TSLOTS

What TSLOTS does

TSLOTS, a product line of Bonnell Aluminum (itself a subsidiary of Tredegar Corporation, NYSE: TG), manufactures and distributes T-slotted aluminum extrusions and complementary components for industrial and commercial structural framing applications. Its core offering consists of 120+ extrusion profiles in fractional and metric sizes across 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40/45 series, supported by thousands of brackets, fasteners, hardware, panels, linear motion parts, and LED lighting accessories. The technical foundation rests on full vertical integration — extrusion, heat treat, two-step anodizing, CNC machining, panel notching, assembly, and packaging — across five North American plants (Clearfield UT, Niles MI, Newnan GA, Carthage TN, Elkhart IN). Differentiated assets include the TBUILD web-based design software (drag-and-drop CAD with real-time pricing and BOM export), a T3 Star 4-axis CNC machining center, and Kardex/Modula Vertical Lift Modules for automated storage.

TSLOTS monetizes through unit-based pricing on extrusions (e.g., per-inch for stock lengths up to 239 inches) and components, plus fee-based custom services including machining, anodizing, panel notching, custom labeling/packaging, and turnkey assembly. The company operates a pure distributor go-to-market — selling exclusively through national distributors (RSP Supply, MFCP, Uline) and a regional distributor network across the U.S. and Canada that provides local inventory, cut shop, and design assistance. Primary end-use segments are industrial automation, robotics and collaborative robots, lean workstations and ergonomic solutions, machine guarding and OSHA compliance, data center containment, woodworking shop equipment, and DIY/maker applications. Growth is signaled by recent plant expansions (Niles 2021, Newnan 2023), new product launches (Grooved Profiles, 30 Series B-Series), partnerships (Flexiv Robotics, TraceParts CAD publishing), and active trade show presence across Automate, IMTS, Fabtech, and ATX WEST through 2026.

Name

TSLOTS

Legal name

Bonnell Aluminum

Website

https://tslots.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1959

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Aluminum Extrusions

NAICS

Other Aluminum Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding (331318), Aluminum Foundries (except Die-Casting) (331524)

SIC

Rolling Drawing & Extruding Of Nonferrous Metals (3350)

akta.pro primary industry

Aluminum Extrusion (IMAKACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aluminum Fabrication & Finishing (Machining, Anodizing, Coating) (IMAKACAI), Aluminum Value-Added Components (Automotive, Aerospace, Packaging, Building Systems) (IMAKACAM), Aluminum Casting & Ingot/Billet/Slab Production (IMAKACAE)

Keywords

• Aluminum extrusion products
• T-slotted framing systems
• Structural aluminum profiles
• Modular framing solutions
• Industrial aluminum components

Headquarters

HQ city

Clearfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. T-Slotted Aluminum Extrusions: Sale of aluminum extrusion profiles (fractional and metric sizes) in various series (10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 45) with standard and custom lengths. Revenue from stock lengths, cut-to-length, and custom-machined extrusions sold through distributors.
2. Components and Hardware: Sale of complementary components including brackets, gussets, plates, fasteners, hinges, hardware, panels, linear motion parts, and accessories. Sold through distributors alongside extrusions.
3. Custom Assembly Services: In-house assembly team provides component assembly, subassembly, and full turnkey assembly services. Assembled products ship ready for installation, saving customers time.
4. Custom Machining Services: Precision CNC machining including cut-to-length, custom profiles, panel notching, drilling, and specialized fabrication. Adds value through in-house customization eliminating third-party processing.
5. Custom Finishing Services: In-house anodizing and finishing (clear, black, safety yellow powder coat) and custom color matching. Vertical integration reduces costs compared to multi-vendor approaches.
6. Custom Labeling and Packaging: Part labeling, quantity-separated kits, bubble wrapping, unmarked shipments, and custom kit packaging services. Saves customers time on assembly with in-house expertise.
7. TSLOTS Bulk Extrusion Program: Bulk extrusion purchasing program (1000 Series made-to-order; 2000 Series from stocked inventory) offering best pricing with 1-3 business day lead times for 2000 Series. Pricing based on LME and Midwest monthly averages.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

TSLOTS manufactures and distributes T-slotted aluminum extrusions and complementary components (brackets, fasteners, hardware, panels, linear motion, LED lights) in 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 45 series for industrial framing applications. The company is North America's only T-slotted aluminum extrusion line manufactured directly by an aluminum extruder (Bonnell Aluminum), with full vertical integration from raw billet to finished, anodized, machined, and assembled product. Offerings are sold exclusively through a professional distributor network across the US and Canada, supported by the free TBUILD web-based design software.

Product overview

TSLOTS by Bonnell Aluminum is North America's only line of T-slotted aluminum extrusions manufactured and distributed by an aluminum extruder. The product portfolio centers on the core TSLOTS extrusion system with over 120 extrusion profiles across 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40/45 series (fractional and metric sizes), complemented by extensive accessories including fasteners, brackets, hardware, panels, linear motion components, and LED lights. The TBUILD web-based design software enables drag-and-drop design with real-time pricing and 3D CAD export. Vertical integration controls the entire production process from raw aluminum billet through extrusion, anodizing, machining, assembly, and packaging. Solutions span pre-configured frames for workstations, guarding, robotics, data centers, automation, and lean manufacturing, supported by capabilities including custom machining, finishing, and assembly services. The bulk extrusion program offers cost-effective options through 1000 and 2000 series offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TBUILD™: Web-based, drag-and-drop design software that allows users to seamlessly create and edit designs, print a bill of materials, and obtain real-time pricing for aluminum extrusion projects.

Products and services

• T-Slotted Aluminum Extrusions Modular T-slotted aluminum extrusion profiles available in 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 45 series (fractional and metric), in clear or black anodized finish and custom lengths up to 8 feet, assembled with simple hand tools and no welding. Targeted at industrial manufacturers, automation integrators, and engineers.
• Grooved Profiles New addition to the TSLOTS extrusion lineup featuring grooved profile designs with the same precision and versatility as existing profiles.
• Brackets, Gussets and Plates Hardware components for joining, reinforcing, and building out TSLOTS aluminum extrusion assemblies.
• Fasteners T-nuts, bolts, and fastening hardware for securing components within T-slotted aluminum extrusions.
• Hardware General hardware components for use in TSLOTS aluminum framing systems, including hinges, door slides, and accessories.
• Panels Plastic, aluminum composite, and wire mesh panels designed for integration into TSLOTS extrusion slots, with over 50 types available and custom panel machining services.
• Linear Motion Linear bearings and motion components compatible with TSLOTS extrusions.
• LED Lights Industrial LED light bars with special clips for attachment to TSLOTS extrusions, providing maintenance-free lighting.
• Fractional Stanchions Stanchion components designed for fractional-sized TSLOTS extrusion systems.
• Tools Tools for cutting, assembling, and maintaining TSLOTS aluminum extrusions.
• Preconfigured Guarding System Ready-to-go guarding configurations built from TSLOTS modular profiles for machine safety applications.
• TBUILD Design Software Free web-based, drag-and-drop design tool that allows users to create and edit TSLOTS aluminum extrusion designs, print bills of materials, and obtain real-time pricing with 3D CAD export capability.
• Pre-Configured Solutions Ready-to-go TSLOTS extrusion-based configurations including industrial workstations, material handling carts, shelving/storage racks, connect guarding, machine guarding, simulator frames, tables/display stands, and whiteboard/lean solutions.
• Custom Data Centers Solutions Modular TSLOTS extrusion-based solutions for data center applications including barriers, workstations, containment enclosures, and shelving, leveraging vertical integration advantages.
• Machine & Safety Guarding Solutions Customizable TSLOTS guarding solutions for protecting employees and equipment around machinery, including integration of vision systems, sensors, and robotic controls.
• Automation Solutions
• Industrial Robotics Solutions Preconfigured TSLOTS robot stands, robot guards, workstations, and tables for collaborative robots (including Universal Robots and Omron) using 15, 40, and 45 series extrusions.
• Workstation Solutions Customizable TSLOTS workstations with casters for mobility, monitor arms, part bins, and pressurized workstation capabilities.
• Table Saw Fence Precision TSLOTS-based fence system that locks parallel to the saw blade with accurate measuring scales and fine adjustment capabilities for woodworking.
• COVID Solutions Customizable TSLOTS health and safety solutions including sneeze guards, foot plates, hand sanitizer stands, partition walls, and temperature screen stations.
• Lean Solutions Modular and reusable TSLOTS lean manufacturing solutions including team boards, tracking centers, conveyor systems, FIFO racks, and kanban boards.
• Pneumatic Solutions TSLOTS-based solutions for pneumatic applications with channel optimization, cable management, infinite positioning, and pressurizable frames.
• Assembly Services In-house assembly of TSLOTS components, subassemblies, and full turnkey assemblies, delivering projects ready for installation and saving customers assembly time (claimed up to 75% time savings).
• Custom Machining Services Precision CNC machining for aluminum extrusions including cut-to-length, intricate cuts, custom profiles, drilling, and complete assemblies, performed on a Star CNC 4-axis machine.
• Custom Finishing Services In-house anodizing and finishing for TSLOTS extrusions using a 2-step aluminum anodizing process, including standard clear/black anodize, safety yellow powder coat, and custom color matching.
• Panel Notching Services In-house CNC panel router providing cut-to-size, custom designs, notching, engraving, and lettering services with tolerances of +/- 0.005 inches.
• Custom Labeling & Packaging Services Part labeling, quantity-separated kits, bubble/paper wrapping, unmarked shipments, and custom kit packaging services for TSLOTS components.
• TSLOTS Bulk Extrusion Program Bulk extrusion purchasing program offering best pricing based on LME and Midwest monthly averages. 1000 Series is made-to-order; 2000 Series ships in 1-3 business days from stocked inventory across 110+ profiles.
• Demo Kits Physical demonstration kits with core TSLOTS profile types, hardware components, step-by-step assembly instructions, and access to technical specialist support for engineers, designers, manufacturers, integrators, and OEMs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Save up to 75% of assembly time with TSLOTS experts assembling projects in a quarter of the time
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered notable and core.

• Flexiv RoboticsnotableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 March 2023TSLOTS partnered with Flexiv Robotics and Best Industrial Services (TSLOTS distributor) for the 2023 ATX WEST automation trade show. TSLOTS designed customized aluminum tables featuring TSLOTS extrusions to display Flexiv Robotics' products. The partnership demonstrates the adaptability of TSLOTS' t-slotted extrusion system for robotic applications, combining Flexiv's 7-axis adaptive cobots with TSLOTS' modular structural framing.
• TracePartscoreTechnology or Integration · 22 November 2022Bonnell Aluminum published its complete TSLOTS CAD catalog on TraceParts.com, improving access to TSLOTS products for engineers and designers. The CAD-content platform provides quick access to all TSLOTS extrusions and components in multiple file formats.
• Star CNCcoreTechnology or IntegrationTSLOTS added a T3 Star CNC machine fabricator to its manufacturing capabilities. The 4-axis CNC machine operates with clamps automatically positioned on the x-axis, machining three sides of a profile without manual rotation. This enables high-volume custom machining in-house.
• KardexcoreTechnology or IntegrationKardex Vertical Lift Modules installed at Clearfield, UT manufacturing facility. The system takes up 24 square feet, stands 18.2 feet tall, and provides the fastest extraction speed in the industry, increasing storage capacity and reducing footprint.
• ModulacoreTechnology or IntegrationModula Vertical Lift Modules installed at Niles, MI manufacturing facility as part of automated storage and picking solutions. These systems reduce travel and search time, increasing overall picking productivity.
• Best Industrial ServicesnotableChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTSLOTS distributor Best Industrial Services partnered with Flexiv Robotics and TSLOTS on the 2023 ATX WEST trade show project to demonstrate customizable robotic solutions using TSLOTS structural framing.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Emerging players

• Kanya AG: Swiss aluminum profile framing specialist targeting industrial and automation applications; smaller brand presence than Item or Bosch but directly comparable T-slot product offering.
• Treston Industrial Workstations: Manufacturer of ergonomic industrial workstations, enclosures, and ESD-safe solutions. Adjacent competitor for TSLOTS' workstation/lean manufacturing segments using different framing materials.

Direct peers

• Misumi (MISUMI USA): Large catalog-based industrial components distributor selling aluminum extrusions, framing, fasteners, and automation components. Competes on configurability, catalog breadth, and e-commerce self-service similar to TSLOTS' TBUILD approach.
• MiniTec Profil und Aufbautechnik: German manufacturer of aluminum profile systems and linear technology serving factory automation, machine guarding, and workstations. Direct T-slot extrusion competitor with European manufacturing base.
• Item International: European-origin T-slot aluminum extrusion system now part of Bosch Rexroth; competes directly in machine framing, automation, and workstation categories with global catalog breadth.
• 80/20 Inc. The original T-slotted aluminum framing brand in North America; competes head-to-head with TSLOTS across extrusion profiles, framing kits, and DIY/industrial use cases. Direct category founder and incumbent.
• FrameWorld (Framexpert): Aluminum framing/T-slot competitor offering modular structural systems for industrial, automation, and ergonomic workstation applications; smaller scale than TSLOTS but overlapping product line.

Regional players

• BOSTONtec: U.S.-based manufacturer of ergonomic workstations, carts, and industrial furniture using aluminum and steel framing. Comparable in workstation/lean segment but with different framing materials than TSLOTS.

Broad incumbents

• Bosch Rexroth (item + Bosch Framing Systems): Global industrial automation leader after acquiring item, the European-origin T-slot aluminum framing pioneer. Overlaps directly with TSLOTS but operates as part of a much broader automation portfolio with global manufacturing and OEM relationships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PL6wv_7qUh1Ram1QN48aVeN7YBy2S7_kcD

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 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 TSLOTS