Broetje-Automation

What Broetje-Automation does

Broetje-Automation GmbH is a privately held German manufacturer of automated production systems headquartered in Rastede, Lower Saxony, with stated operations across 23 locations and service centers worldwide (Germany, USA, France, UK, China, Japan, plus regional service units). The company primarily serves the global aerospace industry—including Airbus, Boeing, Premium AEROTEC, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Pilatus—with secondary applications in wind energy (Siemens Gamesa), automotive (Jaguar Land Rover via TUCANA), and medical (STARK Medical). Founded in 1982 (1979 per firmographic data), the company employs 251–500 people and operates as a turnkey provider of factory automation for next-generation aircraft programs featuring higher composite content.

The company's technology stack centers on automated manufacturing equipment for aerospace structures, anchored by the modular STAXX family of Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) systems ranging from compact prototyping units (STAXX Box, STAXX ONE, STAXX COMPACT) to high-performance 16-tow systems (STAXX 3D, STAXX Flex). Complementary product lines include robotic fastening systems (RACe, Power RACe, Light Robotics cobots), gantry kinematic systems (CPAC, IPAC, MPAC, FRAC), torque systems, the Eco Positioner assembly station (250+ units delivered), AGVs, FastPlant overhead conveyors, and the Continuous Composite Preforming System (CCPS, up to 44m length). The proprietary SOUL software suite (OLPS for offline NC programming and simulation, RMOS for resource management, LMS for line management) and the SCALE sensor system deliver digital line management, KPI-based process control (QCDP), paperless documentation, and open MES/ERP integration. Research output includes the RoMaNi 2 flexible milling system (0.1mm tolerance on components up to 7m), developed with Fraunhofer IFAM.

Broetje-Automation's commercial model combines custom-engineered turnkey hardware sales with software licensing, professional services (consulting, engineering, factory planning), and aftermarket support delivered through its wholly-owned BA Services GmbH subsidiary (founded 2012, 15 service units across 7 countries). All revenue is generated through direct enterprise field sales to aerospace OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers—no resellers or distributors are used—and individual system pricing is not publicly disclosed. The company holds ISO 9100, 14001, and 18001 certifications, was awarded an Airbus Operational Excellence Award in 2023, and received the EcoVadis Bronze Medal in 2025.

Name

Broetje-Automation

Legal name

Broetje-Automation GmbH

Website

http://www.broetje-automation.de/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Broetje-Automation GmbH is a privately held German manufacturer of automated production systems headquartered in Rastede, with 23 global locations, primarily serving the aerospace industry—Airbus, Boeing, and Tier-1 suppliers—with AFP systems, robotic fastening, and factory digitalization.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Manufacturing Automation

NAICS

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (3332)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560)

akta.pro primary industry

Motor Drive & Motion Control Electronics Manufacturing Services (VFDs, servo drives, controllers) (IMAGAGAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial IoT/Edge Electronics Manufacturing (Gateways, Edge Controllers) (IMAGAGAC), Embedded & HMI Electronics Manufacturing (Industrial PCs, HMIs, Panel PCs) (IMAGAGAD)

Keywords

• Automated fiber placement
• Aerospace manufacturing automation
• Robotic fastening systems
• Composite manufacturing equipment
• Factory automation solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Rastede

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Automated Equipment (Machines, Robots, Systems): Sale of automated manufacturing equipment including AFP systems, robotic fastening/drilling/sealing systems, gantry kinematic systems, torque systems, assembly stations, mobile systems (AGVs), and jigs & tools. These are custom-engineered turnkey systems sold to aerospace manufacturers for aircraft assembly and production lines.
2. Software Licenses and Digital Solutions: Licensing and deployment of the proprietary SOUL software suite (OLPS, RMOS, LMS) and SCORE digital solutions for production management, NC programming, simulation, and line management. Software provides process transparency, KPI control, and MES/ERP integration.
3. Professional Services (Consulting, Engineering, Factory Planning): Consulting and engineering services including factory planning with simulation, efficiency evaluation, operating and investment cost calculation, manufacturing engineering, commercial engineering, and simultaneous engineering. These services support customers from development phase through production planning.
4. Service, Maintenance, and Aftermarket: Full service provider offerings including 24/7 support (BA Services Quick-Response Team), on-site OEM support, upgrades and modifications, retrofits (including for third-party machines), spare parts management, Academy & Training, and the BA Portal for service requests. Provided through BA Services GmbH subsidiary with 15 global service units.
5. Automated Production Systems (Non-Aerospace): Turnkey automated production lines for non-aerospace applications such as the STARK G500 medical gown production system, enabling local supply chains for medical products with fully automated concepts and recycling integration.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Broetje-Automation designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes custom-engineered automated production systems and turnkey factory solutions for the aerospace industry, specializing in automated fiber placement (AFP), robotic fastening/drilling/sealing, gantry kinematic systems, and digital line management software. The company supports aerospace OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers with a comprehensive portfolio spanning equipment, processes, digitalization, and services from a single provider, reducing integration risk for customers.

Product overview

Broetje-Automation is the world's leading expert for production processes in the aerospace industry, offering a comprehensive portfolio of automated production systems organized under the Factory of the Future concept. The portfolio spans three main pillars: Automated Equipment (machines, robots, mobile systems), Smart Processes (operational tooling and digital solutions), and Smart Factory (planning and project management), all supported by Key Enabling Services. Key product families include the STAXX Family of AFP systems (Box, ONE, COMPACT, 3D, Flex) for automated fiber placement; robotic fastening systems (RACe, Power RACe, Light Robotics/Cobots); gantry kinematic systems (CPAC, IPAC, MPAC, FRAC); torque systems; Eco Positioner assembly stations; AGV and conveyor mobile systems; the SOUL digital software suite (OLPS, RMOS, LMS) for NC programming, resource management, and line management; SCORE for production monitoring; and operational tooling including the Lift-E 50 mobile manipulator and Human Hoist chair. The company also offers the STARK G500 for medical gown production and comprehensive services including consulting, factory planning, project implementation, and full-service support (training, industrial service, upgrades, retrofit). BA Group operates 23 locations worldwide across Germany, USA, France, UK, China, and Japan.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• STAXX Family: Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) systems for aerospace composite manufacturing, including STAXX Box, STAXX ONE, STAXX COMPACT, STAXX 3D, and STAXX Flex variants.
• SOUL Software Suite
• STARK G500
• BA Group

Products and services

• STAXX Family Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Systems Modular and scalable automated fiber placement systems ranging from compact prototyping units (STAXX Box, ONE, COMPACT) to high-performance 16-tow systems (STAXX 3D, STAXX Flex) for large-scale aerospace composite manufacturing, featuring digital twin technology and inline quality monitoring.
• Continuous Composite Preforming Systems (CCPS) Integrated preforming systems consolidating all preforming work steps into one machine for continuous and efficient preform production of composite materials up to 44 meters in length.
• Handling Systems for Composites 3D handling solutions for composite materials including automated cutting, draping, sorting, and kitting systems for aerospace composite manufacturing workflows.
• Light Robotics (Collaborative Robots) Collaborative robotics solutions integrated with AFP and fastening systems to enable safe human-machine collaboration directly on the shop floor with improved ergonomics.
• RACe Robotic Fastening System Robotic fastening system for automated installation of single-sided fasteners in aerospace assembly operations.
• Power RACe Fastening System High-performance robotic system for fully automatic installation of Ergotech single-sided fasteners in aerospace manufacturing.
• Gantry Kinematic Systems (CPAC, IPAC, MPAC, FRAC) Portal kinematic systems for large-scale aerospace component assembly and machining operations, with high-end Sinumerik 840D sl CNC controls.
• Torque Systems Precision torque systems including rotary, stator, and snowflake variants for automated fastening in aerospace manufacturing, including wind turbine assembly.
• Eco Positioner Assembly Station Assembly positioner for efficient and ergonomic handling of large aerospace structures during assembly operations, with over 250 units delivered.
• Universal Carrier System AGV Automated guided vehicle for flexible material handling and logistics within aerospace production facilities.
• FastPlant Overhead Conveyor System Overhead conveyor system for efficient internal logistics and material flow in aircraft assembly operations.
• SOUL OLPS (Offline NC Programming and Simulation) Offline NC programming and simulation software for CNC machines, enabling efficient production planning and digital twin technology.
• SOUL RMOS (Resource Management and Operation System) Real-time monitoring and control software for manufacturing operations, providing production transparency and resource optimization.
• SOUL LMS (Line Management System) Digital line management system providing production line control, KPI-based process control (QCDP), paperless documentation, and integration with customer MES/ERP systems.
• SCORE Digital Solution Digital solution for production monitoring, quality control, and process optimization in aerospace manufacturing environments.
• Lift-E 50 Mobile Manipulator Mobile manipulator system for improved ergonomics and worker assistance in aerospace manufacturing, enabling safe lifting and positioning of components.
• Human Hoist Chair and Stool
• STARK G500 Automated Gown Production System Fully automated production system for Level II medical isolation gowns developed jointly with STARK Medical, enabling local supply chains for medical products with Industry 4.0 connectivity and recycling integration.
• Consulting and Engineering Services Comprehensive consulting and engineering services including factory planning with simulation, efficiency evaluation, operating and investment cost calculation, manufacturing engineering, commercial engineering, and simultaneous engineering for aerospace manufacturers.
• Factory Planning Services Turnkey factory planning services including requirements analysis, process flow design, capacity simulation, and technology selection for new aerospace manufacturing facilities.
• Full Service Provider (Aftermarket Support) Comprehensive service portfolio including 24/7 support (BA Services Quick-Response Team), on-site OEM support, upgrades and modifications, retrofits (including for third-party machines), spare parts management, and Academy and Training, delivered through BA Services GmbH subsidiary.
• 24/7 RHYTHM BA Portal 24/7 service portal for customers to prepare service or spare part requests, providing full communication visibility for aftermarket support.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 85% power consumption reduction and 23% compressed air reduction in production downtime through standby management optimization
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 3D.aero GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 20263D.aero GmbH is a consortium partner in the SHILA project (Shim-free assembly of thin-walled aircraft structures), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The project develops fully digitally supported and highly automated process chains for precise assembly of large-format thin-walled CFRP structural components without manual shimming.
• KEBA Industrial AutomationcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 June 2026KEBA Industrial Automation is a consortium partner in the SHILA project, contributing industrial automation expertise for the development of automated joining processes for aerospace CFRP structures.
• IPMT – Institute for Production Management and TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026IPMT (Institute for Production Management and Technology) at Hamburg University of Technology is a consortium partner in both the SHILA and VE2E research projects, contributing production engineering research expertise for aerospace manufacturing digitalization.
• WZL Aachen GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026WZL Aachen GmbH (Institute for Production Engineering at RWTH Aachen University) is a consortium partner in the SHILA project, contributing manufacturing engineering research for automated assembly of aerospace structures.
• Fraunhofer IFAMcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Fraunhofer IFAM (Manufacturing Engineering and Applied Materials Research) led the RoMaNi 2 (Robots Made in Lower Saxony 2) project together with Broetje-Automation GmbH, Hexagon Aicon Etalon GmbH, and Siemens AG, developing a flexible milling kinematics system achieving 0.1mm tolerances for large aerospace components up to 7 meters. The technology was demonstrated by milling an Airbus vertical tail plane.
• Emden/Leer University of Applied SciencesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024Broetje-Automation entered a cooperation agreement with Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences and the Economic Development Department of the City of Emden to strengthen the region through collaboration, including knowledge exchange and joint initiatives.
• AHOI_MINT Cluster NordwestminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024Broetje-Automation participates in the AHOI_MINT Northwest cluster, hosting network meetings at its Rastede headquarters and engaging in regional innovation networking activities.
• Airbus AerostructurescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2024Airbus Aerostructures led the GREEN project with Broetje-Automation, OFFIS e.V., DLR e.V., and ProIng to reduce the environmental impact of aerospace production facilities. The project developed measures to reduce power consumption of existing systems by up to 85% in certain applications, with retrofit of large gantry systems offering up to 50% energy savings. Broetje-Automation is also supporting a major retrofit campaign at Airbus Aerostructures.
• DLR e.V. (German Aerospace Center)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2024DLR e.V. is a partner in the GREEN project, contributing aerospace research expertise to develop measures for sustainable and resource-efficient aerospace production.
• ProIngminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2024ProIng is a partner in the GREEN project, contributing engineering expertise for sustainable aerospace production facility improvements.
• GuangLian Aviation Industry Co. Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Broetje-Automation GmbH and GuangLian Aviation Industry Co. Ltd. joined forces to promote the development of civil aviation in China, leveraging Broetje-Automation's aerospace manufacturing automation expertise and GuangLian's local market presence.
• STARK MedicalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2023Broetje-Automation and STARK Medical jointly developed the STARK G500 integrated production system for automated medical gown manufacturing. The system enables local supply chains, producing over 500,000 Level II isolation gowns per month per machine with 95% fabric efficiency and recycling capabilities, addressing medical sector supply chain resilience.
• Premium AEROTECcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2021Premium AEROTEC, a wholly-owned Airbus subsidiary and world-leading aircraft structure supplier, is the industrial lead of the VE2E (Vertically integrated, sustainable end-to-end factory) research project. Broetje-Automation collaborated with Premium AEROTEC at their Varel site to develop digital and automated Factory of the Future processes, achieving over 500 tons CO2 saved annually, 300%+ productivity gains in additive manufacturing, and 70% resource consumption reduction.
• LZH (Hannover Laser Center)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2021LZH (Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.) is a research partner in the VE2E project, contributing laser processing expertise for aerospace manufacturing digitalization.
• OFFIS e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2021OFFIS e.V. is a partner in the GREEN project led by Airbus Aerostructures, contributing digitalization and automation research to reduce environmental impact of aerospace production facilities, achieving up to 85% power consumption reduction.
• Fraunhofer IDMT (Digital Media Technology Institute)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2021Fraunhofer IDMT contributed specialized expertise to the VE2E project for digital Factory of the Future development.
• Jaguar Land RovercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2019Jaguar Land Rover leads the TUCANA research project, with Broetje-Automation UK contributing its latest CFRP technology and STAXX Fiber Placement capabilities for serial production of carbon fiber parts targeting lighter, more rigid vehicles. The project includes academic and industry partners including WMG, University of Warwick, Expert Tooling & Automation, Toray International, CCP Gransden, and Magna Exteriors.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Trumpf SE + Co. KG:
• Comau S.p.A. Stellantis-owned industrial automation company offering robotics and manufacturing systems with aerospace exposure. Broader portfolio than Broetje but overlaps on aerospace body-in-white and assembly automation.

Direct peers

• Electroimpact Inc. US-based specialist in AFP systems, robotic drilling/fastening, and aerospace assembly automation. Direct head-to-head competitor on major airframe programs with comparable AFP product family and aerospace OEM customer base.
• M. Torres Diseños Industriales (MTorres): Spanish designer and manufacturer of AFP heads and complete composite manufacturing systems for aerospace. Closest European competitor with overlapping AFP technology portfolio and shared OEM customer base (Airbus, Boeing tier-1s).
• KUKA AG: German robotics and automation company with a dedicated aerospace competence center. Competes with Broetje in robotic fastening, drilling, and large-format aerospace assembly using industrial robot platforms.
• Stäubli International AG: Swiss manufacturer of robotics and connector solutions, with a focused composites/weaving business supplying AFP heads and robotic systems to aerospace manufacturers competing in the same automation layer.
• Fives Group: French industrial engineering group with dedicated aerospace automation offerings (machining, composites, assembly lines). Competes for turnkey factory integration mandates from the same European aerospace OEMs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@BroetjeAutomationGmbH
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/broetje-automation

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Broetje-Automation