To mark the anniversary, the barbecues were fired up: BBS Automation Chicago celebrated its 60th anniversary, which makes it one of the oldest companies in the entire Dürr Group. The US subsidiary of BBS can look back on an eventful history. Today, it is one of the most important production sites of the leading provider of automation solutions.
The current company, BBS Automation Chicago, was founded in 1965 under the name Cox Automation Devices and was based in Villa Park, Illinois. In the early days, the company primarily produced feeding bowls, but over the years it expanded its range of activities considerably. After relocating to the west of Chicago in 1974, Cox Automation continued to expand. In September 2005, Conzzeta AG acquired the company. Cox Automation thus became the North American subsidiary of the Swiss group’s automation unit, with sister companies in China and Malaysia.
In March 2010, the company was renamed Ixmation North America and relocated to Roselle, Illinois. Four years later, the next major change was imminent: In July 2014, BBS Automation, based in Munich, Germany, took over the company. In August 2016, BBS Automation Chicago moved to a new plant in the Chicago suburb of Bartlett. Since mid-2023, BBS and therefore also its subsidiary in the US have been part of the Dürr Group.
The current workforce of around 120 employees develops, designs, and manufactures assembly and testing technology systems for the medical technology and consumer goods market segments. Consulting services are also provided. Using equipment from BBS Chicago, injection systems and tubing sets, for example, are assembled and tested for functionality. The Consumer Goods unit provides automation systems for the production of disposable razors with plastic and metal components, among other things.
A barbecue was held for all employees to celebrate the anniversary. Dr. Jochen Weyrauch, CEO of the Dürr Group, congratulated the company on its 60th anniversary.
