KNAPP

Company Overview

KNAPP was founded in 1952 by Günter Knapp in Graz, Austria, initially as a locksmith shop before evolving into a pioneer in warehouse automation. The company has grown through innovation, becoming a global provider of intelligent automation solutions for intralogistics and manufacturing. As a family-owned business, KNAPP emphasizes stability and long-term partnerships, with its integrated management system certified in quality, occupational health, and information security.

With around 8,300 employees across 62 locations worldwide and a turnover of 1.98 billion euros in FY24/25, KNAPP holds a leading market position in logistics automation. The company's scale includes major investments in R&D, reaching 86.6 million euros in recent years, supporting developments in AI and robotics.

KNAPP's core value proposition is making complexity simple by providing end-to-end solutions that optimize value chains from production to point of sale. Key differentiators include a focus on human-technology interfaces, sustainable practices, and AI-powered technologies that address labor shortages and enhance efficiency.

Core Capabilities

Technology Solutions

KNAPP offers a wide array of logistics technologies, including automated storage systems like shuttles and the KNAPP-Store for single items, automated picking with Autopickers and intelligent robots, and sortation systems such as pocket sorters and split tray sorters. Transport solutions feature conveyors, overhead systems, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) like OpenShuttle for flexible material handling. Robotics include white robot arms for picking and palletizing, with AI integration for dynamic processes.

Software solutions encompass WMS, WES, WCS, and analytics tools for process optimization and sustainability. The approach focuses on modular, AI-driven systems that increase dynamics, ergonomics, and energy efficiency in warehouses.

Industry Expertise

KNAPP serves sectors including healthcare with compliant automation for pharmaceuticals, fashion/apparel for omnichannel fulfillment and returns, retail and e-commerce for high-volume operations, food & beverage with multi-temperature solutions, manufacturing for production logistics, and 3PL/logistics for wholesale distribution. Expertise includes cold storage for fresh goods and specialized achievements like fully automatic blister card production in healthcare.

Service Approach

KNAPP's service model covers the full lifecycle, from analysis and consulting to sales, design engineering, project management, production, installation, startup, training, maintenance, modernization, and spare parts support. The methodology involves collaborative planning and proactive support for reliability. The philosophy is partnership-based, with geographic coverage ensuring local responsiveness globally.

Competitive Advantages

• Innovation and AI Integration: KNAPP leverages AI in robotics and software to automate complex processes, addressing labor shortages with solutions like intelligent picking robots and self-driving fleets.
• Stability and Long-Term Partnerships: As a family-owned company, KNAPP focuses on trust-based relationships, delivering value for decades through reliable, future-proof systems.
• End-to-End Value Chain Solutions: Comprehensive offerings from distribution to point of sale simplify logistics, with modular technologies enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
• Global Scale and Expertise: With 62 locations and 8,300 employees, KNAPP provides localized support and expertise across diverse sectors.
• Human-Centered Automation: Emphasis on ergonomic designs and employee development creates attractive workplaces while optimizing operations.

Global Presence

KNAPP operates worldwide with headquarters in Hart bei Graz, Austria, and a network of 62 locations across Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The office network includes regional hubs like Kennesaw, USA, and production sites in Austria, ensuring comprehensive service coverage and regional capabilities for implementation and support.

Innovation & Technology

KNAPP invests significantly in R&D, with 86.6 million euros in recent years, focusing on AI, robotics, and sustainable automation. Emerging technologies include autonomous mobile robots for transport and intelligent software for value chains. The innovation philosophy balances innovation with stability, prioritizing human-technology interfaces and master trends like e-commerce growth. Recent advances feature the D3 system for healthcare and expansions in AI-driven logistics.

Typical Project Profile

Project Types:

• Automated distribution centers for omnichannel retail
• High-performance picking systems for e-commerce
• Multi-temperature automation for food retail
• Production logistics with AMRs for manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical fulfillment with blister card production Typical Timeline: Varies by project scope Implementation Approach: Collaborative from analysis and design through installation and ongoing support, focusing on integration and optimization.

Why Choose KNAPP

KNAPP delivers intelligent, AI-powered automation that simplifies complex supply chains, backed by decades of expertise and a commitment to sustainability. Customers benefit from end-to-end solutions and long-term partnerships that enhance efficiency and adaptability.

Related Technologies

• Unit Load AS/RS
• Mini-Load AS/RS
• Shuttle Systems
• AGV Unit Load
• Goods-to-Person Systems
• Cross-Belt Sorter
• Pallet Conveyors
• Box Conveyor Systems
• Robotic Palletizer
• WMS, WES, WCS

Related Projects

Projects featuring KNAPP solutions will be linked here as they are added to the database.

Research Notes:

• Information gathered from: https://www.knapp.com/en/, https://www.knapp.com/en/company/, https://www.knapp.com/en/solutions/technologies/, https://www.knapp.com/en/solutions/sectors/, https://www.knapp.com/en/insights/case-studies/, https://www.knapp.com/en/company/innovation/, https://www.knapp.com/en/contact/
• Logo URL verified: Yes
• Last updated: December 25, 2025
• Confidence level: High
• Any information gaps: Specific revenue for current year approximated; some pages 404 like services and locations, used alternatives and search.