What Automation & Electronics does

Automation & Electronics (A&E) is a privately held industrial automation company founded in 1986 in New Zealand, specializing in PLC-based control systems, SCADA/HMI solutions, and process optimization for sawmill, wood processing, and broader industrial manufacturing applications. Its core technology stack includes proprietary 3D scanning and grade optimization (OptiX), automated resaw systems (OptiX MAXX, co-developed with McDonough Manufacturing), kiln control systems (in partnership with Windsor Engineering Group), and turnkey MCC panel builds. The company integrates with major industrial automation platforms including Rockwell Automation (where it holds Silver Partner status), Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric, ABB, and Delta Motion, alongside specialized partners JoeScan and Wagner Meters for scanning and moisture measurement.

A&E operates through three regional offices in Mt Maunganui (NZ headquarters), Arden, North Carolina (US operations established via the 2006 acquisition of Silvatech Corporation), and Canada (further strengthened by the 2019 amalgamation with TS Manufacturing). The company serves enterprise customers including Weyerhaeuser, Boral Timber, Carter Holt Harvey, Arauco, Hyne & Sons, Juken NZ, Fonterra, Goodman Fielder, and Dominion Salt, with active deployments across more than ten countries spanning Oceania, North America, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

The business model is project-based, combining one-time custom automation system sales, hardware sales (control panels and MCC builds), and recurring professional services including 24/7 remote and on-site support, training, and maintenance. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales with direct engagement through regional offices; pricing is custom-quoted per project with no public pricing disclosure. While the primary vertical is sawmill and wood processing, A&E has expanded into concrete manufacturing, quarry and rock crushing, energy management, food processing, and plastics molding. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Automation & Electronics

Legal name

Automation & Electronics

Website

https://automationelec.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Automation & Electronics designs and integrates custom PLC controls, SCADA systems, and 3D scanning-based optimization solutions for sawmill and industrial manufacturing operations, serving enterprise customers globally from offices in New Zealand, the United States, and Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation & Control Systems

NAICS

Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing (335313)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)

akta.pro primary industry

Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Control Panels & Enclosures (Panel Building, MCCs, Integration) (IMAGABAJ), Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), Process Control & Automation Electronics Manufacturing Services (PLCs, I/O, DCS/SCADA hardware) (IMAGAGAK)

Keywords

• Industrial automation
• PLC control systems
• Sawmill automation
• SCADA solutions
• Wood processing controls

Headquarters

HQ city

Arden

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Automation Systems: Design, manufacturing, and integration of customized control systems ranging from small stand-alone machines to large-scale fully integrated turnkey systems including design, programming, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning.
2. Control Panel Manufacturing: Motor Control Center (MCC) panel building and custom electrical solutions.
3. Support & Maintenance Services: 24/7 remote and on-site technical assistance, operational training, and ongoing support services.
4. Product Licensing - OptiX MAXX: Integrated automation product combining scanning technology and resaw machinery, sold as a coordinated solution.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Automation & Electronics (A&E) designs, manufactures, and integrates custom PLC and Motor Control Center (MCC) control systems, 3D scanning/optimization solutions, and SCADA-based process automation for sawmills and industrial manufacturers. The company delivers turnkey automation projects ranging from standalone machines to fully integrated mill-wide systems, supported by 24/7 remote and on-site technical services. Core technology areas include log and edger optimization (OptiX scanning), kiln and boiler control, moisture measurement, and mill-wide production monitoring software.

Product overview

Automation & Electronics (A&E) is an industrial automation company specializing in customized control systems for manufacturing and wood processing industries. The product portfolio centers on a core offering of custom-engineered PLC and MCC control solutions, supported by a comprehensive suite of specialized products for sawmills and wood processing. Key products include the OptiX MAXX automated resaw system (combining A&E's OptiX scanning with McDonough AutoMAXX resaw technology), EdgerView video-based operator interface, LogView 3D Carriage scanning systems, Mill Management Systems, BoilerView SCADA controls, and various optimizer and setworks solutions. The company also provides moisture meters, lumber drying/kiln control systems, debarker and log handling automation, trimline/binsorter/tally systems, and stacker solutions. All products integrate with industry-standard automation platforms including Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric, ABB, and Delta Motion, and partner with TS Manufacturing and Windsor Engineering Group for complete turnkey solutions. The company operates globally with operations in New Zealand, USA, and Canada.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• OptiX MAXX: Automated resaw system that integrates scanning, grade optimization, automated turning, and consistent infeed for sawmill operations. Developed in partnership with McDonough Manufacturing.
• EdgerView
• LogView 3D
• BoilerView
• Mill Management Systems

Products and services

• OptiX MAXX Automated Resaw Integrated automated resaw system for sawmill operations that combines 3D scanning, grade optimization, automated turning, and consistent infeed. Aimed at large sawmill customers seeking to eliminate operator-dependent variability and improve recovery.
• Custom Controls (PLC and MCC Panels) Bespoke PLC and Motor Control Center panel solutions tailored to specific manufacturing and wood processing facilities, including full design, programming, integration, installation, and commissioning. Target customers are industrial operators needing reliable custom automation.
• Mill Management Systems Software suite providing real-time production monitoring, reporting, and process optimization across sawmill operations, enabling operators and managers to track throughput, yield, and downtime.
• LogView 3D Carriage High-speed, precision 3D log scanning and optimization system for sawmill carriage lines that maximizes lumber yield and operational efficiency.
• EdgerView Live, video-based operator interface enabling precise sawline adjustments on edger machines to improve grade recovery and reduce waste in sawmill operations.
• BoilerView Advanced SCADA-based boiler control system that optimizes fuel efficiency, emissions, and provides real-time monitoring for industrial boiler operations.
• Lumber Drying Solutions (Kiln Controls & SCADA) Advanced kiln control systems that optimize lumber drying efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce energy consumption, integrated with Windsor Continuous Dry Kiln technology.
• AE 3D Edger/Trimmer Optimizer High-accuracy 3D scanning and optimization system for precise board trimming and edging operations in sawmills.
• SCADA Systems Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems for real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes including kilns, boilers, and production lines.
• Setworks Systems Precision motion control solutions for sawmills that enhance cutting accuracy, efficiency, and product consistency.
• Support & Maintenance Services 24/7 remote and on-site technical assistance, operational training, and ongoing support services delivered by regional teams in New Zealand, USA, and Canada.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced shift-to-shift variability in positioning and yield
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• McDonough ManufacturingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed OptiX MAXX automated resaw system combining McDonough's AutoMAXX resaw machinery with A&E's OptiX scanning and optimization technology. McDonough has been building sawmill machinery since 1888 and originated the linebar resaw in the early 1900s.
• TS ManufacturingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCanadian OEM partner for sawmill equipment. Collaboration on trimline, binsorter, tally systems and other sawmill automation projects.
• Windsor Engineering GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Zealand-based OEM partner specializing in kiln drying systems. Collaboration on Windsor Continuous Dry Kiln and Windsor Kiln controls with SCADA integration.
• Rockwell AutomationmajorTechnology or IntegrationRockwell Silver Partner. Integration of Allen-Bradley controllers and Rockwell automation products into A&E's control systems solutions.
• JoeScanmajorTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partner for 3D log scanning technology used in sawmill carriage optimization and edger systems.
• Wagner MetersmajorTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partner for moisture measurement solutions including Orion Meters and ruggedized moisture meters for wood processing applications.
• Gibson & Sons (A E Gibson & Sons)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralian machinery manufacturer and channel partner for sawmill equipment. Collaboration on carriage controls, edger systems, and scanner integration across Australian sawmill projects.
• Cooper Machine CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOEM partner for sawmill machinery integrated into A&E automation solutions.
• Pacific SawmillminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOEM partner for sawmill equipment.
• MillrightminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOEM partner for sawmill machinery.
• SCIONminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Zealand research institute collaboration on Pilot Pulp Plant SCADA & PLC Controls projects.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• TS Manufacturing: Canadian OEM of sawmill equipment (edgers, trimlines, binsorters) that amalgamated with A&E in 2019. Most directly comparable peer: it builds the mechanical equipment A&E automates, and the two operate as collaborative OEM partners serving the same enterprise sawmill customers.
• MiCROTEC: European-based leader in wood scanning and optimization (CT Log, Goldeneye, TwinLite). Directly competes with A&E's LogView 3D, Edger/Trimmer Optimizer, and OptiX scanning products in sawmill carriage and edger optimization.
• RemaSawco (Dacke Industri): Swedish supplier of scanning and optimization systems for sawmills, including log scanners, edger optimizers, and board scanners. Closely comparable to A&E's LogView 3D and AE 3D Edger/Trimmer Optimizer product lines.
• Optimation Technology: U.S.-based industrial automation integrator delivering PLC, SCADA, and control system integration for manufacturing clients. Directly comparable to A&E's core control system integration and MCC panel-building business outside the sawmill vertical.

Broad incumbents

• USNR (U.S. Natural Resources): Large established OEM of sawmill machinery, scanners, and optimization systems serving the same global wood-products customers as A&E. A broader incumbent that overlaps with A&E's scanner/optimizer and mill-management offering as part of a wider mechanical-equipment portfolio.
• Rockwell Automation: Global industrial automation incumbent whose Allen-Bradley PLCs and FactoryTalk SCADA A&E integrates as a Silver Partner. As a broad incumbent, Rockwell's own vertical-specific solutions could compete with or substitute for A&E's integrated offering.
• Schneider Electric: Global industrial automation and electrical equipment supplier whose controllers and SCADA A&E integrates. Broad incumbent with overlapping sawmill and process-industry customers where it could supply solutions directly or through other integrators.
• ABB: Global industrial automation and robotics incumbent whose products A&E integrates into sawmill and manufacturing control systems. Broad incumbent with portfolio-level competition risk in the same enterprise end markets.

Emerging players

• Springer Microtec (now part of MiCROTEC): Specialized sawmill scanning and optimization vendor (now operating under MiCROTEC). Competes in the same niche as A&E's OptiX scanning technology in the European sawmill market.
• Patti Engineering: U.S. industrial automation integrator specializing in PLC programming, SCADA, and control system design for manufacturing. Comparable in service model and customer type to A&E's general manufacturing automation work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 Automation & Electronics