Jungheinrich and Logisnext create new AGV company

Jungheinrich and Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas (Logisnext) are launching a joint venture that will be named Rocrich AGV Solutions (Rocrich).

The joint venture will build on their existing partnership and will offer proven mobile automation solutions for warehouses and production facilities in North America. Both partners will hold equal shares in the company which will be headquartered in Houston, Texas, with additional operations in Marengo, Illinois. It is expected to begin operations in the third quarter of 2023.

Logisnext and Jungheinrich have been collaborating for over 15 years in North America, including a joint venture company offering Jungheinrich AGV solutions – MCJ Supply Chain Solutions LLC (MCJ).

Brian Spradlin, currently president of MCJ with over 15 years of experience in the automation field, will continue his role in the expanded joint venture and serve as president of Rocrich.

“The combination will enable us to provide our customers and partners with fast and easy access to an industry-leading offering and position us for future market opportunities,” Spradlin said.

“We will combine the best people and products in the industry to scale our business. Our ambition is to become one of the leading players in the market and to shape the future of our industry.”

Rocrich will combine the AGV portfolios of Logisnext’s Rocla brand and that of Jungheinrich within the existing MCJ joint venture. This will provide customers and business partners with a single source for product and service solutions from both brands. 

Rocrich will build on these solutions with more products and services in the future, the companies said in a release.

The new entity will partner with more than 570 Logisnext dealer locations across North America. The dealer network is present throughout the U.S. and provides additional coverage in Canada and Mexico.

The launch of Rocrich commercial operations is subject to various regulatory authority approvals. The parties expect to complete these activities and commence commercial operations in the third quarter of 2023.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Logisnext has a portfolio of solutions across five brands – Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Cat lift trucks, Rocla AGV Solutions, UniCarriers Forklifts and Jungheinrich warehouse and automation products. All products are backed by an extensive dealer network offering industry-leading customer service and product support.

Jungheinrich has been operating for 70 years. Its global network comprises 11 production sites as well as service and sales companies in 42 countries.