The Success Story 1983 ASS (Automations Systeme Schwope) GmbH founded by Franz Schwope1984 Franz Schwope developed the Gripper Kit at a time when gripper systemswere still being designed and manufactured by costly processes and when the base framewas made of steel pipes1985 Development / patent: gripper fingers GFI1986 Launch: C profile for the Gripper Kit1990 Development and launch: X profile became standard for Grippers1998 SAS (Schwope Automation Systems) Inc. founded by Franz Schwope2002 SIC (Schwope Innovations Center) GmbH Developement Company founded2003 Optimization of the Gripper Kit2006 Production of complex gripper units using the laser sintering process2009 AGS (Automation Greifsysteme Schwope) GmbH formed by Franz und Marc Schwope 2010 Relocation to the new company building2011 Launch of the Gripper System PreciGrip2013 Introduction Customer Portal / ISO 90012014 Design IZS Intelligent Feeding System2015 Configuration Software CAD Grip 1.0 2016 Own laser sinter machine for manufacturing components in K-forming 2016 SCHUNK participates in gripper sytem specialist AGS 2017 Enlargement of the main building new office and production areas