Pharmaceutical traceability and supply chain solutions provider OPTEL Group has announced the acquisition of Vanguard Robotics, an expert in end-of-line collaborative robot (cobot) automation.

In the United States, workforce challenges, including an ageing population and a shrinking pool of labour, are pushing manufacturers to adopt automation solutions that can deliver rapid ROI, often within 12 to 24 months. By integrating Vanguard's robotics technology, OPTEL is uniquely positioned to help pharmaceutical manufacturers address these labour constraints while enhancing profitability and operational efficiency, the company said in a statement.

Louis Roy, Founder and CEO of OPTEL, said, “This acquisition is a natural evolution of our longstanding collaboration. Combining Vanguard's expertise with our proven track-and-trace and vision systems allows us to deliver even greater value to our customers — improving line efficiency, mitigating labour constraints, and boosting profitability. It aligns perfectly with our mission to empower pharmaceutical manufacturers through innovative, integrated solutions that go beyond compliance.”

Founded in 2018, Vanguard Robotics has earned a strong reputation for its collaborative robotic systems designed specifically for regulated pharmaceutical environments. Its turnkey palletising solutions integrate seamlessly into existing lines, helping pharmaceutical companies increase efficiency and reduce labour dependency, all without disrupting operations.

Olivier Laboissionnière, Co-owner of Vanguard Robotics, remarked, “Joining forces with OPTEL allows us to scale our impact globally. Together, we're redefining automation in pharma with faster deployment, smarter integration, and a relentless focus on quality and compliance.”

OPTEL's commitment to continuous innovation drives strategic acquisitions that transform the industry. This acquisition expands OPTEL's automation capabilities beyond traditional vision and track-and-trace systems, positioning the company as a true turnkey manufacturing partner for the pharmaceutical sector.