DiFACTO Robotics and Automation acquires RoboFinish division from Grind Master

Bengaluru-based DiFACTO Robotics and Automation has acquired the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) portfolio for RoboFinish operations of Grind Master.

The move underscores DiFACTO’s broader push to scale up its automation capabilities and deepen its footprint in both domestic and international markets.

Grind Master, founded four decades ago by Milind and Mohini Kelkar, established itself as a specialist in metal-finishing solutions for the automotive and general engineering industries. The company’s RoboFinish brand, built over 14 years, encompasses robotic grinding, deburring, and machining technologies—areas where Indian manufacturers have long depended on Japanese and European imports.

The RoboFinish line has so far been deployed in over 150 installations worldwide, largely under the leadership of Sameer Kelkar, CEO of Grind Master.

“We pioneered breakthrough developments in robotic grinding and finishing operations, leveraging our profound domain knowledge,” Kelkar said. “We are confident that DiFACTO... will develop these technologies further and take them to a wider spectrum of customers.”

Founded in 2007, DiFACTO provides robotic systems and automation solutions for clients in the automotive, foundry, transportation, electrical machinery, and consumer goods sectors. The company currently operates two manufacturing facilities at Bengaluru and Pune, and a sales and service office in Gurugram. It maintains a presence in North America through a wholly owned subsidiary in Michigan.

DiFACTO raised its first institutional round of capital in June 2024 from Stakeboat Capital.

Ajay Gopalaswamy, co-founder and CEO of DiFACTO, described the acquisition as a strategic fit with the company’s existing capabilities. “The RoboFinish portfolio presents significant synergies with our offerings, strengthening our position in the market,” he said. He also noted that DiFACTO would continue supporting existing RoboFinish customers with its in-house engineering team.

The acquisition comes at a time when Indian manufacturers are seeking to modernize legacy systems and improve process consistency using automation, especially in labor-intensive finishing and grinding tasks. For DiFACTO, the RoboFinish technologies could prove instrumental in expanding its client base, especially as the company increases its focus on overseas markets.

“DiFACTO is a leading robotic automation solutions provider to Indian manufacturers across industry segments, and plans to aggressively expand into global markets,” said Srinivas Baratam, Managing Director of Stakeboat Capital.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Singhi Advisors acted as the transaction advisor.