Weiss-Aug announced this week that it has acquired material science and machine automation company Lupine Labs to form a new entity, Lupine Research.

Lupine Research will have two divisions: research and development, led by Alex Macpherson; and automation, led by John Francis.

The research and development division offers solutions in material science using a new, state-of-the-art R&D lab for technology development in metal sputtering, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and electroplating technologies. The automation division develops systems and AI for machine vision, focusing on reducing labor costs and improving product quality for manufacturers. Lupine Research’s new 7000 sq ft site in Boulder, Colo., will house the R&D lab along with expanded resources for automation development.

“This new entity further expands the Weiss-Aug Group’s capabilities into a forward-thinking, state-of-the-art contract manufacturer offering customers next-generation technologies combined with over 45 years of manufacturing excellence,” said Weiss-Aug executive VP Elisabeth Weissenrieder-Bennis in a news release. “We welcome Lupine Labs and their entire team into the group to help deliver the future of manufacturing solutions to our customers.”

“We are very eager to join the Weiss-Aug Group and believe their breadth of experience in manufacturing makes them an ideal partner to expand our expertise and help deliver on the future of material science and automation in the manufacturing world,” Macpherson said.

“We are excited about the vertical integration and how the collaboration with the group from research ideas through to a production solution will benefit our customers in the long run,” added Francis.