What CRG Automation does

CRG Automation is a U.S.-based custom industrial automation integrator and equipment manufacturer headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 2000 and operating with approximately 30+ employees, the company designs, engineers, fabricates, assembles, commissions, and supports robotic automation systems, end-of-line packaging equipment, and mission-critical defense machinery entirely under one roof at its 1700 Watterson Trail facility, which is positioned within a day's drive of approximately 65% of the U.S. population. CRG's core technical capabilities span robotics integration (FANUC, ABB, Kawasaki, KUKA, Yaskawa, Mujin), autonomous material handling (MiR, OTTO Motors, Tompkins Robotics), conveying systems (Interroll), machine vision, leak detection and X-ray inspection, and PLC-based controls (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens). Proprietary productized offerings include the patented C-BAS corner board application system and the C-IMC intermittent motion cartoner, alongside one-off engineered systems for the U.S. Department of Defense chemical weapons demilitarization program (BGCAPP), including the Vertical Rocket Cutting Machine (VRCM), Rocket Warhead Containment System (RWCS), Rocket Non-Destructive Examination (RNDE) system, and Static Detonation Chamber Loader.

The company serves enterprise manufacturers and government clients across consumer packaged goods and food and beverage (ProAmpac, Goose Creek Candle, Kellanova, Reynolds, Conagra, Hormel, Schwan's, Paradise Tomato Kitchens, Wild Turkey), industrial and durable goods manufacturing (voestalpine, GE Appliances, WireCrafters, WireCrafters), automotive and electric vehicles (Rivian), and aerospace and defense (General Dynamics, U.S. DoD BGCAPP). CRG generates revenue primarily through project-based contracts for the design, build, installation, and commissioning of custom automation systems, with multi-year aftermarket service, spare parts, and field support providing a recurring tail. Pricing is fully consultative and quote-based; no standardized price list is published. Go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales led by a VP of Engineering and Sales, a Regional Sales Manager, and a Chief Commercial Officer, supplemented by inbound website inquiries, case-study-led content marketing, and active presence at industry conferences such as the FANUC ASI Conference and PMMI/MHEDA networks. Under Chairman James DeSmet (acquired CRG in 2019) and President & CEO Paul Lauritzen (joined 2024, CEO 2025), the company has scaled headcount roughly fivefold, earned multiple Inc. 5000 placements, and was named a TIME Best Invention 2023 and Fast Company World Changing Idea 2024 nominee.

Name

CRG Automation

Legal name

CRG Automation

Website

https://crgautomation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CRG Automation is a Louisville, KY-based custom industrial automation integrator that designs, engineers, and builds robotic packaging systems, manufacturing cells, and mission-critical defense equipment for enterprise manufacturers and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Systems Integration

NAICS

Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (3333), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)

SIC

Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590)

akta.pro primary industry

Customer Service, Support & Contact Center CRM (HDAEAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sales Force Automation (SFA) CRM (HDAEAFAA), Marketing Automation & Campaign Management CRM (HDAEAFAB), Industry-Specific CRM (Vertical CRM Suites) (HDAEAFAH), Customer Service/Support CRM & Contact Center Platforms (BPAFAFAK), CRM Implementation & Customization Services (BPAEAGAC), CRM Managed Services & Support (BPAEAGAD)

Keywords

• Custom industrial automation
• Robotic systems integration
• Secondary packaging automation
• Robotic palletizing systems
• Defense automation systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Louisville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

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. Custom Automation Systems Design and Build: CRG designs, engineers, fabricates, and integrates custom automation systems for manufacturers across secondary packaging, manufacturing, and fully custom automation applications. Revenue is generated through project-based fees for design, build, installation, and commissioning of custom machinery and robotic systems. Systems range from standard integrations (case packing, palletizing) to complex, mission-critical applications (chemical weapons decommissioning).
2. Aftermarket Services, Spare Parts, and Support: CRG provides ongoing support including spare parts, preventative maintenance, training, and technical assistance across the lifecycle of installed systems. Services include commissioning support, remote monitoring, and field service. Revenue is generated through service contracts, parts sales, and per-incident support.
3. Custom Equipment Products: CRG builds and sells proprietary equipment products including the C-BAS corner board system and C-IMC cartoner, which are sold as standalone or integrated equipment to manufacturing customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CRG Automation is a custom industrial automation systems integrator that designs, engineers, fabricates, assembles, and supports robotic and material-handling automation equipment for manufacturers. The company builds end-of-line packaging systems (cartoning, case packing, palletizing, stretch wrapping, corner board application), manufacturing cells (welding, general assembly), and specialized mission-critical systems for the U.S. Department of Defense chemical weapons demilitarization program. All engineering, fabrication, controls, and project management are performed in-house at the Louisville, KY facility.

Product overview

CRG Automation is a custom industrial automation integrator and equipment provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of automation solutions spanning secondary packaging, manufacturing, and specialized defense applications. The company operates as a systems integrator combining robotics, controls, vision systems, and conveying technologies. Core proprietary products include the C-IMC Cartoner (intermittent motion cartoning with simplified design) and C-BAS Corner Board Application System (patented robotic corner board system). The company delivers custom-engineered solutions including the Vertical Rocket Cutting Machine (VRCM), Rocket Non-Destructive Examination (RNDE) System, Rocket Warhead Containment System (RWCS), and Static Detonation Chamber Loader for chemical weapons demilitarization. Supporting solutions include cartoning, palletizing, case packing, stretch wrapping, welding cells, general assembly, leak detection/X-ray inspection, AMR/AGV integration, vision solutions, control systems, conveying/handling systems, and labeling/marking systems. The company partners with major robotics manufacturers including FANUC, ABB, Kawasaki, KUKA, Mujin, Yaskawa, and Interroll for conveyor technologies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• C-BAS: A patented corner board system that delivers stronger pallets and smoother operations through robotic precision with smart footprint efficiency.
• C-IMC

Products and services

• C-BAS (Corner Board Application System)
• C-IMC Cartoner Intermittent motion cartoner with an open industrial design, 2,000 fewer components than predecessor models, three axes of servo motion, adjustable encoders, and a state-of-the-art HMI with real-time video fault guidance. Powered by an Allen-Bradley controller with DataReady insights, it switches between cases and pitches and runs up to 60 cartons per minute.
• Heavy Duty Pallet Stacker Custom-built heavy load lifting and stacking equipment with rugged steel construction, smooth motion, and seamless production line integration for manufacturers that need to automate heavy-payload palletizing.
• Vertical Rocket Cutting Machine (VRCM) Custom-engineered system that safely separates the outer Shipping and Firing Tube and warhead from the lower Rocket Motor Assembly during chemical weapons decommissioning. Features fully automated production with robotic insertion, a custom rotating cutting element, and a process reject station, and is operated remotely for operator safety.
• Rocket Non-Destructive Examination (RNDE) System State-of-the-art non-destructive examination system for inspecting M55 rockets in their original Shipping and Firing Tubes. Uses fully automated material handling with 2-axis pick-and-place robots, servo-driven sleds with tilting mechanisms, and advanced X-ray imaging with direct conversion detector arrays, organized as two independent work cells enclosed in polycarbonate safety standoff guarding.
• Rocket Warhead Containment System (RWCS) Custom system for processing M56 warheads containing nerve agents VX and GB. Uses a 'double-back flow' process with 16 industrial robots, 11 MiR AMRs with precision docking stations, custom canisters and caps, and a 30-ton crimping station applying overlapping 360-degree seals. Processes 25 warheads per hour, 24 hours per day; two complete systems were delivered (one for training, one for facility operation).
• Static Detonation Chamber Loader Custom robotic cell that automates loading of containerized M56 chemical agent warheads into Static Detonation Chambers for destruction. Features case erecting, precision packaging with 1-4 canisters per feedbox, robotic handling, automated labeling, and conveyor-fed output to the SDC.
• Cartoning Systems Custom cartoning solutions for continuous or intermittent motion applications, integrating carton erectors and packagers into full end-of-line packaging automation systems for CPG, food, and industrial manufacturers.
• Palletizing/Depalletizing Systems Automated palletizing and depalletizing systems with custom end-of-arm tools for handling multiple case types and slip sheets, supporting random, mixed-SKU, or uniform pallet patterns.
• Case Packing and Erecting Systems Case erectors, packers, and sealers integrated into complete end-of-line systems, designed around specific products, footprint, and production goals for manufacturers needing reliable case packaging.
• Stretch Wrapping Systems Stretch wrapping systems that integrate with palletizers, conveyors, and corner board applicators to deliver secure pallet loads without slowing production lines.
• Welding Cells Robotic welding cells delivering consistent, high-quality welds with seamless integration into broader automation systems, improving throughput, safety, and efficiency for industrial manufacturers.
• General Assembly Systems Custom assembly solutions combining speed, accuracy, and reliability with vision systems for error-proofing and custom HMIs for user-friendly monitoring, used by industrial and durable goods manufacturers.
• Leak Detection and X-Ray Systems X-ray and leak detection systems for non-destructive quality inspection, designed for aerospace, defense, and mission-critical applications where quality control is paramount.
• AMR and AGV Integration Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) and Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) integration services partnering with OTTO, Tompkins Robotics, and MiR for flexible, scalable material transport across manufacturing and logistics operations.
• Vision Solutions Advanced quality detection and vision-guided robotics for error-free operations, defect detection, quality verification, and production monitoring, deployed as part of CRG's custom automation systems.
• Control Systems and HMIs Custom-designed control systems featuring advanced servo technology, fully custom HMIs, diagnostics, and digital overrides, with UL-certified panels built in CRG's Louisville, KY facility on Allen-Bradley/Rockwell and Siemens platforms.
• Conveying and Handling Systems Custom conveyors and handling systems including pallet and case conveyors, spiral systems, and custom solutions built around specific layouts, pace, and product mix, integrating Interroll conveyor technology.
• Labeling and Marking Systems Print and apply systems, laser marking, and VIN scribing/etching solutions with real-time tracking, serialization, and supply chain visibility, integrated into end-of-line packaging and manufacturing lines.
• Robotics Integration Integration of robotic systems for palletizing, case packing, assembly, machine tending, welding, and product collation, delivered as standalone cells or as part of broader automation systems using robots from FANUC, ABB, Kawasaki, KUKA, Mujin, and Yaskawa.
• Aftermarket Services, Spare Parts, and Support Ongoing lifecycle support for installed CRG systems including spare parts, preventative maintenance, training, commissioning support, remote monitoring, and field service, delivered through service contracts and per-incident support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40% increase in production efficiency for Goose Creek Candle Company
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• FANUC America CorporationcoreTechnology or Integration · 2 April 2026FANUC is CRG's primary robotics partner. CRG received the FANUC Outstanding Growth Award at the 2026 ASI Conference, recognizing exceptional expansion in deploying FANUC robotic solutions throughout 2025. CRG integrates FANUC robots across a wide range of customer applications, from high-speed SCARA systems to powerful 6-axis robots for large payloads and complex material-handling tasks.
• Interroll GroupcoreTechnology or Integration · 10 February 2026CRG Automation was named an official Rolling On Interroll (ROI) partner, a selective global partnership program signifying quality, reliability, and leadership in systems integration and material handling solutions. CRG has integrated Interroll conveyor products across numerous installations, helping manufacturers and distribution operations optimize throughput, reduce downtime, and improve operational safety.
• ABBsupportingTechnology or IntegrationABB is listed as a robotics technology partner on CRG Automation's About page, alongside other major robot manufacturers.
• Kawasaki RoboticssupportingTechnology or IntegrationKawasaki is listed as a robotics technology partner on CRG Automation's About page, alongside other major robot manufacturers.
• KUKAsupportingTechnology or IntegrationKUKA is listed as a robotics technology partner on CRG Automation's About page.
• OTTO MotorssupportingTechnology or IntegrationOTTO Motors (by Rockwell Automation) is listed as a robotics/AMR technology partner on CRG Automation's About page. CRG partners with OTTO for AMR and AGV solutions in material handling applications.
• MujinsupportingTechnology or IntegrationMujin is listed as a robotics technology partner on CRG Automation's About page.
• Tompkins RoboticssupportingTechnology or IntegrationTompkins Robotics is listed as a technology partner on CRG Automation's About page, providing AMR solutions that CRG integrates into automation systems.
• YaskawasupportingTechnology or IntegrationYaskawa is listed as a robotics technology partner on CRG Automation's About page.
• Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR)supportingTechnology or IntegrationCRG has integrated MiR AMRs into its automation systems, including the Rocket Warhead Containment System (RCWS) for the Department of Defense chemical weapons demilitarization program, where MiR AMRs transport canisters through the facility 24/7.
• Rockwell AutomationsupportingTechnology or IntegrationCRG partners with Rockwell Automation for control systems. The C-IMC cartoner is powered by an Allen Bradley controller. CRG's About page references Rockwell partnership for controls and HMIs.
• SiemenssupportingTechnology or IntegrationCRG Automation partners with Siemens for control systems and automation technology, as stated on the Controls expertise page.
• MHEDA (Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association)minorOthersMHEDA logo appears on the About page under Industry Associations. CRG maintains membership in MHEDA as part of its industry network.
• PMMI (Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute)minorOthersPMMI logo appears on the About page under Industry Associations. PMMI is the trade association for packaging and processing technology companies.
• KAM (Kentucky Association of Manufacturers)minorOthersKAM logo appears on the About page under Industry Associations. CRG maintains membership as a Kentucky-based manufacturer.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Formic: Chicago-based startup offering industrial robots as a service (RaaS) targeting small and mid-sized manufacturers. Represents an emerging model that could compete for the same end customers on standardized applications, though focused on lower-complexity use cases than CRG's custom work.
• Vention: Cloud-based manufacturing automation platform offering modular robot cells, conveyors, and machine components with rapid design-to-deploy tools. Adjacent competitor targeting the same CPG/small manufacturer segment with a more standardized, less custom approach.

Broad incumbents

• Rockwell Automation: Largest pure-play industrial automation incumbent in North America and a CRG partner (Allen-Bradley controllers). Provides broader portfolio including controls, software, and lifecycle services that overlap with CRG's offerings at a much larger scale.
• JR Automation (Hitachi): One of North America's largest custom automation integrators, now owned by Hitachi. Competes with CRG in robotic welding, assembly, and material handling across automotive, aerospace, and CPG end markets, but at substantially larger scale.
• Honeywell Intelligrated: Honeywell's material handling and automation division, providing large-scale warehouse, distribution, and packaging automation. Competes with CRG in end-of-line palletizing and conveying for large enterprise customers.

Direct peers

• Calvary Robotics: Custom robotics and automation integrator based in New York, serving medical, consumer products, and industrial customers. Comparable in scale and approach - bespoke engineered systems rather than catalog products.
• Eckhart: Mid-sized custom industrial automation and robotic systems integrator serving CPG, automotive, and industrial customers. Comparable business model: design-build of engineered automation systems, including AGV/AMR and autonomous material handling solutions.
• Genesis Automation: Custom robotic systems integrator focused on assembly, material handling, and welding for automotive and industrial customers. Similar scale and engineering-led project model.
• Advanced Automation (Indiana): Indiana-based custom automation integrator serving automotive, food/beverage, and consumer goods manufacturers with robotic systems and material handling solutions. Comparable size and vertical mix to CRG.
• Mission Design & Automation: Holland, MI-based custom automation integrator focused on secondary packaging, palletizing, and material handling. Closest direct peer in terms of size, target verticals (CPG/food), and go-to-market (consultative, project-based).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@CRGautomation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/crg-automation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 CRG Automation