What Shape Technologies Group does

Shape Technologies Group (legal name: Shape Technologies Group, Inc.) is a privately held, Kent, Washington-headquartered industrial technology company that designs, manufactures, and services ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) process solutions. Its core offerings span UHP waterjet cutting systems rated from 55,000 to 90,000 PSI (3,800 to 6,200 bar), waterblast pumps and surface-preparation systems, robotic automation for material handling and advanced-material cutting, custom high-pressure engineering (including systems for the LDPE industry), and abrasive supplies (garnet). The technology stack centers on proprietary pumps (including the 6,500 bar HyperJet), the patent-pending Compass contour-following and collision-sensing system, the FlowXpert CAD/CAM platform, and the NEWTON cutting head, supported by a portfolio of 430+ patents.

The company operates through four main business units: Flow Waterjet (cutting and forming solutions), KMT Group (UHP waterjet pumps, LDPE systems, and now waterblast and APS following the 2025-2026 restructuring), Shape Process Automation (robotic systems integration, with FANUC and Mujin partnerships), and Advanced Pressure Systems / Shape Waterblast Group (high-pressure pumps for cleaning and surface preparation), supplemented by retained acquired brands (H2O Jet, McCartney Engineering, Aqua-Dyne, Riverstone Pressure Systems, Aquarese Industries, TOPS Co. Ltd., and Shape Mined Materials). 6,000+ robotic systems have been installed in 70+ countries since the mid-1980s, and 17,000+ active pumps operate in the installed base.

Commercially, the business runs on direct field sales, a 180+ OEM partner channel for waterjet components, and system-integration partnerships for robotic solutions. Pricing is quote-based and governed by purchase orders, with hardware sales comprising the majority of revenue and aftermarket parts, service, hose assemblies, and rentals providing a recurring layer. Customers are primarily enterprise industrial buyers in aerospace, automotive, energy, and general manufacturing, with additional exposure to electronics, food, logistics, and transportation verticals across 100+ countries. Shape is a portfolio company of American Industrial Partners (AIP).

Name

Shape Technologies Group

Legal name

Shape Technologies Group, Inc.

Website

https://shapetechnologies.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Shape Technologies Group is a privately held, AIP-backed industrial manufacturer of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting systems, waterblast and surface-preparation equipment, robotic automation, and LDPE high-pressure systems, serving aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing customers in 100+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ultrahigh-Pressure Process Solutions / Industrial Waterjet Systems

NAICS

Pump and Compressor Manufacturing (33391), Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing (333996)

SIC

Pumps & Pumping Equipment (3561), Oil & Gas Field Machinery & Equipment (3533)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty & Metering Pumps (IMAHANAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pump & Compressor Packages (Skids, Booster Sets) (IMAHANAG), Hydraulic, Pneumatic & Fluid Power Systems MRO (Cylinders, Pumps, Valves, Hoses) (TLAKAHAI)

Keywords

• Ultrahigh-pressure waterjet systems
• Robotic process automation
• Industrial waterblasting equipment
• High-pressure pump systems
• Advanced manufacturing solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Kent

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Operations

Revenue model

1. Waterjet Systems and Pumps: Sale of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet pumps, components, and complete waterjet systems through KMT Waterjet, Flow International, and H2O Jet brands. Includes direct-drive pumps, intensifier pumps, and PRO ultrahigh-pressure pumps ranging from 55,000 to 90,000 PSI.
2. Waterblast Systems and Equipment: Sale of high-pressure pumps, systems, and accessories for industrial cleaning, surface preparation, and material removal. Includes HUSKY and BLASTMAX pumps through Advanced Pressure Systems and Shape Waterblast Group.
3. Robotic Automation Systems: Custom factory automation solutions including robotic waterjet, laser, router, and knife cutting systems. Material handling and assembly automation through Shape Process Automation.
4. Aftermarket Parts and Services: Replacement parts, service support, and technical assistance for installed base. KMT Genuine Services and 24/7 Technical Support. Rental equipment and hose assemblies through Riverstone Pressure Systems.
5. LDPE and Custom High-Pressure Systems: High-pressure systems for low-density polyethylene industry through McCartney Engineering. Custom-designed high-pressure systems built to specification.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Shape Technologies Group designs, manufactures, and services ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) process solutions sold through four business units: Flow Waterjet (waterjet/laser/press brake cutting systems), KMT Group (UHP waterjet pumps, LDPE high-pressure systems, waterblasting and surface preparation), Shape Process Automation (robotic waterjet, laser, router, knife cutting and material-handling automation), and Advanced Pressure Systems (waterblasting pumps). Products include UHP pumps up to 90,000 PSI / 6,500 bar, robotic automation systems, CAD/CAM software (FlowXpert), and aftermarket parts and service for the 17,000+ active pumps installed base in 100+ countries.

Product overview

Shape Technologies Group is a global leader in ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) process solutions offering a comprehensive portfolio of products across multiple technology segments. The company operates through four main business units: (1) Flow Waterjet provides cutting and forming solutions with advanced waterjet, laser, and press brake technologies; (2) KMT Group delivers ultrahigh-pressure process solutions including waterjet pumps, LDPE systems, and custom high-pressure engineering; (3) Shape Process Automation provides industrial robotics for material handling, assembly, and advanced material cutting with robotic laser, router, knife and waterjet processes; and (4) Advanced Pressure Systems (APS) offers high-pressure pumps, systems, and accessories for waterblasting and surface preparation. The portfolio includes acquired brands such as Aquarese Industries, TOPS Co. Ltd, Riverstone Pressure Systems, and Shape Mined Materials, along with software products like FlowXpert CAD/CAM software and Compass contour following technology. The company holds 430+ patents, operates 17,000+ active pumps worldwide, and serves customers across 100+ countries in aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, food, logistics, manufacturing, and transportation industries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Flow Waterjet: Advanced waterjet, laser, and press brake solutions backed by more than five decades of innovation and global support
• KMT Group
• Shape Process Automation (SPA)
• Advanced Pressure Systems (APS)
• H2O Jet
• Aqua-Dyne
• Riverstone Pressure Systems (RPS)
• Shape Waterblast Group (SWG)
• HUSKY pumps
• BLASTMAX pumps
• TOPS
• Aquarese Industries
• Shape Mined Materials
• McCartney Engineering
• Flow Surface Prep
• STREAMLINE pumps
• PRO pumps

Products and services

• Flow Waterjet Systems Advanced waterjet, laser, and press brake solutions delivering cutting and forming capabilities across diverse materials and applications, backed by more than five decades of innovation and global support. The flagship Flow product is the Mach 500 waterjet system.
• KMT Waterjet Systems (KMT Group) Ultrahigh-pressure waterjet pumps and high-pressure process solutions (waterjet cutting, LDPE, custom high-pressure engineering) supplied across 100+ countries. Includes direct-drive pumps (55,000 PSI/3,800 bar), intensifier pumps (60,000 PSI/4,100 bar STREAMLINE), and PRO ultrahigh-pressure pumps (90,000 PSI/6,200 bar).
• Shape Process Automation (SPA) Robotic Systems Industrial automation solutions for material handling, assembly, and advanced material cutting using robotic laser, router, knife, and waterjet processes. Integrator for Fanuc robot arms compatible with the Mujin MujinController. Over 6,000 robotic systems installed in 70+ countries since the mid-1980s. Uses NEWTON cutting-head technology for robotic laser cutting with ~50% reduction in cost and floor space versus traditional articulating robots.
• Advanced Pressure Systems (APS) Waterblasting Systems High-pressure pumps, systems, and accessories for waterblasting and surface preparation. Flagship products include HUSKY and BLASTMAX pumps along with APS Fluid End precision-machined pump parts for industrial cleaning contractors, resellers, petrochemical and refineries. Served across the US and Canada with industrial solution engineers.
• HyperJet 6,500 bar Pump UHP pump capable of creating pressures up to 6,500 bar / 94,000 PSI for robotic waterjet machining systems. Powers the robotic Waterjet Machining system installed at the University of Sheffield AMRC and other advanced material processing programs, enabling processing of titanium, superalloys, and composites.
• Flow Waterjet Customer Technology Center Training Services 14,000 square foot Customer Technology Center in Kent, Washington providing customer training and application engineering for waterjet cutting and forming systems.
• FlowXpert CAD/CAM Software CAD/CAM software platform specifically designed for 3D waterjet pathing and cutting, allowing users to work more effectively in 3D with less complexity. The next-generation 2016 release introduced improved 3D capabilities.
• Compass Contour Following and Collision Sensing System Patent-pending real-time contour following and collision sensing solution for waterjet machines that automatically makes real-time cutting head height adjustments to enable precision cutting of non-flat or stress-relieving materials, with integrated collision sensor to protect the machine from damage.
• Mach 500 Waterjet System Entirely new waterjet cutting system launched by Flow International in 2016 designed to deliver improved productivity and unmatched service, establishing a new industry standard for waterjet cutting performance.
• Riverstone Pressure Systems Services and Rentals (Canada) High-pressure products supply, hose assembly center, and service and rental center for tooling, pumps, and automation in Canada. Operated as part of SHAPE Waterblast Group since January 2021.
• Aquarese Industries Robotic Waterjet Cutting Systems Advanced robotic waterjet cutting systems and UHP process solutions targeted at aerospace and automotive industries, headquartered in Billy-Berclau, France. Delivers robotic waterjet machining and materials processing technologies.
• H2O Jet Precision High-Pressure Parts and Components Precision high-pressure parts and components brand with extensive high-pressure experience and innovative products for waterjet and other high-pressure applications, serving international customers including markets beyond traditional waterjet.
• McCartney Engineering LDPE and Custom High-Pressure Systems Global leader in high-pressure systems for the LDPE (low-density polyethylene) industry, also providing custom high-pressure systems built to specification. Founded in 1946 and pioneered the invention of waterjet cutting technology in 1971.
• TOPS Waterjet-Based Automation Solutions (Asia-Pacific) Waterjet-based automation solutions and waterjet-based solutions for Asia-Pacific markets, headquartered in Gimhae, South Korea. Supports the SPA business in Asia-Pacific and provides successful automation solutions in waterjet integrated automation, smart devices & mobility, shoes, and semiconductors industries.
• Shape Mined Materials Garnet Abrasives Garnet abrasive materials for waterjet cutting applications, acquired from Opta Minerals Inc. Operated as Shape Mined Materials, supporting the waterjet cutting business with abrasive supply.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tool life up to 500 times longer than milling for robotic waterjet machining
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• MujinstrategicTechnology or Integration · 24 May 2022Collaboration between Shape Process Automation and Mujin to enhance robotic automation solutions with Mujin's intelligent robotics platform. Joint showcase of mixed-case depalletizing and palletizing solution at Automate 2022. MujinController uses machine intelligence for autonomous decision making without human intervention. SPA is an integrator for Fanuc robots compatible with Mujin's platform.
• FANUC RoboticscoreTechnology or Integration · 18 December 2020Proven supplier of robotic systems to Shape Process Automation. SPA is an integrator for Fanuc robot arms which are compatible with Mujin's MujinController. Used in WKW Automotive laser cutting systems and other automation programs.
• TRUMPFcoreTechnology or Integration · 18 December 2020Laser source supplier for Shape Process Automation's robotic laser cutting solutions. Used in WKW Automotive program and other advanced material processing applications.
• University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2018Shape Technologies Group joined AMRC as Tier 1 member. SHAPE provides robotic Waterjet Machining system powered by 6,500 bar HyperJet pump. Collaboration for development of manufacturing solutions for composites and super-alloy materials for aerospace and automotive industries.
• AP&TminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2015Joint marketing agreement between Dynamic Robotic Solutions and AP&T for robotic laser cutting of parts made on hot stamp presses. Partnership introduced at FabTech Show.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• OMAX Corporation (a Hypertherm company): Direct competitor in abrasive waterjet cutting machines and pumps, serving the same aerospace, automotive, and general manufacturing customers. Acquired by Hypertherm in 2023, making it the closest direct peer to Shape's KMT Waterjet and Flow waterjet systems.
• Hypertherm: Manufacturer of cutting tools and systems including plasma, waterjet (via OMAX), and software. Directly competes with Shape's waterjet, waterblast, and robotic cutting portfolios in metal cutting and surface preparation end markets.
• Hammelmann: German manufacturer of high-pressure plunger pumps and waterjet/ultrahigh-pressure systems used in industrial cleaning, surface preparation, and process industries. Direct competitor to Shape's KMT and Advanced Pressure Systems (HUSKY/BLASTMAX) pump lines in waterblast and UHP.
• Bystronic: Sheet-metal cutting systems provider spanning laser, waterjet, and bending — overlapping with Shape's Flow Waterjet and Shape Process Automation offerings for automotive and manufacturing customers. Operates a global sales/service footprint similar in scale to Shape's.

Broad incumbents

• TRUMPF: Global leader in laser cutting machines and a key Shape supplier (TRUMPF laser sources are integrated into Shape Process Automation's systems). Competes with Shape in advanced-material cutting while also being a critical technology partner, mirroring the dual-supplier/competitor dynamic in industrial automation.
• Kennametal: Industrial tooling and wear-resistant solutions provider serving aerospace, automotive, energy, and general manufacturing — a key adjacent supplier/customer segment to Shape's waterjet cutting consumables, garnet (Shape Mined Materials), and precision pump components business.
• FANUC: Largest industrial robot manufacturer globally and Shape Process Automation's primary robot supplier. Comparable to Shape in factory-automation exposure (Shape as an integrator, FANUC as a robot OEM) with overlapping customer relationships in automotive and general manufacturing.
• KUKA: Industrial robot and automation systems provider serving automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing — direct overlap with Shape Process Automation's robotic integration business and Shape's aerospace/automotive focus.
• ESAB: Global welding and cutting equipment manufacturer with a portfolio that overlaps Shape's industrial cleaning, surface preparation, and waterblast end markets. Serves similar heavy-industrial and energy customers.
• Lincoln Electric: Welding, cutting, and automation solutions provider with global reach. Competes with Shape Waterblast Group in surface preparation and industrial cleaning, and with Shape Process Automation in robotic cutting/welding integration for manufacturing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shape Technologies Group