systems

Legal name

CKF Systems Limited

Website

https://ckf.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

CKF Systems is a UK-based system integrator designing and manufacturing turnkey robotic palletising, conveyor, and intralogistics automation solutions for enterprise manufacturers across food and beverage, logistics, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Systems

NAICS

Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Food Product Machinery Manufacturing (333241), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), End-of-Line Integration & Packaging Line Systems (IMAHAOAN), Instrumentation, Controls & Automation (DCS/PLC/SCADA, SIS, Metering) (EUAEAFAC)

Keywords

• Robotic palletising systems
• Industrial automation solutions
• Robotic system integration
• Conveyor automation systems
• Material handling automation

Headquarters

HQ city

Gloucester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Custom Automation System Sales: Design, manufacture, and installation of bespoke robotic and automation systems including palletising systems, robotic automation, conveyor systems, and integrated solutions. Revenue is project-based with multi-million pound installations for enterprise customers.
2. After-Sales Service and Support: Ongoing service contracts, maintenance, and technical support for installed automation systems, including spares and training services.
3. Finance Solutions Partnership: Partnership with Academy Leasing to offer equipment financing solutions for customers, enabling purchase of equipment with no capital expenditure.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CKF Systems designs, manufactures and commissions turnkey robotic and layer palletising systems, robotic automation cells, conveyor systems and intralogistics solutions for industrial manufacturers. Operating from a single Gloucester facility, the company acts as a system integrator combining in-house standard modules, bespoke gripper tooling, vision systems and OEM robotics from ABB, Yaskawa and others to deliver end-of-line packaging, case handling, pallet handling and warehouse automation projects for blue-chip customers.

Product overview

CKF Systems is a UK-based robotics and automation provider offering complete turnkey solutions from concept through to commissioning. The company operates as a system integrator with in-house design and manufacturing capabilities at their Gloucester facility. The product portfolio centres on robotic palletising systems (Robot Palletising, Layer Palletising, Gantry Palletising) supported by robot automation solutions (Multi-Axis Robots, Pick & Place Robots, Collaborative Robots, Robot System Upgrades). Industrial automation capabilities include bulk product handling, product sequencing, and automated logistics operations. The process and packaging offering covers product handling, packaging solutions, and sortation/accumulation systems. Integrated solutions encompass vision inspection, guarding and safety systems, and the full conveyor systems range including pallet, product, case, and special purpose conveyors. The company also offers the CKF Vertical Weigh Machine and Apollo Twister as specialised sub-products, plus the Qimarox Highrunner HR9 through their partnership programme.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Robot Palletising Systems Industrial robotic palletising systems for automated end-of-line palletising, including robot cell design, custom gripper/tooling development and integration with ABB and other robot brands. Targeted at manufacturing operations across food & beverage, logistics and other industrial sectors.
• Layer Palletising Systems Automated layer palletising systems using Qimarox product lifts and layer palletisers for high-throughput end-of-line palletising. Designed for manufacturing operations requiring centralised large-scale palletising across multiple lines.
• Gantry Palletising Systems X/Z axis overhead gantry systems for tin storage, pallet handling and high-bay stacking applications using Hepco Motion linear motion technology. Targeted at manufacturers requiring bulk storage and retrieval automation.
• Multi-Axis Robotic Systems Industrial multi-axis robotic systems including 4-axis palletising robots and 6-axis articulated arm robots for pick-and-place, case packing and palletising applications. Targeted at manufacturers seeking flexible robotic automation.
• Pick & Place Robots High-speed picking robots including ABB IRB360 FlexPicker for fragile food product handling at up to 400 picks per minute with vision-guided positioning via ABB PickMaster 3. Used in food and consumer goods manufacturing lines.
• Collaborative Robot Systems Collaborative robotic solutions including ABB SafeMove technology enabling safe robot operation alongside human workers without traditional safety fencing. Suited to manufacturers deploying human-robot collaborative cells.
• Bulk Product Handling Systems Systems for handling bulk materials including dry loose kibble transfer, hopper systems and divert chutes for food and pet food manufacturing applications. Targeted at manufacturers needing bulk ingredient and product transfer.
• Product Sequencing & Cassette Systems Product sequencing and cassette-based handling systems for managing product flow and buffering in production lines. Targeted at manufacturers needing controlled product flow between process stages.
• Automated Logistics Operations Systems End-to-end intralogistics automation including multi-floor conveyor systems, vertical spiral conveyors, sortation and recirculating carousel systems for warehouse fulfilment operations. Targeted at 3PLs, e-commerce and retailers.
• Product & Ingredients Handling Systems Hygienic product and ingredients handling systems including stainless steel conveyors, vibratory feeders and transfer equipment for food manufacturing operations. Targeted at food manufacturers requiring hygienic handling.
• Packaging Solutions Automated packaging systems including case packing, sack labelling, bag handling and packaging line integration solutions. Targeted at food, beverage and consumer goods manufacturers.
• Sortation, Accumulation & Distribution Systems Sortation systems using Flowsort diverter conveyors, zero pressure accumulation conveyors and distribution equipment for order fulfilment. Targeted at warehouse and distribution centre operators.
• Pallet Conveyors Powered and gravity roller pallet conveyors for pallet handling throughout palletising systems. Targeted at end-of-line and warehouse pallet handling operations.
• Product Conveyors Modular belt, flighted and incline belt conveyors for product transfer, including 24V zero-line pressure roller conveyors using Interroll DC platform. Targeted at manufacturers across food, beverage and industrial sectors.
• Case Conveyors Case handling conveyors including 24V modular roller conveyors, case twisters for 180-degree rotation, and merge systems using virtual pocket technology. Targeted at end-of-line case handling operations.
• Special Purpose Conveyor Applications Custom special purpose conveyor and handling applications designed for specific customer requirements. Targeted at manufacturers needing bespoke handling solutions outside standard product lines.
• Apollo Twister Inline Case Rotator Inline case rotating conveyor for 180-degree inversion of cases and loads at line speed without product damage, featuring two pairs of drive belts and safety enclosure. Targeted at packaging lines requiring case reorientation.
• CKF Vertical Weigh Machine Stainless steel vertical weighing system for case filling and product weighing, featuring Precia Molen load cells and multi-tier hopper system providing fill, buffer and weigh zones for confectionery and food packaging applications.
• Highrunner HR9 Containerised Logistics Palletiser Containerised palletising solution developed with Qimarox featuring automatic pattern creation for logistics and distribution applications. Targeted at manufacturers and logistics operations requiring containerised palletising.
• After-Sales Service & Support Ongoing service contracts, maintenance, spares and technical support for installed CKF automation systems, including training services. Targeted at existing CKF customers across all verticals.
• Installation & Commissioning On-site installation and commissioning service delivering completed CKF automation systems to operational status at customer sites. Targeted at enterprise manufacturers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Laithwaites Wine achieved 98% productivity improvement through logistics automation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers26 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability8 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• IntraloxcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 11 January 2022CKF has been awarded a licence to manufacture Intralox ARB (Active Roller Belt) technology in-house. This includes 90-degree transfers without pushers/pop-up systems and complex merge units. The licence recognises CKF's in-house expertise and offers flexibility in designing ARB-based solutions.
• ABBcoreTechnology or IntegrationABB Value Provider with over 13 years of partnership. CKF utilises ABB robotics including IRB 660 palletising robots and IRB 360 FlexPicker robots for high-speed picking applications. Partnership provides access to ABB's robotics technology and support infrastructure.
• InterrollcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership for conveyor technology. CKF uses Interroll's DC platform and motor rollers in their conveyor systems. The partnership enables CKF to offer 24V conveyor solutions with matched controls and power units.
• YaskawacoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partnership for robotics. CKF displays Yaskawa partnership logo indicating integration capabilities for Yaskawa robotics in their automation solutions.
• Rockwell AutomationcoreTechnology or IntegrationCKF is a Rockwell Automation Bronze Systems Integrator. CKF uses Allen Bradley platforms and GuardLogix safety controllers in their automation systems. The partnership enables access to Rockwell's industrial automation technology.
• QimaroxcoreTechnology or IntegrationCKF is the sole Silver Partner for Qimarox in the UK. Partnership focuses on Qimarox product lifts and layer palletisers integration, including the Highrunner HR9 Containerised Logistics Palletiser with automatic pattern creation.
• Automate UKminorOthersIndustry trade association membership (also includes PPMA, BARA, UKIVA). Provides industry representation and networking opportunities for CKF in the UK automation sector.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Dematic: Dematic is a global leader in intralogistics automation, providing conveyor, sortation, AS/RS, and palletising systems to retail, food & beverage, and manufacturing customers. Comparable to CKF's intralogistics offering, but at a substantially larger scale.
• Swisslog: Swisslog is a global intralogistics automation provider offering warehouse automation, palletising, conveyor, and robotic picking solutions to food retail, FMCG, and healthcare customers. Comparable in target verticals and product scope, but operates as a much larger incumbent.
• ABB Robotics (UK Systems Integrator network): ABB is CKF's primary robot supplier (13+ year Value Provider partnership) and operates a global network of Value Provider integrators. Comparable as a competing integration ecosystem targeting UK and EU food, beverage, and logistics customers.
• Vanderlande: Vanderlande is a large global integrator of warehouse automation, sortation, and palletising systems for food retail, parcel, and e-commerce customers. Overlaps with CKF's intralogistics and palletising business but operates at substantially greater scale and geographic breadth.
• TGW Logistics Group: TGW is an Austrian-headquartered integrator of highly automated warehouses and distribution centres. Comparable to CKF's Automated Logistics Operations offering, but operating as a much larger incumbent serving retail and FMCG customers across Europe.
• KUKA Systems UK: KUKA is a global robotics manufacturer and integrator with a UK systems integration presence. Comparable to CKF as a competing UK robotics integrator using tier-1 robot brands, though KUKA also competes by offering its own robot platforms.

Direct peers

• Brillopak: Brillopak is a UK-based robotic automation integrator focused on fresh produce and food end-of-line packaging and palletising. Directly comparable to CKF's fresh produce (e.g., Primafruit) and food palletising operations.
• Pacepacker Services: Pacepacker is a UK-based integrator of robotic and automated packaging and palletising systems for the food industry. Closely comparable to CKF in product scope (robotic case packing, palletising, end-of-line automation) and customer base (UK food manufacturers).
• System Logistics: System Logistics is an Italian-headquartered material handling and intralogistics automation integrator serving FMCG, food & beverage, and retail customers. Directly comparable to CKF in offering palletising, conveyor, and warehouse automation solutions to similar blue-chip European customers.

Others

• AMCO Engineering / Automation & Robotics Integrators (UK mid-market): Automate UK is the UK trade association for the automation sector, with member integrators of similar size and scope to CKF. Provides ecosystem context for comparable UK SME robotics and automation integrators competing for similar enterprise customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CKF Systems