Bertelkamp
Bertelkamp Automation is a privately held, family-owned industrial automation distributor and systems integrator serving manufacturers across the Southeastern US from offices in Knoxville, Nashville, and Greenville, distributing and integrating products from 25+ manufacturers including Mitsubishi, Cognex, Festo, Universal Robots, and Dorner.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1975
- HeadquartersKnoxville, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Bertelkamp does
Bertelkamp Automation, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned industrial automation solutions provider headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, founded in 1975 by Hank Bertelkamp as Bertelkamp Fluid Power and rebranded in 1988 to reflect its expanded focus on factory automation. The company distributes and integrates products from more than 25 manufacturer partners — including Mitsubishi Electric (PLCs, HMIs, robots, servo drives, inverters), Cognex (machine vision and barcode ID), Festo (pneumatics, electric automation, servo systems), Universal Robots (collobative robots), Dorner (conveyor systems), OnRobot (end-of-arm tooling), WAGO, IAI, and 80/20 Inc — across five Southeastern US states (Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama) through three offices (Knoxville HQ, Nashville/Franklin, Greenville) and a 23-engineer field salesforce. Revenue is generated through hardware distribution, a UL 508A-certified industrial control panel assembly service (over 7,500 systems built since 2006), engineering and integration services supported by a robotic and machine vision proof-of-concept Vision Lab, factory-authorized training (publicly priced courses at $1,350–$1,800 per seat), and a mobile demo showroom. Bertelkamp sells primarily to mid-market and enterprise discrete manufacturers, with additional exposure to logistics/eCommerce, medical devices, and municipal water/wastewater; recent strategic moves include a March 2025 partnership with WEBER Screwdriving that brought 23 Bertelkamp sales engineers into the WEBER network, expanding the company's reach in advanced screwdriving and fastening automation. The company is led by Hank Bertelkamp (Founder and Chairman), Bert Bertelkamp (President), Lance Davis (SVP Operations and Finance), and Brad Klena (VP Technical Services and Production), with no disclosed outside equity investment.
Bertelkamp firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bertelkamp
- Legal name
- Bertelkamp Automation, Inc.
- Website
- https://bertelkamp.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1975
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Bertelkamp Automation is a privately held, family-owned industrial automation distributor and systems integrator serving manufacturers across the Southeastern US from offices in Knoxville, Nashville, and Greenville, distributing and integrating products from 25+ manufacturers including Mitsubishi, Cognex, Festo, Universal Robots, and Dorner.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bertelkamp industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Automation Solutions
- NAICS
- Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (3332)
- SIC
- Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620), Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders) (IMAHAHAG), Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), Conveying, Feeding & Accumulation Systems (Packaging Lines) (IMAHAOAK)
Keywords
Where Bertelkamp is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Knoxville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Bertelkamp business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Industrial Automation Products: Distributes industrial automation equipment including PLCs, HMIs, machine vision systems, robotics, motion control, pneumatics, sensors, and material handling from manufacturer partners including Mitsubishi Electric, Festo, Cognex, Dorner, Universal Robots, and 20+ other brands
- Automation Assembly Services: UL 508A certified industrial control panel assembly, fluid power systems, modular aluminum systems, systems & special applications, retrofit and upgrade, and kitting services. Company has built over 7,500 industrial control systems since 2006
- Training Services: Factory-authorized and customized training for PLC, HMI, robotics, and machine vision. Classes range from beginner to advanced programming, sizes 5-12 students, duration 1-4 days. Training seminars throughout the Southeast
- Engineering & Product Support: Project consultation & support, customized training, dedicated account representatives, and mobile demo showroom services
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | GOT2000 Basics & GT Works 3 Programming - 3-day course |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | GX Works 3 Programming/IQ-R - 4-day course |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Cognex In-Sight Spreadsheet Standard - 2-day course |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Bertelkamp product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bertelkamp Automation is an industrial automation solutions provider that distributes and integrates automation products from 25+ manufacturer partners (Mitsubishi Electric, Festo, Cognex, Dorner, Universal Robots, and others) and provides complementary engineering services including UL 508A-certified industrial control panel assembly, application and design engineering, and factory-authorized training. The company serves manufacturing customers across the Southeastern United States from offices in Knoxville, Nashville, and Greenville.
Product overview
Bertelkamp Automation is an Industrial Automation Solutions Provider serving the Southeastern United States with a comprehensive portfolio of automation products and services. The company distributes and integrates products from multiple manufacturers including Mitsubishi Electric (PLCs, HMIs, robots, servo drives, inverters), Cognex (machine vision systems and barcode readers), Festo (pneumatics, electric automation, servo systems), Universal Robots (collaborative robots), Dorner (conveyors), OnRobot (grippers and end-of-arm tools), and many others. Their service offerings include UL 508A-certified automation assembly (built over 7,500 industrial control systems), application and design engineering, and factory-authorized training for PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and machine vision. The product portfolio spans Industrial Controls, PLC & HMI, Machine Vision & Barcode ID, Robotics, Motion Control & Motors, Framing & Machine Safety, Pneumatics/Vacuum, Hydraulics, Mechanical/Actuators, Sensors, Material Handling, and Networking categories. Software offerings include Cognex In-Sight Explorer vision software, ICONICS Suite SCADA/HMI software, OnRobot D:PLOY automation platform, and MELSOFT Gemini 3D simulator. Recent strategic partnership with WEBER Screwdriving expands screwdriving and fastening solutions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Automation Assembly Services UL 508A certified industrial control panel assembly including fluid power systems, modular aluminum systems, retrofit and upgrade, and kitting services. Over 7,500 industrial control systems built since 2006 for manufacturing customers.
- Application & Design Services Engineering services including robotic and machine vision proof-of-concept lab (Vision Lab), automation control systems design, robotic solutions, conveyor systems, modular framing systems, machine guarding and safety systems, and fluid power solutions.
- Engineering & Product Support Technical support services including project consultation, customized training, dedicated account representatives, and mobile demo showroom bringing automation solutions directly to customer facilities.
- Training Courses Factory-authorized training for PLC (GX Works2/3), HMI (GOT1000/2000), robotics (Mitsubishi, Universal Robots), and machine vision (Cognex In-Sight) at Knoxville headquarters and customized onsite training at customer facilities. Classes range from beginner to advanced programming.
- Industrial Automation Products Distribution Distribution of industrial automation equipment including PLCs, HMIs, machine vision systems, robotics, motion control, pneumatics, sensors, and material handling from manufacturer partners including Mitsubishi Electric, Festo, Cognex, Dorner, Universal Robots, and 20+ other brands.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 7,500 industrial control systems built since 2006
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Bertelkamp
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Bertelkamp technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability10 records
Feature4 records
Bertelkamp partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
25 partnerships are on record, tiered core, primary and standard.
- WEBER ScrewdrivingcoreNew partnership announced March 2025 where 23 Bertelkamp sales engineers joined the WEBER network to expand sales support and customer access to WEBER's advanced screwdriving and fastening technologies across the Southeastern United States. This cooperation enables manufacturers in the Southeast to access WEBER's state-of-the-art automation technologies backed by Bertelkamp's trusted expertise. WEBER Screwdriving, founded in 1956 and headquartered in Wolfratshausen, Germany, has nearly 70 years of expertise in precision screwdriving and fastening automation.
- Mitsubishi ElectriccorePrimary manufacturer partner providing PLCs, HMIs, robots, servo drives, CNCs, variable frequency drives, and motion control products. Bertelkamp offers factory-authorized training on Mitsubishi software including GX Works2 and GX Works3. Mobile showroom features Mitsubishi technology.
- FestocoreManufacturer partner providing pneumatics, electric automation, valves, solenoid valves, servo drives, and motion control. Bertelkamp offers Festo solenoid valves and Motion Terminal products. Direct Pneumatics webstore partnership offering 35,000+ pneumatic products.
- CognexcoreManufacturer partner providing machine vision systems, barcode readers, vision sensors including In-Sight series, DataMan barcode readers, and 3D vision. Bertelkamp offers factory-authorized Cognex In-Sight training and free vision evaluations through their Vision Lab.
- DornerprimaryManufacturer partner providing conveyor systems including AquaGard, AquaPruf, 1100 Series, 2200 Series, 2700 Series, FlexMove, and ERT250 edge roller conveyors for material handling applications.
- Universal RobotsprimaryManufacturer partner providing collaborative robots (cobots) including UR3, UR5, UR10, UR15, UR20, UR30 models. Bertelkamp offers cobot solutions for machine tending, assembly, and material handling applications.
- WAGOprimaryManufacturer partner providing ECO 2 power supplies, Visual Panel 200 HMIs, and automation components. Featured product news includes WAGO Visual Panel 200 HMI announced January 2026.
- IAI (Intelligent Actuator)standardManufacturer partner providing ELECYLINDER electric actuators and SCARA robots including IXP Series. Bertelkamp distributes IAI products with new ELECYLINDER models announced regularly.
- OnRobotstandardManufacturer partner providing D:PLOY automation platform, 2FG7 parallel gripper, and robotic end-of-arm tooling. D:PLOY is the industry's first automated platform for building, running, monitoring, and re-deploying collaborative applications.
- RobotiQstandardManufacturer partner providing robotic grippers and end-of-arm tooling solutions for collaborative robot applications.
- 80/20 IncstandardManufacturer partner providing modular aluminum framing systems (T-slot) used in machine guarding, workstations, and custom automation structures.
- BaumerstandardManufacturer partner providing sensors for industrial automation applications.
- Red LionstandardManufacturer partner providing industrial automation and networking products.
- Apex DynamicsstandardManufacturer partner providing precision gearboxes and motion control components.
- SchmersalstandardManufacturer partner providing safety switches, sensors, and machine safety equipment for automation guarding applications.
- Moog AnimaticstandardManufacturer partner providing motion control and servo products for industrial automation.
- Oriental MotorstandardManufacturer partner providing stepper motors, AC gear motors, and motion control solutions including AlphaStep hybrid stepper motor AZ Family.
- TOSIBOXstandardManufacturer partner providing secure remote access, maintenance, and data collection solutions for industrial automation equipment including TOSIBOX 600 series devices.
- TelitstandardManufacturer partner providing IoT communication modules and DevieWISE OEE solutions for Industrial IoT connectivity and data analytics.
- LinMotstandardManufacturer partner providing linear motors for industrial automation applications.
- SchmalzstandardManufacturer partner providing vacuum components and material handling solutions.
- FlexiBowlstandardManufacturer partner providing innovative parts feeding systems using servomotor and impulse generator technology for bulk component feeding without vibration or retooling costs.
- HyperCylstandardManufacturer partner providing HPX Series hydra-pneumatic actuators for assembly, forming, and clinching applications.
- AsyrilstandardManufacturer partner providing flexible feeding systems and components for automation applications.
- Encoder ProductsstandardManufacturer partner providing encoder products for motion control and position sensing applications.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Bertelkamp competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Rexel USA: Global electrical and automation distribution platform with US footprint — broad incumbent competitor in automation product distribution rather than regional integrator services.
- Graybar: National electrical and automation distributor operating at scale across industrial, construction, and utility markets — overlapping in product distribution though not focused on integrator services.
Direct peers
- Allied Electronics & Automation (RS Group): Industrial automation product distributor with broad catalog across controls, motion, sensors, and pneumatics — overlapping with Bertelkamp's hardware resale business at greater geographic scale.
- CIMTEC Automation: Multi-vendor industrial automation distributor and systems integrator serving the US Southeast and Mid-Atlantic with comparable partnerships (FANUC, Yaskawa, Cognex) and engineering services.
- Concept Systems: US systems integrator specializing in robotics, machine vision, and motion control — competing for the same cobot and machine vision integration opportunities.
- AutomationDirect: Direct catalog/e-commerce distributor of PLCs, HMIs, drives, motors, sensors, and pneumatics — competing head-to-head in many of Bertelkamp's product categories while bypassing integrator services.
- Wunderlich-Malec: National industrial automation systems integrator offering control system design, UL panel assembly, and SCADA — competing for the same engineering-services portion of Bertelkamp's book.
- Advanced Automation Inc. Southeast and Midwest industrial systems integrator focused on PLC, robotics, and machine vision — similar regional integrator profile and customer mix.
- Motion AI (Genesis Automation): Robotics and machine vision systems integrator with strong Universal Robots and Cognex partnerships — direct competitor for cobot and vision integration engagements.
- Avanceon (formerly Electro-Mech Industries): Multi-regional industrial automation systems integrator providing control panel assembly, SCADA, and engineering services — directly comparable to Bertelkamp's Automation Assembly and Application & Design offerings.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Bertelkamp compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Bertelkamp financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bertelkamp leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Bertelkamp funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bertelkamp 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 Bertelkamp
What does Bertelkamp do?
Bertelkamp Automation is an industrial automation solutions provider that distributes and integrates automation products from 25+ manufacturer partners (Mitsubishi Electric, Festo, Cognex, Dorner, Universal Robots, and others) and provides complementary engineering services including UL 508A-certified industrial control panel assembly, application and design engineering, and factory-authorized training. The company serves manufacturing customers across the Southeastern United States from offices in Knoxville, Nashville, and Greenville.
Is Bertelkamp a public or private company?
Bertelkamp is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Bertelkamp founded?
Bertelkamp was founded in 1975. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Bertelkamp based?
Bertelkamp is headquartered in Knoxville, United States, in the North America region.
How does Bertelkamp make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Industrial Automation Products are the primary driver. The others are automation Assembly Services, training Services and engineering & Product Support.
Who are Bertelkamp's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Rexel USA and Graybar. Direct peers are Allied Electronics & Automation (RS Group), CIMTEC Automation, Concept Systems, AutomationDirect, Wunderlich-Malec, Advanced Automation Inc., Motion AI (Genesis Automation) and Avanceon (formerly Electro-Mech Industries).
Does Bertelkamp have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bertelkamp.
What industry is Bertelkamp in?
Bertelkamp's product category is Industrial Automation Solutions. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGABAK, Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits), with a secondary code of IMAHAHAG, Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders). Its NAICS code is 335314 and its SIC code is 3620.