DiFACTO Robotics and Automation Pvt. Ltd. stated that it has expanded its range of robotics and manufacturing automation solutions by acquiring the intellectual property rights for RoboFinish operations from Grind Master. 

Technologies for robotic grinding, finishing, deburring, and machining applications that have been developed over 14 years are involved in the transaction.

For forty years, Grind Master, a company established in Aurangabad and founded by Milind and Mohini Kelkar, has provided metal-finishing solutions to the general engineering and automotive industries.

With more than 150 RoboFinish systems deployed globally and more than 30 patents, the company has established a competitive edge against European and Japanese industry leaders.

Founded in 2007 by Ajay Gopalswamy, Yogesh Kumar, and Anil Satapathy, DiFACTO has a sales and service center in Gurugram in addition to manufacturing facilities in Bangalore and Pune. The company provides services to a variety of industries, such as consumer products, automotive, foundry, machine tools, transportation, and electrical machinery. Via a Michigan-based wholly owned subsidiary, DiFACTO continues to operate in North America.

With the support of StakeBoat Capital, which contributed to the company's first round of funding in June 2024, the acquisition enhances DiFACTO's position in robotic automation systems. Singhi Advisors, the consultancy firm, mediated the transaction.

 

"We pioneered breakthrough developments in robotic grinding and finishing operations, leveraging our profound domain knowledge," says Sameer Kelkar, CEO of Grind Master and developer of RoboFinish technologies. "We have successfully delivered over 150 RoboFinish solutions worldwide. We are confident that DiFACTO, a specialist in robotics and automation, will develop these technologies further and take them to a wider spectrum of customers."

Ajay Gopalaswamy, Founder and CEO of DiFACTO, emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition. "We are constantly seeking cutting-edge and globally competitive technologies," he states. "The RoboFinish portfolio presents significant synergies with our existing offerings, strengthening our position in the market. DiFACTO will continue to support RoboFinish's existing users through its customer-focused engineering team."

Srinivas Baratam, Managing Director of StakeBoat Capital, highlighted the acquisition's role in DiFACTO's expansion strategy. "DiFACTO is a leading robotic automation solutions provider to Indian manufacturers across industry segments, and plans to aggressively expand into global markets," he noted. "Acquisition of RoboFinish technologies bolsters our solution offerings and further expands our global footprint."

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As a result of Grind Master's consistent research and development efforts in manufacturing automation, the RoboFinish business includes robotic systems for surface finishing applications. While continuing to service current RoboFinish users, DiFACTO intends to include these features with its current automation solutions.