Valor Material Handling partners with Rainbow Dynamics for RackBot goods-to-person robotics

Valor facility

A new alliance between the companies targets labor shortages and rising SKU counts with scalable, modular tote retrieval technology.Valor

Valor Material Handling has struck a strategic partnership with Rainbow Dynamics to add the RackBot goods-to-person system to its warehouse automation portfolio, the companies announced.

For plastics processors and packagers managing high SKU counts, fluctuating order volumes, and persistent labor shortages, the expanded partnership signals a growing trend toward modular, scalable robotics that can be deployed incrementally — without the capital risk of a full automation overhaul. As plastics supply chains increasingly rely on just-in-time fulfillment and e-commerce-driven distribution, warehouse automation choices like this one are becoming a competitive differentiator across the packaging and materials sector.

Valor built its reputation on person-to-goods automation, delivering material handling solutions that emphasize functionality, flexibility, rapid implementation, and predictable return on investment. Its patented Qliqflow platform exemplifies that philosophy, using standardized, modular technology that can be configured, adapted, and expanded as operational needs change.

Building on that foundation, Valor identified an opportunity to complement its existing offerings with a dedicated goods-to-person solution. Rather than developing a new robotic storage system from scratch, the company sought a technology partner whose products and engineering philosophy matched its own. That search led to Rainbow Dynamics and its RackBot technology.

Expanding from person-to-goods to goods-to-person automation

Valor's existing solutions focus on optimizing the internal flow of goods through modular conveyor systems, sorting technology, intelligent software, and integrated picking and packing processes. The Qliqflow platform is built on a straightforward principle: automate where it adds measurable value, avoid unnecessary complexity, and build systems around actual operational requirements.

Adding goods-to-person automation is a logical next step. By incorporating RackBot into its portfolio, Valor can now address a wider range of warehouse processes, including high-density storage, automated inventory retrieval, and delivery of goods directly to picking workstations — creating new opportunities to combine Valor's material handling expertise with robotic storage and retrieval technology.

A technology partnership

Valor's decision to work with Rainbow Dynamics was driven by more than RackBot's technical capabilities; the companies share a similar engineering philosophy. Both believe effective warehouse automation does not need to be complex or expensive — the best solution is one that meets operational requirements, can be implemented efficiently, and delivers a convincing business case.

That shared philosophy shows up in several key principles: straightforward engineering, modular system architecture, functional reliability, flexibility, and a clear focus on return on investment. RackBot's modular architecture, high-density storage capabilities, and direct tote retrieval align with Valor's approach to designing practical systems around customer requirements.

The right level of automation

A central element of Valor's engineering philosophy is striking the optimal balance between people, processes, and technology. Rather than maximizing automation for its own sake, Valor focuses on identifying where automation creates the greatest operational and financial benefit.

Modularity plays an essential role in that approach. By configuring a solution around current capacity requirements, customers can avoid unnecessary upfront investment. As order volumes, storage requirements, or picking demand increase, additional capacity can be introduced to support growth.

A natural next step for Valor

"Over the years, we have built our business around a very clear philosophy: warehouse automation should be functional, flexible, and financially attractive," said Gerby Maas, managing director of Valor. "Our Qliqflow system demonstrates what can be achieved with standardized, modular technology and straightforward engineering. It allows us to deliver solutions quickly, keep complexity under control, and provide customers with a clear return on investment.

"We wanted to extend that same approach into goods-to-person automation. Our objective was not simply to add another product, but to find a solution that genuinely fits the way we design and deliver projects," Maas continued. "With Rainbow Dynamics, we have found a partner that shares our thinking. RackBot gives us the opportunity to expand our offering while staying true to what makes Valor different: practical engineering, modularity, and a strong business case for the customer."

RackBot: Flexible technology

RackBot is a robotic storage and retrieval system designed to automate tote handling in warehouse environments. It combines high-density storage with direct access to individual totes, enabling goods to be retrieved and transported to picking workstations — reducing the need for operators to travel through storage aisles and allowing them to focus on value-adding tasks.

Its modular architecture offers flexibility in storage configuration, robot capacity, and workstation design, enabling solutions tailored to available warehouse space, inventory characteristics, and required throughput. For operations facing labor shortages, growing SKU ranges, limited storage space, or fluctuating order volumes, goods-to-person automation can offer an attractive alternative to conventional picking processes.

Valor plans to combine this technology with its expertise in material flow design, system integration, controls, and software to develop solutions suited to the broader warehouse operation.

Combining complementary strengths

The partnership unites Valor's experience in warehouse process optimization, material handling engineering, and system integration with Rainbow Dynamics' robotic storage and retrieval technology.

"Valor's approach to warehouse automation is closely aligned with our own," said Jaap Vos, general manager of UK and Europe operations at Rainbow Dynamics. "Both companies recognize the importance of modular, practical technology that delivers measurable operational benefits without unnecessary complexity.

"Through this partnership, we can combine RackBot's goods-to-person capabilities with Valor's expertise in material handling and system integration," Vos said. "This creates a strong proposition for customers looking for flexible automation solutions with a clear business case and room for future growth."

The collaboration will focus on developing customer-specific solutions in which storage, retrieval, transport, picking, and downstream processes work together effectively — from initial concept and system design through implementation and operational support.

Strengthening Valor's position

For Valor, the partnership represents more than an expansion of its product range; it strengthens the company's ability to advise customers on different automation concepts and select the most effective combination of technologies for each operation. By bringing person-to-goods and goods-to-person capabilities together, Valor can take a broader perspective on warehouse design and operational efficiency.

The guiding principle remains unchanged: deliver the functionality customers need, use straightforward and reliable technology wherever possible, and ensure that investment in automation creates measurable value. With Rainbow Dynamics as its goods-to-person technology partner, Valor takes another step toward providing integrated warehouse automation solutions built around flexibility, speed, and the best possible return on investment.

About the Author

Editor-in-chief of PlasticsToday, David Hutton is a journalist with more than 25 years of experience as an editor and writer with daily newspapers and trade publications.

A Kent State University graduate, he was born in Canton, OH, and is a lifelong writer. David started his professional career as a reporter and page designer with the Parkersburg Sentinelin Parkersburg, WV. He returned to his hometown, taking a role with the Massillon Independent, where he rose to the position of managing editor.

David’s career next took him to October Research Corp., where he worked for trade publications in the real estate settlement services industry before returning to daily newspapers as news editor for The Times-Reporter in Dover-New Philadelphia, OH. While there, he oversaw design of the newspaper and won an Associated Press award for Best Page 1 Design.

In 2012, David joined the staff of Plastics News as research analyst. He was responsible for the production of data research reports providing analysis of various segments and end markets of the plastics industry. He also produced content for the publication.

In 2019, David joined Ophthalmology Times, serving as managing editor of the publication covering the latest advancements in the ophthalmology industry for physicians and clinicians.

David lives in Canton, OH, with his wife, Arionne. They have three grown children, Paige, Chandler and Connor. Their "zoo" also includes two cats, a parrot, and a pug, named Freddie.

An avid sports fan, David follows the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians as well as the Ohio State Buckeyes. He also enjoys movies, classic rock, and reading. He enjoys sports cars, and owns a Camaro and a Corvette.