What Turn-Key Solutions does

Turn-Key Solutions (TKS) is a custom industrial automation and robotics systems integrator headquartered in Germantown, Wisconsin. Founded in 1930, the company designs and builds turnkey manufacturing automation solutions ranging from $10K to over $10M in project value, serving enterprise manufacturers across automotive (Eaton, Dana, ZF, AAM, Mahle), power equipment (Generac, Husqvarna), consumer goods (Whirlpool), industrial tools (Snap-on), and defense (ITAR-certified) verticals. The firm has 53 employees, 225 customers, and 2,000+ systems deployed in the field.

TKS operates as an authorized system integrator for the major industrial automation platforms: FANUC America (integrating FANUC robots such as the M-20iD/25 into bin picking and machine tending cells), ABB Robotics, Lincoln Electric (welding), and Schunk (Blue Level Partner for 20+ years providing gripping solutions). Core technical capabilities include vision-guided robotic bin picking powered by Apara AI 4D Vision, robotic machine tending on linear rails and 7th axis systems, dedicated high-volume machines for drilling/milling/grinding/turning (capable of 800 parts per hour), pressure-decay leak test equipment, laser welding cells with 4KW fiber beam delivery, and custom in-house workholding/fixturing designed using CAD/CAM and FEA software. Following the 2023 acquisition of Banner Welder, TKS expanded into robotic welding services (GMA, GTAW, RSW, laser welding) and standard welding machines.

The business model is primarily project-based custom equipment engineering (one-time/license revenue), supplemented by standard machine sales (Banner Welder/Tuffaloy products), replacement parts (e.g., Graco G-Flex 1500 carpeting at $4,000/set), and recurring installation, training, and rebuild/retrofit services. Distribution is entirely direct enterprise sales with quote-driven engagement; there is no evidence of resellers or international sales infrastructure beyond A3 Mexico membership. The company is privately held and owner-controlled by President Scott Etzel, with no institutional investment, parent company, or public-market presence.

Name

Turn-Key Solutions

Legal name

Turn-Key Solutions

Website

https://tksinc.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1930

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Turn-Key Solutions is a custom industrial automation and robotics systems integrator serving enterprise manufacturers in automotive, power equipment, and consumer goods. Founded in 1930 in Germantown, Wisconsin, the 53-employee firm designs robotic machine tending, welding, leak testing, and workholding systems, with 2,000+ deployed.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Germantown

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Equipment Design and Build: Design and build of custom robotic systems, machine tending cells, assembly stations, welding systems, material-handling equipment, CNC fixturing, and production workholding solutions. Projects range from standalone machines to fully-integrated multi-machine systems. Projects range from $10K to $10M+ based on customer testimonials.
2. Standard Machine Sales: Sale of standard welding machines including CR Rocker Arm Welders, AP Press Welders, APS Press Spot Welders, BP Press Welders, CPS & LPS Seam Welders, FG C-Frame Welders, and Standard Multi-Head Welders. Also includes portable weld guns and TECNA products.
3. Replacement Parts and Consumables: Sale of replacement parts including Graco G-Flex 1500 directional carpeting (full set for $4,000), Tuffaloy resistance welding products as preferred OEM and distributor, and spare parts for existing TKS programs.
4. Installation, Training, and Support Services: Professional services including installation, training, machine rebuild and retrofit solutions, and ongoing support for customer equipment. The company takes projects from start to finish.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Turn-Key Solutions (TKS) is a custom automation and robotics systems integrator that designs, builds, and installs turnkey manufacturing equipment for enterprise customers. Core offerings include vision-guided bin picking, robotic machine tending, custom dedicated high-volume machines, cell integration, leak test equipment, part handling automation, custom workholding and fixturing, and automated welding systems (robotic, standard, and laser). The company handles projects from concept through installation and training, with project sizes ranging from $10K to $10M+.

Product overview

Turn-Key Solutions (TKS) is a custom automation and robotics integrator offering turnkey solutions from concept through installation. The portfolio centers on robotic automation (bin picking, machine tending, cell integration) combined with specialized manufacturing equipment (dedicated high-volume machines, leak test equipment) and welding systems. Core offerings include: Bin Picking with Apara AI 4D Vision, Robotic Machine Tending using FANUC robots, Custom/Dedicated Equipment for drilling/milling/grinding, Cell Integration services, Leak Test Equipment, Part Handling Automation, Workholding and Fixturing, and Automated Assembly with force/distance monitoring and vision. With the acquisition of Banner Welder, TKS expanded into Welding Services including robotic welding, standard machines (CR Rocker Arm, AP Press, BP Press, Seam Welders), Laser Welding (4KW fiber laser cells), and Tuffaloy resistance welding products. TKS operates as FANUC Authorized System Integrator and Schunk Blue Level Partner, serving automotive, EV, consumer goods, agriculture, generators, appliances, hand tools, and military sectors across 95 years in business with 53 employees and 2000+ systems deployed.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bin Picking Vision-guided robotic bin picking solutions using Apara AI 4D Vision technology integrated with FANUC robots for precise pick-and-place of components from bins; rigorously tested for reliable performance.
• Robotic Machine Tending Automation solutions for CNC machine tending including robotic deburring, bearing cap processing, fixture exchanges, and multi-machine tending operations, with FANUC robots on linear rails and 7th axis systems and dual-gripper gantry systems for dual-spindle machining centers.
• Dedicated / Custom Equipment High-volume specialized machines for drilling, milling, grinding, and turning applications, including wire-forming machines, rotor handling systems, and custom locking mechanisms, capable of up to 800 parts per hour with automated part handling and in-process gauging.
• Cell Integration Complete cell integration services including robotic work cells for differential carrier machining, horizontal machining centers with robotic part handling, linear rail transport units, and buffer storage systems.
• Leak Test Equipment Precision leak test machines performing pressure decay tests at specified PSI with configurable leak rates, multi-cavity checks with temperature compensation, 5,000 test result storage, and multi-part program capability, used by manufacturers to verify product performance under specified conditions.
• Part Handling Automation Custom part handling solutions including sintered furnace unload automation, coining press load automation, magnetic pick-and-place transfers, servo-controlled transfer mechanisms, and robotic dispensing for manufacturing lines.
• Workholding Custom workholding fixtures for VMC and HMC including live hydraulic, closed circuit, trunnion, and manual clamping fixtures, engineered in-house with CAD/CAM and FEA software, CNC programming, and PPAP support to securely grip components without distortion.
• Fixturing Components Custom fixture manufacturing services including CNC milling, turning, surface grinding, OD grinding, spare parts manufacturing, reverse engineering, and parts made to customer prints.
• Welding Services Comprehensive welding services including robotic integration, GMA/GTAW/RSW welding, resistance welding (spot, projection, seam), and laser welding, expanded through the 2023-08-16 acquisition of Banner Welder.
• Standard Machines Standard welding machines from the Banner Welder line including CR Rocker Arm Welders (2CR-5CR), AP Press Welders (1AP-4AP), APS Press Spot Welders, BP Press Welders, CPS and LPS Seam Welders, FG C-Frame Welders, standard multi-head welders, and portable weld guns.
• Laser Welding Laser welding cells featuring a 4KW laser power supply with fiber beam delivery, wobble head for welding automotive exhaust parts, a material handling robot, automatic tool changer for quick changeover between assemblies, and a fume collection system housed in a light-tight enclosure.
• Tuffaloy Resistance Welding Products Preferred OEM and distributor for Tuffaloy resistance welding products including electrodes, adaptors, and accessories sold directly to manufacturing customers requiring resistance welding equipment and consumables.
• Graco G-Flex 1500 Directional Carpeting Replacement directional carpeting for Graco G-Flex 1500 machines; full set (pieces 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, and 7) priced at $4,000 with individual pieces available at separate prices.

Quantifiable outcome

• High-volume machining capable of 800 parts per hour
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FANUC AmericacoreTechnology or IntegrationFANUC Authorized System Integrator providing access to FANUC robots (including M-20iD/25) and automation technology. The partnership enables creation of high-quality mechanical automation and machining processes using FANUC's industrial robot platforms.
• SchunkcoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial Schunk Blue Level Partner for 20+ years. Schunk is an international leader in gripping and automation technology offering 12,000 gripping solutions. This partnership allows TKS to customize gripper solutions to perfectly fit customer needs.
• Lincoln ElectriccoreTechnology or IntegrationLincoln Electric Authorized Robotic Integrator enabling access to high-quality welding equipment and technology for creating automation welding solutions for customers.
• ABB RoboticscoreTechnology or IntegrationRobotics Channel Partner with ABB Robotics allowing TKS to provide top-quality service and technology to customers through ABB's robot platform.
• A3 Association for Advancing AutomationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of A3 Association enabling TKS to grow, learn, and advance knowledge to better serve customers through industry resources and networking.
• A3 MexicominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of A3 Mexico enabling TKS to better serve partners and customers located in Mexico.
• Banner WeldercoreTechnology or IntegrationAcquisition of Banner Welder expanded TKS welding capabilities to include robotic integration, machine tending, finishing, GMA/GTAW/RSW welding, laser welding and cutting, and material handling systems.
• TuffaloyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreferred OEM and distributor for Tuffaloy Resistance Welding Products. Tuffaloy is a trusted brand for resistance welding consumables and components.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bastian Solutions: Bastian Solutions is a US-based systems integrator specializing in robotic automation, material handling, and custom end-of-line solutions. Like TKS, Bastian integrates FANUC robots and serves manufacturing customers with custom-engineered automation cells.
• Concept Systems Inc: Concept Systems is a Pacific Northwest-based robotics and automation integrator serving aerospace, manufacturing, and food/beverage. It offers FANUC-integrated custom cells and material handling similar to TKS's offerings.
• JR Automation: JR Automation (acquired by Hitachi) is one of the largest US custom industrial automation and robotics system integrators, serving automotive, aerospace, and industrial customers with robotic cells, machine tending, and material handling — directly comparable to TKS's core integration offering, though at significantly larger scale.
• Midwest Engineered Systems: Midwest Engineered Systems is a Wisconsin-based systems integrator offering custom robotic automation, welding, and assembly solutions. Its geographic footprint and product mix are highly comparable to TKS's Midwest position and automotive focus.
• Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT): AMT is a Midwest-based custom robotics integrator focused on robotic material handling, machine tending, and welding for automotive and industrial manufacturers — closely matching TKS's profile, geography, and customer base.
• Genesis Systems Group: Genesis Systems Group is a robotics integration company specializing in welding automation (resistance, arc, laser) and material handling — directly overlapping with TKS's welding services line and broader robotic integration portfolio, with comparable automotive/industrial customer mix.
• Cornerstone Automation Systems: Cornerstone Automation Systems is a custom industrial automation integrator specializing in robotic welding, material handling, and machine tending — closely comparable to TKS's core integration offerings.

Others

• Schunk: Schunk is a global leader in gripping and clamping technology with 12,000+ standard gripping solutions. TKS holds Schunk Blue Level Partner status (20+ years) and integrates Schunk grippers into its cells, making Schunk a key technology supplier rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Lincoln Electric: Lincoln Electric is a global leader in welding and cutting products and TKS's welding technology partner. While TKS is an Authorized Robotic Integrator for Lincoln Electric, Lincoln also sells directly and competes in adjacent automation spaces.
• FANUC America: FANUC America is the world's largest supplier of industrial robots and TKS's primary technology partner. As an Authorized System Integrator network member, TKS competes for the same end customers FANUC services directly, while also benefiting from FANUC's go-to-market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tkswisconsin
• Facebookfacebook.com/TKSwisconsin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/turn-key-solutions

Compliance1 record

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&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Turn-Key Solutions