Kardex Group
Kardex is a global intralogistics solutions provider offering automated storage, material handling, order fulfilment systems, and life cycle services.
Last updated October 30, 2026
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Overview
Kardex Group is a Swiss-based provider of automated storage and retrieval systems, integrated material-handling equipment, small-parts storage technology, and automated high-bay warehouses. The group is headquartered in Zurich and operates through business units including Kardex Remstar, Kardex Mlog, and Kardex AS Solutions. Its customers are generally organizations that need to store, retrieve, sequence, pick, and manage inventory more efficiently across manufacturing, logistics, distribution, healthcare, retail, and other industrial or commercial environments. The Kardex name has a much older history than the present-day Swiss group. Its commercial roots reach back to 1898, when James H. Rand Sr. established the Rand Ledger Company in the United States to manufacture an improved visible filing system. The system used cards, dividers, tabs, and labels to make business information easier to organize and retrieve. James Rand Jr. later founded American Kardex in 1915. The Kardex name became strongly associated with index-card filing and record-management systems, including applications in healthcare. In 1925, American Kardex and Rand Ledger were combined as Rand Kardex, which subsequently became part of Remington Rand after a 1927 merger. Kardex continued as a division and brand through the Remington Rand and Sperry Rand eras, even as those larger corporations increasingly focused on office machines and computing. In 1978, Sperry Rand sold its filing-systems division as part of a strategic shift toward computing. The business was renamed Kardex Systems, preserving the established brand while returning it to independent ownership. Kardex Systems was later sold to RACK Enterprises and subsequently acquired by Remstar. The modern industrial-automation group was built around Kardex AG, founded in 1977, and Remstar, whose American operation dates from 1981. Kardex AG acquired Kardex Systems in 2008 and incorporated Kardex US into its existing Remstar operation in 2009. It then expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of MLOG Logistics GmbH in 2010. MLOG brought expertise in automated high-bay warehouses, storage and retrieval machines, conveyor technology, warehouse software, and turnkey material-handling projects. Kardex Remstar focuses primarily on automated storage and retrieval systems for small and medium-sized inventory. Its offerings include vertical lift modules, vertical carousel systems, horizontal carousel systems, software, and related service and support. Kardex Mlog develops and maintains integrated material-handling systems and automated high-bay warehouses, acting both as a systems integrator and a supplier of equipment and components. Kardex AS Solutions represents the group's AutoStore-related activities, supporting the planning, distribution, and installation of robotic goods-to-person systems for small parts. The group has also pursued newer robotic storage technologies. In 2020, Kardex acquired a stake in Rocket Solution GmbH, a German start-up developing standardized automated storage and retrieval systems using shuttle vehicles that move within storage racks. In 2025, Kardex acquired a controlling majority in Rocket Solution. Kardex also became a global AutoStore partner in 2021, broadening its participation in cube-based robotic storage and order-picking systems. Kardex has maintained an international operating structure, with subsidiaries and representative offices in more than 30 countries. Its manufacturing and engineering footprint includes facilities in Germany and the United States. In 2021, Kardex Remstar opened a factory in West Columbia, South Carolina, described as its first factory outside Germany. The group remains active in warehouse automation, with its business positioned around space utilization, labor productivity, inventory accuracy, throughput, software integration, and lifecycle service.
History
Kardex's history combines the development of office filing systems with the later growth of industrial warehouse automation. The earliest predecessor identified in the group's history is the Rand Ledger Company, founded in the United States in 1898 by James H. Rand Sr. Rand developed a visible-ledger system intended to improve on the inefficient card-filing practices used by clerks. The approach organized business information through standardized cards, dividers, tabs, and labels, making records easier to locate and update. James Rand Jr. joined his father's company after graduating from Harvard in 1908 and managed the business from 1910 to 1914. Following a disagreement over business matters, he left and established American Kardex in 1915. The new company grew rapidly and became a major American office-supply business. Its products were especially prominent in healthcare records, where the expression of entering information into a patient's record became associated with the Kardex name. American Kardex also developed a European presence, including manufacturing capacity in Germany. In 1925, American Kardex purchased Rand Ledger and formed Rand Kardex. The combined company expanded through acquisitions involving filing, indexing, office equipment, and library-storage businesses. In 1927, Rand Kardex merged with Remington Typewriter and became Remington Rand. Kardex remained a division and brand within the larger company. Remington Rand later entered computing through acquisitions including Eckert–Mauchly Computer Corporation and Engineering Research Associates, while continuing to maintain activities related to physical filing and information storage. Sperry Corporation acquired Remington Rand in 1955 and adopted the name Sperry Rand. Within Sperry Rand, the Remington Rand Systems division continued to provide filing systems, folders, physical data-storage products, and related handling equipment. In 1978, Sperry Rand decided to concentrate on computing and divested several divisions, including the business that became Kardex Systems. The new independent company used the Kardex name because of its established reputation in filing and storage systems. Kardex Systems was based in Marietta, Ohio, after its acquisition by Aarque Management Corporation. It was sold to RACK Enterprises in 2003, when Ronald Miller became president. A related European components business, Randex, was established separately and remained under Miller family control after Kardex Systems was later sold to Remstar. In parallel, Kardex AG had been established in 1977, and Remstar had operated in the United States since 1981. Kardex AG acquired Kardex Systems in 2008. In 2009, Kardex integrated Kardex US into its existing Remstar operation, creating a closer link between the historical Kardex brand and the group's modern automated-storage business. In 2010, Kardex acquired MLOG Logistics GmbH. MLOG traced its own industrial history to Erwin Mehne KG, a German steel-construction company founded in 1922. From the late 1960s, the business developed complete automated high-bay warehouses; after ownership changes involving MAN and a later management buyout, it became MLOG Logistics and was ultimately integrated into Kardex. The present group is organized around complementary warehouse-automation activities. Kardex Remstar supplies automated storage and retrieval systems for smaller inventory items and provides related software, service, and support through an international network. Kardex Mlog develops integrated material-handling systems and high-bay warehouses, including storage and retrieval machines, conveyor equipment, software, modernization, and maintenance. Kardex AS Solutions supports AutoStore systems for robotic small-parts storage and order picking. Kardex has continued to expand its technology portfolio through partnerships and investments. It took a stake in Rocket Solution in 2020 and obtained a controlling majority in 2025. Rocket Solution develops standardized systems using shuttle vehicles that move inside storage racks. Kardex also became a global AutoStore partner in 2021. Its manufacturing and operating footprint includes Germany and the United States, with a West Columbia, South Carolina factory opened in 2021. The group is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and operates internationally through subsidiaries and representative offices in more than 30 countries.
- 2025
Controlling majority acquired in Rocket Solution
[1]Kardex increased its Rocket Solution investment to a controlling majority.
- 2021
South Carolina factory opened
[1]Kardex Remstar opened a manufacturing site in West Columbia, South Carolina.
- 2021
Global AutoStore partnership
[1]Kardex became a global AutoStore partner for robotic storage and order-picking systems.
- 2020
Investment in Rocket Solution
[1]Kardex acquired a stake in Rocket Solution GmbH, a developer of shuttle-based automated storage technology.
- 2010
MLOG Logistics integrated
[1]Kardex acquired MLOG Logistics GmbH and added automated high-bay warehouse and material-handling capabilities.
- 2008
Kardex Systems acquired
[1]Kardex AG acquired Kardex Systems, bringing the historical brand operation into the Swiss group.
- 1989
Kardex Holding AG listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange
[1]The Swiss holding company became publicly listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
- 1978
Kardex Systems became independent
[1]Sperry Rand sold its filing-systems division, which was renamed Kardex Systems.
- 1977
Kardex AG founded
[1]The corporate predecessor of the modern Swiss Kardex group was established.
- 1955
Sperry acquired Remington Rand
[1]Remington Rand became part of Sperry Rand, while Kardex-related filing operations continued within the group.
Products and positioning
Industrial warehouse automation and intralogistics systems, combining automated storage, retrieval, material handling, robotics, software, integration, and lifecycle service. A global intralogistics partner offering premium automated products, standardised systems, and life cycle services, with a focus on storage, retrieval, material handling, and order fulfilment. Industrial warehouse automation and intralogistics systems, combining automated storage, retrieval, material handling, robotics, software, integration, and lifecycle service; a global intralogistics partner offering premium automated products, standardised systems, and life cycle services focused on storage, retrieval, material handling, and order fulfilment.
Automated storage and retrieval
Kardex Remstar automated storage and retrieval systems
Kardex Remstar supplies automated systems for storing and retrieving small and medium-sized inventory. Its portfolio includes vertical lift modules, vertical and horizontal carousel systems, software, and associated service. These systems are designed to use building height efficiently, reduce unnecessary operator travel, improve inventory control, and support picking in manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, retail, and other environments.
Integrated material handling and intralogistics
Kardex Mlog high-bay warehouse systems
Kardex Mlog develops complete automated high-bay warehouses and integrated material-handling systems. Its capabilities include storage and retrieval machines, conveyor technology, warehouse software, modernization, and maintenance. The business can act as a general contractor or provide individual components, supporting projects from new installation through operational service.
Robotic goods-to-person storage
AutoStore solutions
Through Kardex AS Solutions, the group plans, distributes, and installs AutoStore systems for compact storage and automated order picking. AutoStore uses autonomous robots operating on a grid to retrieve bins and present them to system interfaces. Kardex's role includes solution design, project implementation, and support for customers requiring high-density small-parts storage. The website presents AutoStore as flexible, modular storage and order-fulfilment solutions, including a robotic cube system.
Shuttle-based automated storage and retrieval
Rocket Shuttle systems
Rocket Solution develops standardized automated storage and retrieval systems based on dynamic shuttle vehicles that travel within storage racks. The systems move containers or trays to interfaces for storage and retrieval, extending Kardex's offering into modular robotic warehouse automation. Kardex first acquired a stake in Rocket Solution in 2020 and obtained a controlling majority in 2025.
Automated storage and retrieval
Vertical Lift Module (VLM)
An enclosed, shelf-based system designed to increase storage capacity in a compact footprint.
Picking software for AutoStore
Intuitive Picking Assistant (IPA)
A picking assistant for AutoStore solutions that the website says is intended to maximise productivity and picking accuracy.
Automated small-parts storage
Kardex Miniload-in-a-Box
A solution the website describes as suitable when product availability and delivery speed are important.
Automated small-parts storage
Automated bin storage
A solution presented as supporting storage capacity and picking performance.
Brand decisions
2025
Acquire a controlling majority in Rocket SolutionM&ABackground
Kardex continued developing its presence in modular shuttle-based warehouse automation after its initial Rocket Solution investment.
Action taken
Kardex acquired a controlling majority in Rocket Solution.
Aftermath
Rocket Solution became more closely aligned with Kardex's group strategy and technology portfolio.
2021
Become a global AutoStore partnerStrategyBackground
Kardex expanded its participation in robotic goods-to-person systems for dense small-parts storage and order fulfillment.
Action taken
Kardex became a global AutoStore partner responsible for distribution, planning, and installation activities.
Aftermath
The partnership broadened Kardex's offering beyond conventional automated storage equipment into cube-based robotic fulfillment systems.
2020
Invest in Rocket SolutionM&ABackground
The investment gave Kardex exposure to a newer standardized shuttle technology for automated storage and retrieval.
Action taken
Kardex acquired a stake in Rocket Solution GmbH.
Aftermath
Rocket Solution technology became part of Kardex's broader automation portfolio, followed by a controlling investment in 2025.
2010
Acquire MLOG LogisticsM&ABackground
Kardex aimed to expand beyond smaller-item storage systems into integrated material handling and automated high-bay warehouses.
Action taken
Kardex acquired MLOG Logistics GmbH and integrated it as Kardex Mlog.
Aftermath
The group added turnkey warehouse engineering, storage and retrieval machines, conveyors, software, modernization, and service capabilities.
2008
Acquire Kardex SystemsM&ABackground
Kardex AG sought to reunite the historical Kardex filing-systems business with the Swiss group that was developing modern automated storage solutions.
Action taken
Kardex AG acquired Kardex Systems and brought the American brand operation into the group.
Aftermath
The acquisition strengthened the continuity of the Kardex name across office filing, physical storage, and warehouse-automation activities.
Recent events
Kardex launches PortScale for AutoStore in Australia and New Zealand[6]
Reported:
Kardex launched its PortScale precision weighing system for AutoStore installations in Australia and New Zealand, its 10th proprietary addition to the AutoStore system. PortScale is built into the AutoStore port and uses multiple weight sensors to measure bin weight in real time, supporting automated item-count verification via ScaleManager software.
Sources7 sources
- 1Kardex Groupen.wikipedia.org
- 2Kardex — The Home of ASRS & Innovative Warehouse Solutionskardex.com
- 3Corporate Profilekardex.com
- 4Kardex Locationskardex.com
- 5Get in touchkardex.com
- 6Kardex在澳大利亚和新西兰为AutoStore推出PortScaleecommercenews.com.au
- 7Kardex launches PortScale weighing system in New Zealandchannellife.co.nz
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