Kaufman Engineered Systems History
Unparalleled Expertise for Over 80 Years
1946
Founded by Larry L. Kaufman Sr., who pioneered the design and construction of industrial process heating equipment: parts washers, heat furnaces, and painting systems
1960s
Entered the poly film unitizing field by becoming the leading manufacturer of shrink wrap systems in the US and Canada
1970s
Entered infant stretch wrap market by building rotary table and rotary arm stretch wrappers
1980s
Continued refinement and fortified position as primary product line of stretch wrap equipment. Organized focus on providing end-of-line solutions and systems
Early 1990s
Continued development of automation equipment to support stretch wrap systems, including pallet handling, conveyors, pallet transfer conveyors, transfer cars, dual load stackers, pallet-to-slip-sheet transfer systems, pallet dispensers, top and bottom corrugated sheet dispensers, poly sheet dispensers, low-level palletizers and gantry stackers
1995
Constructed a new, 60,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility
Larry L. Kaufman, Sr., whose dedication and vision laid the foundation for Kaufman Engineered Systems in 1946.
Photographed in 1984
Late 1990s
Development of robotic palletizers and case conveyor systems. KES entered an agreement with FANUC Robotics to be a distribution partner
2000s
Became an Authorized Systems Integrator for FANUC Robotics; developed an increased depth in robotic offerings, including introduction of industry leading robotic bulk palletizing systems; expanded production capacity with acquisition of 30,000 sq. ft. facility in Fremont, Ohio
2010-2015
Continued expansion of FANUC robotic automation solutions with robotic case packers and robotic labelers; created a unique and dynamic competitive position in the marketplace as a manufacturer, FANUC robotic automation solutions and complete system integrator
A glimpse into the early days of Kaufman Engineered Systems and some of the people who helped shape its future.
2017
Purchased 30,000 sq. ft. facility in Bowling Green, OH, and moved Fremont operation to this site
2020-2024
Evolved into a complete OEM for robotic automation systems: picking, packing, palletizing, depalletizing, and stretch wrapping. Became a Level 5 FANUC Authorized System Integrator and expanded the building used for shipping, receiving, and inventory from 6,800 square feet to 14,000 square feet
2025-2026
Broke ground on a major 52,000 sq. ft. expansion at the Waterville, Ohio headquarters in April 2025. The project represents one of the most significant investments in the company’s history and reinforces Kaufman’s long-term commitment to engineering innovation, manufacturing excellence, and customer partnerships
Early rendering for the end results of the 52,000 sq. ft. expansion project.