What Modular Automation does

Modular Automation is a Tier 1 systems integrator specialising in custom automation solutions for global medical device manufacturers. Founded in 1986 by Ron O'Brien as a tool and die provider for advanced electronics firms (Dell, Apple, Molex), the company pivoted towards MedTech during the 2000s following its 2006 management buyout from Molex, and now serves blue-chip OEMs including Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, Boston Scientific, DePuy, and Bausch & Lomb. Headquartered in Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland, the company operates from a 100,000 sq. ft. campus — the largest automation facility in Ireland and the UK — with a North American subsidiary in Jacksonville, Florida established in 2018.

The company's core offering spans the full automation lifecycle: Automation Exploration consulting, Custom Automation Solutions, Build to Print replication, high-volume Equipment Contract Manufacturing (ECM), and After Sales Service & Support. Underlying technologies include robotic integration across Mitsubishi, ABB, Staubli, and Epson platforms; proprietary LED Tube Curing Technology developed in an in-house LED Technology Lab; Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) intelligent conveyor systems; Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs); machine vision built on Cognex and Keyence; and RFID/barcode-based Track & Trace. Differentiated customer engagement tools include ABB RobotStudio-driven VR simulation and Microsoft HoloLens 2 mixed reality collaboration. ISO 9001:2015 certified with zero BSI non-conformances and CE marking on core products, Modular operates in the heavily regulated MedTech space where regulatory fluency is a prerequisite.

Revenue is generated through project-based, multi-year contracts priced bespoke per scope and complexity, supplemented by recurring after-sales service and high-volume ECM programs (tens to hundreds of units annually). The go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales led by senior engineers, supported by major MedTech industry events (ATX West, MD&M West, The MedTech Conference). The company has been Deloitte Best Managed for nine consecutive years and in 2025 became part of Industrial Robotics. Headcount stands at 170+ multi-disciplined engineers, with plans for an additional 100 hires by 2023. No external PE or VC funding is disclosed; ownership is management-based following the 2006 MBO.

Name

Modular Automation

Legal name

Modular Automation Ireland Limited

Website

https://modular-global.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Modular Automation is a Tier 1 systems integrator designing and building custom automation solutions, equipment contract manufacturing, and proprietary technologies (LED curing, LSM conveyors, AMRs) for global medical device manufacturers including J&J, Stryker, and Boston Scientific, from a 100,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Shannon, Ireland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Systems for Medical Device Manufacturing

NAICS

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (3332), Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550), Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Factory Automation Cells & Integrated Systems (Assembly, Welding, Painting Lines) (IMAHAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Packaging Line Automation, Robotics & Integration (Controls, Turnkey Lines) (IMALAOAL), Conveying, Feeding & Accumulation Systems (Packaging Lines) (IMAHAOAK), End-of-Line Integration & Packaging Line Systems (IMAHAOAN), Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG)

Keywords

• Medical device automation
• Custom automation solutions
• Robotic systems integration
• MedTech manufacturing equipment
• Automated production lines

Headquarters

HQ city

Jacksonville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Automation Solutions: Design, build and delivery of complete bespoke automation solutions for MedTech manufacturers. Covers the full project lifecycle from automation exploration through to CE certification. Revenue generated through project-based contracts for complex automation machines and production lines.
2. Build to Print Equipment: Replication of existing equipment from customer drawings and specifications. Usually one-off copies or discrete numbers of machines (one, two or three). Revenue is project-based per machine built.
3. Equipment Contract Manufacturing (ECM): High-volume manufacturing of equipment for OEMs — 10, 50 or hundreds of units per annum. Includes value engineering, supply chain management, and cost-down initiatives. Revenue from volume manufacturing contracts with ongoing forecast commitments.
4. After Sales Service & Support: Ensuring consistent machine performance and reliability post-delivery. Ongoing support services for installed equipment.
5. Precision Parts: High-precision tooling solutions to meet diverse industry needs. Revenue from manufacturing precision tooling parts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Modular Automation is a Tier 1 systems integrator that designs, builds, and delivers custom automation solutions — including robotic cells, machine tending, linear synchronous motor conveyors, LED curing, AMRs, machine vision, and track & trace systems — for the world's leading medical device manufacturers. The company runs the full project lifecycle from automation exploration and concept development through to build, CE certification, volume equipment contract manufacturing, and after-sales support from its 100,000 sq. ft. Shannon, Ireland facility and Jacksonville, Florida office.

Product overview

Modular Automation is a MedTech-focused automation solutions provider offering a portfolio of interconnected products and services. Its core product line includes the Tending Cell (a customisable robotic machine tending solution with configurable payload, reach, and gripper options), the Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) intelligent conveyor system using magnetic field technology, LED Tube Curing Technology for adhesive and coating curing, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for flexible manufacturing transport, High-Speed Molding Transfer Systems, and Machine Vision Systems built on Keyence and Cognex platforms. These products are supported by a suite of engineering services including Robot Integration (Mitsubishi, ABB, Staubli, Epson), Systems Integration (Tier 1 turnkey delivery), Track & Trace solutions (RFID and barcode), and Data Analytics & Reporting. The service layer spans Automation Exploration, Custom Automation Solutions, Build to Print Equipment, Equipment Contract Manufacturing (ECM), After Sales Service & Support, and Precision Parts. The company operates across a 100,000 sq. ft. facility in Shannon, Ireland and a US office in Jacksonville, Florida.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Custom Automation Solutions Complete bespoke automation projects, large and small, designed, built, and delivered by Modular as Tier 1 systems integrator for global MedTech manufacturers. Covers planning, design, build, vendor selection, safety, controls, and integration.
• Automation Exploration Consulting engagement that helps MedTech manufacturers identify and validate the right automation approach for their manufacturing challenges, including proof-of-principle testing.
• Build to Print Equipment Exact replication of engineered systems from customer drawings and specifications, typically one-off or small batches (one to three machines), with engineering review to identify performance improvements.
• Equipment Contract Manufacturing (ECM) High-volume manufacturing of OEM equipment for MedTech customers requiring 10 to hundreds of units per year, including value engineering, supply chain management, and cost-down programs across 30,000 sq. ft. of dedicated production space.
• After Sales Service & Support Post-delivery support service ensuring consistent machine performance and reliability, including installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance for Modular-installed equipment.
• Precision Parts High-precision tooling solutions and precision-manufactured components produced in-house at Modular's Shannon facility for diverse industry needs.
• Tending Cell Off-the-shelf robotic machine tending platform with extensive customisation for automated loading, unloading, inspection, and processing in MedTech manufacturing. Configurable payload, reach, grippers, and load formats; CE marked.
• Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) Conveyor Intelligent conveyor using electronically controlled magnetic fields to propel independent vehicles along a guided rail; configurable, programmable, and clean-room compatible, with lower maintenance than conventional fixed conveyors.
• LED Tube Curing Technology Proprietary LED curing solution for adhesives, coatings, and inks in MedTech manufacturing, offering specific wavelength selection, uniform light distribution, automatic fault detection, and a 5-year minimum life.
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Self-navigating autonomous vehicles integrated with industrial robots to deliver fully automated machine tending and material transport across MedTech manufacturing lines.
• Systems Integration Tier 1 turnkey systems integration covering planning, design, build, vendor selection, and full integration of equipment, safety, controls, and data into complete MedTech manufacturing systems.
• Robot Integration Integration of industrial robots from Mitsubishi, ABB, Staubli, and Epson into complete custom automation solutions for MedTech manufacturing, with 300+ robots integrated to date.
• Machine Vision Systems Custom machine vision solutions built on Keyence and Cognex platforms for inspection, alignment verification, and quality control in MedTech manufacturing.
• Track & Trace End-to-end product tracking using RFID and barcode technologies to create a full unique product history for identification, isolation, and troubleshooting of defective parts or products.
• High-Speed Molding Transfer Systems High-speed automated transfer systems for injection molding processes, enabling rapid and precise handling of molded parts in MedTech manufacturing.
• Data Analytics & Reporting Data analytics and reporting capabilities integrated with Modular automation systems to deliver real-time insights, environmental monitoring, and machine performance visibility.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99% OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) for delivered machines
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments2 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

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• IT Sligo (Institute of Technology Sligo)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 July 2021Partnership with IT Sligo on their Mechatronics Work-Based Engineering Degree programme. Students can join Modular's engineering team, earning while learning and gaining experience with a wide range of technologies, robots and automation.
• The CX CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2021Partnership to deliver a best-in-class customer experience. True collaboration between the customer and Modular team working shoulder-to-shoulder exploring possibilities and delivering automation solutions.
• ReaDI-Watch / GB Innovation Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partnership with Professor Gerry Byrne of ReaDI-Watch and GB Innovation Ltd. to drive Innovation and R&D. Professor Gerry Byrne chairs Modular's R&D Board. Partnership designed to advance Modular's R&D and innovation capability with strong governance and robust processes.
• Enterprise IrelandcoreOthers · 11 December 2019Enterprise Ireland supported Modular's expansion plan to create 100 new jobs by 2023 and facility expansion. Executive Director Stephen Creaner commented on the company's global ambition and commitment to innovation.
• OmroncoreTechnology or Integration · 11 December 2018Recognised as an Omron Solution Partner, leading in the application and implementation of Omron's innovative technologies including AIV (Autonomous Intelligent Vehicle) technology integrated into large production lines for flexible manufacturing.
• MecademiccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 October 2018Partnership with Mecademic to become a key distributor of the Meca500 robot in Ireland. The Meca500 is the smallest and most precise six-axis industrial robot arm on the market, weighing 4.5kg with a position repeatability of 0.005mm.
• CONFIRM Smart Manufacturing CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 September 2017Industry partner of the CONFIRM Smart Manufacturing centre, working to develop practical applications for Industry 4.0. CONFIRM is an SFI Research Centre for Smart Manufacturing.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• JR Automation (Hitachi): JR Automation, owned by Hitachi, designs and builds custom automated manufacturing systems for life sciences and medical device companies. Direct competitor in MedTech systems integration with similar Tier 1 delivery model.
• BluePrint Automation: BluePrint Automation (BPA) builds robotic packaging automation for flexible packaging applications including medical devices. Directly comparable in robotic packaging machinery focus and MedTech customer base.
• Mpac Group: Mpac Group is a UK-headquartered automation specialist serving the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical packaging markets with custom automation, robotics, and aftermarket services. Closely comparable in size, geography, and MedTech/packaging focus.
• ATS Corporation (ATS Automation): ATS is a large publicly listed Tier 1 automation systems integrator with a significant MedTech manufacturing solutions practice. Highly comparable in business model (custom automation, lifecycle services), target customers (global MedTech OEMs), and delivery footprint.
• SMC Ltd. SMC Ltd. is a global MedTech contract manufacturer and automation partner offering custom manufacturing, assembly, and automated production solutions. Direct competitor in MedTech contract manufacturing and automation integration.
• Stevanato Group: Stevanato Group supplies glass primary packaging, drug delivery systems, and integrated automation/inspection equipment to pharma and MedTech. Comparable in delivering turnkey manufacturing solutions, including custom automation, to regulated MedTech customers.

Others

• Stäubli Robotics: Stäubli is a robotics OEM whose arms are integrated by Modular and whose partner integrator network overlaps with Modular's offering. Comparable as both a supplier and an indirect competitor via its integrator ecosystem in MedTech.

Emerging players

• Symbiont (formerly Sterling Medical Devices automation arm): Symbiont is a US-based custom automation and engineering services firm serving life sciences and medical device manufacturers. Comparable in offering custom automation, controls, and vision systems to MedTech clients.

Broad incumbents

• Körber Pharma (Körber Medipak Systems): Körber's Pharma Packaging & Inspection business supplies automation, packaging, and inspection machinery to global pharma and MedTech manufacturers. A broader incumbent offering overlapping automation capabilities at a larger scale.

Regional players

• Ruhlamat GmbH: Ruhlamat is a German specialist in custom automation and assembly systems for medical technology, automotive, and electronics. Direct comparable in bespoke automation for MedTech, but primarily serving the DACH region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/modular-automation

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 Modular Automation