American online retail giant Amazon

“With its expertise in engineering, robotics and machinery, we will be able to deploy new solutions more quickly at our sites to improve the working conditions of our employees and help reduce our waste,” Amazon said in a statement. “The company will also strengthen Amazon Global Robotics’ presence in Europe. Last year we opened a research laboratory in Italy,” the group said.

With around 200 partners, Cloostermans isn’t just a tech company; its machinery manufacturing operations dating back to 1884. A family business based in Hamme, it offers automated solutions for milling, turning, drilling, waterjet cutting and 3D printing, as well as automated assembly and preparation lines.