The Knotts Company Inc
The Knotts Company Inc is a family-owned, value-add industrial distributor founded in 1952, representing 50+ automation manufacturers (Universal Robots, Dorner, SCHUNK, IMI Norgren, etc.) and serving manufacturers across New Jersey, New York, and Eastern Pennsylvania with product selection, assembly, and integration services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1952
- HeadquartersBerkeley Heights, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Knotts Company Inc does
The Knotts Company Inc, founded in 1952 by Ken Knotts and headquartered in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, is a privately held, family-owned value-add distributor of industrial automation, motion control, pneumatics, robotics, conveyors, and machine vision products. The company operates as an authorized regional representative for over 50 industry-leading manufacturers, including Universal Robots, Dorner, Robotiq, SCHUNK, IMI Norgren, IMI Bimba, Piab, WAGO, Asyril, and SensoPart, spanning categories from collaborative robots and autonomous mobile vehicles to flexible feeding systems, valve manifolds, sensors, PLCs, HMIs, and aluminum extrusion framing. Customer relationships are built around product specialists trained directly at manufacturer facilities who provide application engineering, product selection, and integration support rather than direct technology development.
The company's business model is product distribution with value-added services. Primary revenue is generated through resale of partner products with markup, supplemented by professional services including 80/20 T-slot extrusion assemblies, pneumatic control assemblies, and palletizing solution design/build (e.g., a Robotiq PE20 + UR20 cobot deployment). Pricing is custom quote-based with Net 30 terms (1.5% monthly service charge on balances over 60 days); the go-to-market combines a regional field sales force, inside sales, a self-service e-commerce storefront at imi.knottsco.com, and extensive content marketing (blog, webinars, podcasts, whitepapers, case studies, payback calculator). Marketing channels emphasize technical expertise and educational content to drive quote requests and demo requests.
Knotts serves manufacturing companies, industrial OEMs, and system integrators across New Jersey (all 21 counties), New York City and Long Island, and 25 Eastern Pennsylvania counties, addressing verticals including food & beverage, metal working, pharmaceutical, electronics, logistics, plastics, nutraceuticals, and education. The company employs 11-50 people, has remained independent and organically grown across its 70+ year history with no identified external investment, M&A activity, or parent company, and is positioned as a regional automation specialist rather than a national or global player.
The Knotts Company Inc firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Knotts Company Inc
- Legal name
- The Knotts Company, Inc
- Website
- https://knottsco.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1952
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Knotts Company Inc is a family-owned, value-add industrial distributor founded in 1952, representing 50+ automation manufacturers (Universal Robots, Dorner, SCHUNK, IMI Norgren, etc.) and serving manufacturers across New Jersey, New York, and Eastern Pennsylvania with product selection, assembly, and integration services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Knotts Company Inc industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Automation Distribution
- NAICS
- Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4234)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Seals, Gaskets & Fluid Connectors (O-rings, packings, rotary seals, quick couplers) (IMAHAGAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Lifting Attachments & Material Handling Accessories (Fork Attachments, Slings, Rigging) (IMAHABAJ)
Keywords
Where The Knotts Company Inc is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berkeley Heights
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Knotts Company Inc business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Product Distribution: The Knotts Company generates revenue primarily through the distribution and resale of industrial automation, pneumatics, robotics, and motion control products from manufacturer partners including Dorner, Universal Robots, Robotiq, IMI Norgren, IMI Bimba, SCHUNK, and 40+ other brands. Revenue is generated through product markups and potentially volume-based arrangements.
- Services and Integration: The company provides value-add services including 80/20 assemblies, pneumatic assemblies, and palletizing solutions. These services complement product sales and provide additional revenue streams through custom integration and machine building.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom quote-based pricing for industrial automation and motion control products |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Knotts Company Inc product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Knotts Company is a value-add distributor that resells industrial automation and motion control products from more than 50 manufacturer partners, including pneumatics, conveyors, collaborative robots, machine vision, and end-of-arm tooling. The company provides application engineering, product selection assistance, and integration services such as 80/20 extrusion assemblies, pneumatic control assemblies, and palletizing solutions to manufacturing customers across New Jersey, New York, and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Product overview
The Knotts Company Inc is an industrial distributor and solution provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of automation, motion control, and robotics products from multiple manufacturer partners. The company provides both product categories (pneumatics, aluminum extrusion, electric actuators, conveyors, automation components, robotics, drives & motion control, machine safety, machine vision, and pumps & compressors) and individual named products. The product lineup includes Universal Robots collaborative robot arms (UR3e through UR30), Dorner conveyor systems, Asyril flexible feeding systems with EYE+ control, Robotiq palletizing and gripper solutions, SCHUNK grippers and tool changers, SensoPart vision sensors, Piab vacuum grippers, Wago controllers and HMIs, IMI Norgren/Bimba pneumatics, and various other automation components. The company also offers solution services including 80/20 assembly, palletizing solutions, and pneumatic control assemblies. As a distributor, The Knotts Company does not manufacture the products it sells but provides application expertise, product selection support, and integration services to manufacturing customers in New Jersey, New York, and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Universal Robots Collaborative Robot Arms
- Dorner Conveyor Systems
- Asyril Flexible Feeding Systems
- Robotiq Palletizing Solutions
- SCHUNK Grippers and Tool Changers
- Piab Vacuum Grippers and Palletizing Tools
- SensoPart Machine Vision and Sensors
- IMI Norgren Pneumatic Components
- IMI Bimba Pneumatic Cylinders
- 80/20 Aluminum Extrusion Framing
- Wago Automation Controllers and HMIs
- Unitronics All-in-One PLC/HMI
- Cambrian Machine Vision
- Global AGV L12 Autonomous Mobile Robot
- Wheel.me Genius 2 Autonomous Wheels
- Yamaha YK-XG SCARA Robot
- Leuze ROD 300/500 Laser Scanners
- WERMA Signal Towers and Beacons
- Versa Products XC8 Solenoid Valve
- Urban.io Industrial IoT Platform
- 80/20 Extrusion Assemblies Service
- Palletizing Solutions Service
- Pneumatic Controls Assemblies Service
Quantifiable outcome
- The Robotiq palletizing solution implemented for Raumland GmbH processes over 5 million bottles annually with continuous automated palletizing
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Knotts Company Inc
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
The Knotts Company Inc technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Knotts Company Inc partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
46 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Universal RobotscorePartnership established in 2017 to represent Universal Robots' innovative collaborative robot arms in NJ and Metro NY. The partnership expanded The Knotts Company's robotics offerings to include collaborative automation solutions.
- Dorner ManufacturingcorePartnership established in 2008 to represent Dorner's Conveyor products in NJ and Metro NY. Dorner is a leading manufacturer of industrial conveyors including the 2200, 2700, 3200 series and AquaGard sanitary conveyors.
- 80/20 InccorePartnership established in 1992 to represent 80/20's T-slot Aluminum Extrusion products in NJ and Metro NY. 80/20 provides modular framing systems for automation, workstations, and custom enclosures.
- Bimba (now IMI Bimba)coreThe Knotts Company partnered with Bimba in 1968 to represent their Pneumatic Cylinder products in NJ and Metro NY. Bimba is now part of IMI plc and continues as a key manufacturer partner.
- C. A. Norgren Co (now IMI Norgren)coreThe Knotts Company partnered with C. A. Norgren Co in 1953 to represent their Air Preparation products in NJ and Metro NY. This represents the company's first major manufacturer partnership and has continued for over 70 years as a core product line.
- RobotiqcoreRobotiq specializes in adaptive grippers, force torque sensors, and application kits for collaborative robots. The partnership enables The Knotts Company to offer complete cobot solutions including palletizing, machine tending, and other applications.
- SCHUNKcoreSCHUNK is a global leader in clamping technology and gripping systems offering over 11,000 standard components including toolholders, workholding equipment, and automation components. Founded in 1945, operates in more than 50 countries.
- WAGOmajorWAGO USA specializes in electrical interconnection, interface electronics, and automation technology. Products include PCB terminal blocks, connectors, relays, interface modules, controllers, and HMIs for various industries.
- AsyrilmajorAsyril develops and produces in Switzerland high-performance flexible feeding systems for parts and components. Their patented 3-axis vibration technology and smart control system EYE+ can be integrated into automation machines.
- PiabmajorPiab provides vacuum pumps and gripping solutions for robotics and automation including the piCOBOT electric vacuum pump unit and Cobot Palletizing Tool (CPT).
- SensoPartmajorSensoPart is a leading manufacturer of optical sensors and image processing solutions for factory automation including vision sensors, distance sensors, and photoelectric sensors.
- LeuzemajorLeuze is a global leader in sensor solutions for industrial automation with over 60 years of experience. Products include switching and measuring sensors, identification systems, and data transmission solutions.
- OnRobotmajorOnRobot provides hardware and software solutions for collaborative applications including end-of-arm tooling designed for easy integration across major robot brands.
- INSPEKTOminorINSPEKTO offers AI-driven visual inspection systems that automate quality control. Part of Siemens ecosystem, scalable solution for manufacturing quality assurance.
- Pick-it 3DminorPick-it 3D specializes in 3D vision systems for bin picking, pallet unloading, machine loading, and assembly. Founded in 2016, compatible with Universal Robots, ABB, KUKA, FANUC, and other industrial robots.
- Delta ElectronicsminorDelta provides industrial automation solutions including AC motor drives, servo systems, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial robots.
- UnitronicsminorUnitronics designs and manufactures control and automation solutions including PLCs with integrated HMIs, VFDs, AC servo drives and motors, and I/O modules.
- Trio Motion TechnologyminorTrio specializes in high-performance motion control solutions with Motion Coordinators that manage up to 128 axes. Part of Estun Group since 2017.
- Yamaha RoboticsminorYamaha Robotics offers industrial robots including linear, SCARA, Cartesian, single axis, and pick & place robots.
- Elmo-Rietschle (Gardner Denver)minorElmo Rietschle manufactures industrial vacuum pumps and compressed air technologies including regenerative blowers, rotary vane pumps, claw pumps, and liquid ring pumps.
- Thomas PumpsminorThomas Pumps manufactures compressors and pumps for liquids and gases serving OEMs in medical, laboratory, environmental, and industrial sectors.
- Fuji ElectricminorFuji Electric Corp. of America provides blowers, fans, and pumps for industrial applications including wastewater treatment, aquaculture, food processing, and pneumatic conveying.
- micropsi industriesminormicropsi industries provides AI-powered software solutions for industrial robots. Their MIRAI software enables robots to adapt to variances in production environments without CAD data or controlled lighting.
- ROEQminorROEQ develops robotic equipment and software for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) including carts, lifters, top rollers, and docking stations for logistics and manufacturing automation.
- Global AGVminorGlobal AGV provides autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) for material handling automation in manufacturing and logistics environments.
- Wheel.meminorWheel.me specializes in autonomous wheels for material handling automation, enabling any standard cart or platform to become a mobile robot.
- Made4CNCminorMade4CNC specializes in automating CNC machine tending with the Safedoor SD100, a UR+ certified system for safe and efficient robotized CNC machine tending.
- AIM RoboticsminorAIM Robotics develops plug-and-play dispensing tools for collaborative robots including airbox pressure controllers, syringe dispensers, and tool center point calibration systems.
- Urban.iominorUrban.io provides Industrial IoT solutions for remote data monitoring in manufacturing environments.
- FlexiBowlminorFlexiBowl provides flexible feeding systems that accommodate parts from 1 to 250mm in size regardless of geometry, surface, or material for quick product changeovers.
- Versa Products CompanyminorVersa Products Company manufactures high-quality pneumatic and hydraulic control valves including solenoid, pilot, manual, and mechanical actuated directional control valves.
- WermaminorWerma provides innovative signal solutions including signal towers, beacons, horns, and process optimization systems for industrial environments.
- German BionicsminorGerman Bionics provides robotic exoskeleton and wearable automation solutions for industrial applications.
- Cambrian RoboticsminorCambrian Robotics provides AI-powered 3D vision systems for robotic applications.
- SwivellinkminorSwivellink designs and manufactures innovative mounting solutions and automation products including mounts for cameras, sensors, lights, end-of-arm tooling, and modular guarding systems.
- AllenairminorAllenair Corporation, established in 1945, specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality pneumatic and hydraulic components including cylinders, valves, fittings, and rotary tables.
- ANVERminorANVER Corporation, established in 1968, is a leading manufacturer of vacuum material handling equipment including suction cups, vacuum pumps, and lifting systems.
- Compact Automation ProductsminorCompact Automation Products, established in 1974, manufactures space-efficient linear actuator solutions with over 16 patents and more than 50,000 custom designs.
- Deltrol Fluid ProductsminorDeltrol Fluid Products, established in 1963 and headquartered in Bellwood, Illinois, specializes in designing and manufacturing fluid power components including cartridge valves and custom manifold systems.
- Humphrey ProductsminorHumphrey Products, established in 1901 and headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, specializes in pneumatic and fluid control valves, systems, and customized products serving medical, analytical, factory automation, and process control industries.
- Koganei International AmericaminorKoganei International America, established in 2011 and headquartered in Fremont, California, provides advanced automation solutions including pneumatic and electric actuators, valves, sensors, and vacuum equipment.
- NycoilminorNycoil is a leading manufacturer of flexible metal hose assemblies, braided hose, and braid products serving aerospace, automotive, and chemical processing industries.
- Peter Paul ElectronicsminorPeter Paul Electronics Co., Inc., established in 1947, manufactures high-quality solenoid valves including 2-way and 3-way models, explosion-proof, high-pressure, and miniature valves.
- PISCO USAminorPISCO USA, Inc., established in 1993, is a leading manufacturer of pneumatic equipment specializing in tube fittings, valves, actuators, and vacuum systems for automation, robotics, and manufacturing.
- Proportion-AirminorProportion-Air, established in 1985, manufactures electronic air pressure regulators and air flow control valves for precision, repeatability, and adaptability in aerospace, automotive, medical, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries.
- IMI BahrminorIMI Bahr, established in 1990, specializes in developing and manufacturing high-quality linear axes including belt drive, spindle drive, rack and pinion drive, and linear motor drive systems for industrial automation applications.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
The Knotts Company Inc competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- AutomationDirect: Direct-to-customer e-commerce distributor of PLCs, pneumatics, drives, sensors, and motion control. Competes for similar customers with a catalog-driven, lower-touch model that pressures transactional pricing.
Broad incumbents
- Motion Industries: North America's largest industrial parts distributor with broad automation, fluid power, and conveyor coverage. National scale that regional distributors like The Knotts Company benchmark against.
- WESCO International: Large-scale distributor of electrical, communications, and utility products with an emerging industrial automation portfolio via the IGIG and other acquisitions. Competes at the broader industrial customer level.
- Parker Hannifin: Diversified motion and control technologies manufacturer with a large direct industrial distribution network. Competes in many of the same product categories (pneumatics, valves, sensors) through its own channel.
- McMaster-Carr: Iconic broad-line industrial supply distributor with a deep pneumatic, motion, and conveyor SKU catalog. Same broad customer base but a catalog/e-commerce model rather than specialist engineering.
- Festo USA: Global pneumatics and automation manufacturer that also operates direct distribution and authorized channels. Overlaps heavily with The Knotts Company's IMI Norgren/Bimba and pneumatic-assembly lines.
Direct peers
- Applied Industrial Technologies: Large U.S. industrial distributor with a strong motion control, fluid power, and automation product portfolio serving broad geographies. Highly comparable business model: technical distribution with value-add services targeting manufacturing customers.
- Cross Company: Value-add distributor and integrator of automation, motion control, and machine vision products serving manufacturers in the U.S. Southeast. Mirrors The Knotts Company's specialist-application-engineering model.
- Kaman Industrial Technologies (now Motion Industries): Long-standing regional industrial automation and fluid power distributor, integrated with Motion Industries. Operates a similar authorized-distributor model with pneumatics, motion control, and engineered solutions.
Regional players
- BIS Inc / HTE (Hydraulic, Pneumatic & Equipment): Specialized hydraulic and pneumatic distributor serving the U.S. Midwest with similar product mixes (cylinders, valves, automation components). Comparable regional value-add distributor profile.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Knotts Company Inc social profiles
Digital presenceThe Knotts Company Inc financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Knotts Company Inc leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
The Knotts Company Inc funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Knotts Company Inc M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Knotts Company Inc
What does The Knotts Company Inc do?
The Knotts Company is a value-add distributor that resells industrial automation and motion control products from more than 50 manufacturer partners, including pneumatics, conveyors, collaborative robots, machine vision, and end-of-arm tooling. The company provides application engineering, product selection assistance, and integration services such as 80/20 extrusion assemblies, pneumatic control assemblies, and palletizing solutions to manufacturing customers across New Jersey, New York, and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Is The Knotts Company Inc a public or private company?
The Knotts Company Inc is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was The Knotts Company Inc founded?
The Knotts Company Inc was founded in 1952. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Knotts Company Inc based?
The Knotts Company Inc is headquartered in Berkeley Heights, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Knotts Company Inc make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Product Distribution is the primary driver. The others are services and Integration.
Who are The Knotts Company Inc's main competitors?
AutomationDirect is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Motion Industries, WESCO International, Parker Hannifin, McMaster-Carr and Festo USA. Direct peers are Applied Industrial Technologies, Cross Company and Kaman Industrial Technologies (now Motion Industries). BIS Inc / HTE (Hydraulic, Pneumatic & Equipment) is listed as a regional player.
Does The Knotts Company Inc have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Knotts Company Inc.
What industry is The Knotts Company Inc in?
The Knotts Company Inc's product category is Industrial Automation Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAGAI, Seals, Gaskets & Fluid Connectors (O-rings, packings, rotary seals, quick couplers), with a secondary code of IMAHABAJ, Lifting Attachments & Material Handling Accessories (Fork Attachments, Slings, Rigging). Its NAICS code is 4234 and its SIC code is 5084.