London-based Rubix — Europe’s largest distributor of MRO products and services — has appointed a chief digital and AI officer and announced acquisitions expanding its French and German operations.

Rubix announced Sept. 22 that Bart Delmulle joined the newly created leadership role, effective Sept. 1. He reports to Group CEO David Morkeberg and joins both the executive board and management committee. Delmulle oversees the company’s AI program and the development and performance of its digital offerings.

The company followed that appointment with Oct. 2 announcements that it acquired French hydraulics specialists Cophyma and Cophyma 38, along with German technical distributor PTS Group.

Delmulle previously served as chief digital and customer experience officer at PostNL. His background also includes leading Bain’s global digital transformation practice and serving as a McKinsey partner.

“I am looking forward to capitalising on the enormous potential AI has for this business, while continuing to develop the digital offer,” Delmulle said.

Based in Taluyers and Vourey, Cophyma and Cophyma 38 specialize in hydraulic system maintenance and repair. The acquisition extends Rubix’s hydraulics capabilities into the Rhône-Alpes region, adding technical support for manufacturers in southeastern France as the company builds a national hydraulics network.

PTS Group, based in Dormagen near Düsseldorf, employs approximately 80 people. Its specialties include hydraulics, pneumatics, steam and valve technology, power transmission and process technology. It also provides custom assembly, repair and technical services. The acquisition took effect Oct. 1 and expands Rubix’s capabilities serving industrial and OEM customers.

The deals follow several other additions to Rubix’s European network this year.

On July 7, Rubix announced its acquisition of Austrian power transmission distributor Kugellager Leitner. Based in Amstetten, the business has 10 employees and more than €4 million in annual sales.

That followed the July 1 announcement of its acquisition of Thomé, a French industrial distributor and hydraulics specialist headquartered in Manom. Thomé has 44 employees and more than €17 million in annual sales, extending Rubix’s northeastern France coverage and hydraulics expertise.

In February, Rubix entered North Macedonia and Serbia through its acquisition of All4Tech, a Skopje-based MRO distributor with approximately 20 employees and more than €4 million in sales. All4Tech had operated as a Rubix Partner in both countries since 2021.

Rubix also outlined expanded UK capabilities in May following its integration of ERIKS UK and Ireland. The combined business has approximately 3,000 employees and €850 million in revenue, with added engineering, repair and reliability services alongside a broader product portfolio.