What Kahler Automation does

Kahler Automation is a privately held, family-owned industrial automation company founded in 1991 by Wayne Kahler in Fairmont, Minnesota, specializing in control systems and software for bulk material handling at agricultural retail and grain facilities. The company builds integrated systems for dry fertilizer automation, liquid fertilizer metering and blending, grain receiving and storage, and truck traffic management, combining proprietary hardware (FLEXCOMMAND® control platforms, motor control centers, pumping skids) with a proprietary software ecosystem (Constellation® enterprise data management, Terminal Management TMX®, Plant Supervisor PSX®, LOADPASS® mobile check-in). Its technology architecture connects facility-level PLCs and sensors through Windows-based HMIs and ethernet communications to a cloud-adjacent enterprise data layer, with integrations to more than 40 agronomy and accounting software packages (AgriSmart, AgVantage, AgVision, FieldAlytics, Greenstone, SSI/AGVance, Raven, and others).

Kahler Automation serves agricultural retailers, grain elevators, and feed mills across the United States and Canada, with named enterprise customers including CHS, AgVantage FS, CPI, Crystal Valley, Farmers Cooperative, Landus, Mercer Landmark, Star of the West, Sunrise FS, United Farmers Cooperative, and Wedgworth. The company generates revenue through three primary streams: hardware and control system sales (FLEXCOMMAND platforms, motor control centers, pumping skids), software subscriptions (TMX transitioned to annual subscription billing), and professional services including installation, technical support, and day-long hands-on training priced at $495 per person. Go-to-market is relationship-driven direct enterprise sales through regional accounts managers, supplemented by software demo scheduling, webinars, and industry events (ARA Conference, Tech Hub LIVE).

The company employs nearly 100 people at its single Fairmont, Minnesota headquarters and operates a manufacturing, testing, and production floor at that location. Leadership transitioned in 2021 when John Christ was appointed CEO (bringing prior experience at Rockwell Automation), with founder Wayne Kahler moving to Chairman; in 2025, Jessica Geelan was promoted from Controller to CFO. Recent strategic activity has centered on product modernization, including the 2025 launch of the FLEXCOMMAND platform, integration of legacy software systems under Constellation, and the transition of TMX to a subscription pricing model.

Name

Kahler Automation

Legal name

Kahler Automation

Website

https://kahlerautomation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Kahler Automation is a privately held industrial automation company that designs integrated hardware control systems and proprietary software (FLEXCOMMAND, Constellation, TMX, LOADPASS) for dry fertilizer, liquid product, and grain handling at agricultural retailers and grain elevators across North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Fairmont

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware/Control Systems: Sale of automation control systems including FLEXCOMMAND platforms, motor control centers, pumping skids, and physical hardware components for bulk material handling
2. Software Subscriptions: Subscription-based software (TMX, Constellation) offering continuous innovation, ongoing feature enhancements, regular bug fixes, and modern architecture with SQL Server support
3. Professional Services: Training programs ($495/person), technical support, installation, and consulting services for system implementation and optimization
4. Training Services: Day-long hands-on training sessions covering TMX and PSX platforms, priced at $495 per person, held at Fairmont headquarters

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Kahler Automation designs, manufactures, and integrates automation control systems for agricultural bulk material handling, including the FLEXCOMMAND control platform, Constellation enterprise data management software, Terminal Management TMX, Plant Supervisor PSX, and LOADPASS mobile truck check-in. The company also produces Motor Control Centers and Pumping Skids, and delivers supporting training, installation, and support services primarily to agricultural retailers, cooperatives, and grain operations across North America.

Product overview

Kahler Automation provides an integrated ecosystem of automation, enterprise data management, and logistics solutions for bulk material handling facilities, primarily serving the agricultural supply chain with specialized expertise in liquid and dry fertilizer and grain operations. The product portfolio centers on the FLEXCOMMAND® control platform and Constellation® enterprise data management system, supplemented by modular software solutions including Terminal Management TMX®, Plant Supervisor PSX®, and LOADPASS® for truck traffic control. The ecosystem integrates with over 40 agronomy and accounting software packages and offers complementary hardware including Motor Control Centers and Pumping Skids, enabling facilities to optimize operations from receiving through loadout across multiple locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FLEXCOMMAND® Premium control system providing a single, user-friendly interface with centralized settings and minimal footprint for liquid and dry bulk material handling, designed for agricultural retailers and grain operations.
• Constellation® Enterprise data management solution connecting multiple facility locations through a single application, providing real-time visibility, standardized data structures, centralized order management, and benchmarking across all sites for multi-site ag enterprises.
• Terminal Management TMX® Terminal management software that optimizes business operations by managing transactional data, inventory, orders, and integrates with over 70 accounting packages for bulk fertilizer and grain facilities.
• Plant Supervisor PSX® Software that controls loadout equipment functions to accurately fulfill product dispensing orders, supporting various scales, meters, loss-in-weight systems, and bulk weigher towers with precise timing and staging controls.
• LOADPASS® Mobile driver check-in system for truck traffic control that enables pre-arrival check-in via smartphone or QR code, automated bay assignments, and seamless integration with TMX and Constellation for loadout, receiving, and facility access.
• Bulk Receiving Receiving software that automatically captures data during the product receiving process, supporting liquid metering, truck scale integration, dry systems with belt scales, and remote management via web browser for fertilizer and grain operations.
• Self Serve 24/7 unstaffed loadout and dispensing solution with touchscreen access panels, facility access controls, in-bay controls, and inventory tracking for secure autonomous operations at fertilizer and chemical facilities.
• Motor Control Centers Motor control centers designed for easier installation, maintenance, and configuration flexibility with motor control transformers, manual bypass, pre-configured VFDs and soft starts, and point-to-point wiring diagrams for bulk material handling facilities.
• Truck Traffic Control Systems for managing truck traffic flow at fertilizer and grain facilities, including secure gate access, RFID vehicle identification, automated routing to dump pits, traffic lights, message boards, and camera systems.
• Pumping Skids Pre-engineered pumping skid systems that are installation-ready with NTEP-approved flow meters, high flow rates, clean air purge capabilities, and factory testing for reduced installation time at liquid fertilizer facilities.
• Dry Fertilizer Automation Complete automation solution for dry fertilizer handling including receiving systems, reclaim systems, blending, and truck loadout with FLEXCOMMAND integration for centralized control at agronomy centers.
• Liquid Automation Liquid fertilizer automation systems including FLEXCOMMAND integration, liquid metering and blending systems handling up to 100 products, tank management, 24/7 unstaffed loadout, and pumping skid solutions for precision loadout efficiency.
• Grain Handling Automation Automation solutions for grain facilities including grain receiving control, bin level monitoring, grain temperature monitoring, hazard monitoring, truck traffic control, and barge/rail control systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• 42% reduction in electrical installation costs with FLEXCOMMAND compared to previous systems
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• AgriSmartcoreTechnology or IntegrationSoftware integration partnership allowing Kahler Automation systems to connect with AgriSmart agronomy software for seamless data exchange between platforms.
• AgVantagecoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partnership with AgVantage accounting and agronomy software enabling bidirectional data flow for order management and inventory tracking.
• AgVisioncoreTechnology or IntegrationSoftware integration partnership with AgVision for connecting Kahler automation systems with agronomy management software.
• AgWorkscoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partnership with AgWorks/McG-Tech for seamless data synchronization between Kahler systems and accounting platforms.
• FieldAlyticscoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology integration partnership enabling FieldAlytics field management software connectivity with Kahler automation solutions.
• GreenstonecoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partnership with Greenstone systems for connecting agricultural accounting and operations data.
• Raven IndustriescoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partnership with Raven (CNH) for connectivity and logistics software enabling precision agriculture integration.
• AGVance (SSI)coreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partnership with AGVance/SSI accounting software for seamless data exchange with Kahler automation systems.
• Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive membership and participation in ARA events including annual Hill Visit to advocate for agricultural retail policies. Kahler employees recognized at ARA Rising Star awards.
• CropLife MediacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOngoing media partnership with CropLife magazine featuring Kahler solutions in Retail Facilities Reports and industry articles.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Valmont Industries: Valmont is a diversified infrastructure and irrigation equipment manufacturer whose Valley Irrigation brand offers automation/controllers for ag water management. Comparable in ag automation technology but operating in irrigation rather than bulk material handling.

Broad incumbents

• Trimble: Trimble is a broad ag tech platform offering GPS, farm management and connectivity software. While not a direct competitor in facility automation, Trimble overlaps with Kahler through adjacent ag software and integration ecosystems.
• AGCO Corporation: AGCO is a major global ag equipment manufacturer with growing precision ag and smart farming offerings. Comparable as an ag industry incumbent expanding into digital/software automation adjacent to Kahler's specialty.
• Rockwell Automation: Rockwell Automation is a global industrial automation giant and the former employer of Kahler's CEO. It serves broader industrial verticals but overlaps with Kahler on PLC-based process control and PlantServices offerings for industrial/ag customers.

Direct peers

• GSI (Grain Systems Inc.): GSI is a global manufacturer of grain storage bins, dryers, conveyors and material handling equipment with control systems for ag facilities. Closely comparable to Kahler's grain handling automation offering.
• Sukup Manufacturing: Sukup is a major US manufacturer of grain bins, dryers, handling equipment and material handling systems with control/automation capabilities for grain elevators. Direct overlap with Kahler's grain handling automation and bulk material handling portfolio for ag facilities.
• Brock Grain Systems: Brock manufactures grain storage, handling and conditioning systems with automation controls serving North American grain operations. Directly comparable to Kahler's grain handling automation business and customer base.
• Ag Growth International (AGI): AGI is a leading manufacturer of grain handling, storage and conditioning equipment with automation/control solutions for ag facilities globally. Highly comparable to Kahler Automation as both serve ag retail and grain operations with integrated hardware and control systems.
• CTB Inc. CTB is a Berkshire Hathaway-owned manufacturer of grain storage/handling systems and livestock equipment with automation controls. Comparable to Kahler in providing integrated systems and controls for ag material handling operations.
• Raven Industries (CNH Industrial): Raven (now part of CNH) provides precision agriculture technology, application controls and logistics software. It is also an existing integration partner of Kahler Automation, making it both a peer and an ecosystem participant in ag technology.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@Kahlerautomation
• Facebookfacebook.com/KahlerAutomation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kahler-automation
• Xx.com/teamkahler

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 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 Kahler Automation