What QM Systems does

QM Systems (legal entity: Directech QM Systems Ltd) is a UK-based bespoke industrial automation company founded in 1987 and headquartered in a 45,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire. The company designs, manufactures, supplies, and commissions turnkey automation systems that combine mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineering — integrating robotics (Yaskawa, ABB, KUKA, Fanuc, Stäubli, Universal Robots), PLC/HMI controls (Siemens, Allen Bradley/Rockwell, Mitsubishi), vision inspection (Keyence, Cognex, OMRON), and its proprietary QM CAA Manufacturing Execution System into production-ready cells and lines. Core proprietary product platforms include the Q-MAC 1/2/3 multi-motion assembly carousel range (handling assemblies up to 400kg), the G1 Gimbalator manipulation device, and bespoke press, test, handling, and robotic automation systems. Since 2024, QM Systems has operated as a subsidiary of the Directech Group, a diversified mechatronics and industrial automation conglomerate.

The company serves enterprise tier-one manufacturers across nine named verticals: rail (Network Rail, London Underground, Siemens Rail, Bombardier, Knorr Bremse), automotive (JVM Automotive, DANA, body-in-white assembly), aerospace & defence (Rolls Royce, Airbus, Safran, Dowty), medical & pharmaceutical (GAMP/MHRA-compliant vial filling at 3,000–6,000 vials/hour), marine (Cox Powertrain outboard motor production), renewable energy (cylindrical/pouch/prismatic battery production automation), food & beverage (60–70 picks/minute packaging), retail and building services (Kohler Mira, McAlpine), and logistics/construction (handling and palletising systems). Revenue derives from three streams: bespoke capital equipment projects (one-time), recurring service/maintenance packages (Gold/Silver/Bronze SLAs, PPM, spares), and contract manufacturing/NPI services via the QM Manufacturing sub-division launched in 2021. Distribution is exclusively direct enterprise sales with project-based quotation, dedicated in-house project management, and full commissioning handover.

Name

QM Systems

Legal name

Directech QM Systems Ltd

Website

https://qm-systems.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Directech QM Systems designs and commissions bespoke industrial automation systems — robotic assembly cells, vision inspection, MES-integrated production lines, and proprietary Q-MAC carousel platforms — for enterprise manufacturers across rail, automotive, aerospace, medical, marine, and renewable energy sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation

NAICS

Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569), Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), Industrial Automation Software (SCADA, HMI, MES, Historian) (IMAHAHAJ), Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders) (IMAHAHAG), Conveying, Feeding & Accumulation Systems (Packaging Lines) (IMAHAOAK)

Keywords

• Industrial automation systems
• Bespoke assembly equipment
• Robotic integration
• Vision inspection systems
• Manufacturing execution software

Headquarters

HQ city

Worcester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Bespoke Automation Systems and Equipment: Design, manufacture, supply and commissioning of bespoke turnkey automation systems including assembly lines, robotic cells, test systems, handling systems, and press systems. Revenue generated from capital equipment projects with long sales cycles targeting enterprise clients in manufacturing sectors.
2. Service, Maintenance and Support: Comprehensive SLA, PPM (Planned Preventative Maintenance) and Spares packages offered in Gold, Silver and Bronze tiers. Services include breakdown response, scheduled service visits, machine calibration, tooling changes, and variant changeover. Revenue is recurring based on contract terms.
3. Contract Manufacturing / NPI Solutions: QM Manufacturing provides turnkey New Product Introduction (NPI) solutions including manufacturing engineering, design and manufacture of production equipment, staffing and distribution logistics.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

QM Systems designs, manufactures, supplies, and commissions bespoke turnkey industrial automation systems including robotic assembly lines, automated vision inspection, industrial test systems, handling systems, and bespoke press systems. Core proprietary offerings are the Q-MAC 1, 2, and 3 multi-motion assembly carousels (handling assemblies up to 400kg), the G1 Gimbalator manipulation device, and the QM CAA Manufacturing Execution System. The company also provides recurring service and maintenance packages (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and contract manufacturing NPI solutions through its QM Manufacturing sub-division.

Product overview

Directech QM Systems is a bespoke automation company offering a portfolio of modular assembly platforms and specialized automation systems. The core Q-MAC range (Q-MAC 1, 2, and 3) provides flexible assembly carousels supporting assemblies up to 400kg, ranging from manual track systems to servo-driven lines with independent station indexing. These integrate with the proprietary QM CAA MES system for production tracking and traceability. The product line spans automated vision inspection (using Keyence, Cognex, OMRON, and other equipment), industrial test systems (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical), bespoke press systems for fastener insertion, industrial robotic automation (supporting Yaskawa, ABB, KUKA, Fanuc, Staubli, and other major robot brands), and engine assembly production lines. Specialized vertical solutions include rail test systems, marine engine assembly, medical vial filling machines (3000/6000 vials/hour), medical curtain assembly, renewable energy battery production, aerospace testing, food packaging, and body-in-white automotive assembly. The company also provides service and maintenance packages (Gold/Silver/Bronze tiers) and operates within the Directech Group of companies following 2024 integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Q-MAC: Multi-motion Assembly Carousel system for production lines, available in Q-MAC 1, 2, and 3 variants for automated assembly and handling
• Q-MAC 1
• Q-MAC 2
• Q-MAC 3
• G1 Gimbalator
• QM CAA
• QM Manufacturing

Products and services

• Q-MAC 1 Manual track assembly carousel for safe and efficient production of assemblies up to 400kg. Operators push stations along interlocking positions with automatic ODU docking for power and air supply, designed for ergonomic manual assembly of heavy components.
• Q-MAC 2 Siemens servo-driven automatic production line with synchronous station indexing for efficient production of assemblies up to 400kg. Stations move in fixed pitch and are controlled via manual or HMI button activation.
• Q-MAC 3 Siemens servo-driven automatic production line with independent station indexing capability, allowing dwell or buffer stations for line balancing. Supports assemblies up to 400kg with modular station configuration.
• G1 Gimbalator Flexible manipulation device for ergonomic assembly, dressing, or inspection of components up to 100kg. Features foot-operated engagement/disengagement for hands-free operation with mounting options including floor, bench, or Q-MAC integration.
• QM CAA (Computer-Aided Assembly / MES) Proprietary Manufacturing Execution System providing tracking and traceability for manual or semi-automated production lines. Scalable from standalone to factory-wide networked solutions, integrating with DC tools, leak test systems, vision systems, Pick to Light, and MRP systems including SAP.
• Industrial Test Systems Bespoke inspection and test solutions including 2D/3D machine vision, robotic vision, laser scanning, LVDT gauging, run-out and concentricity testing, dimensional measurement, air gauge testing, EOL test systems, electrical testing (continuity, flash, resistance), hydraulic test systems, flow tests, leak/burst tests, and endurance testing.
• Automated Vision Inspection Systems Bespoke turnkey vision systems integrating equipment from Keyence, Cognex, OMRON, Stemmer, Teledyne Dalsa, Sony, Zebra, Balluff, LMI, Sensopart, and Baumer. Ranges from simple sensors for part identification to micron-level precision inspection.
• Rail Test and Inspection Systems Customised testing solutions for the rail industry including brake valve ATE, relay setting stands, caliper tests, depot test stands, compressor tests, points system testing, brake controller testing, and compressor assembly and test systems. Licensed for Network Rail and London Underground.
• Handling Systems Bespoke material and product handling solutions including power and free conveyors, gravity conveyors, belt conveyors, slat band conveyors, pallet conveyors, overhead gantry systems, chain conveyors, palletisers/de-palletisers, shuttles, case elevators, AGVs/LGVs, and ATEX handling systems.
• Bespoke Press Systems Bespoke hydraulic and servo-driven press systems for insertion of self-clinching fasteners, SPAC nuts/studs, and Rivnut/Rivstud insertion. Features monitored hydraulic safety valves, thermal monitoring, and poka-yoke process confirmation.
• Industrial Robotic Automation Turnkey robotic solutions for assembly, test, manipulation, and production using robots from Yaskawa, ABB, KUKA, Fanuc, Kawasaki, Panasonic, Schneider, Universal, Mitsubishi, Staubli, Nachi, and Omron. Includes 6-axis, SCARA, Delta, Cartesian, and collaborative robots.
• Automated Assembly and Test Systems Bespoke automated assembly and test systems ranging from manual to fully automatic, integrating robotics, pneumatic/hydraulic fixtures, vision systems, lubrication and adhesive dosing, pressing and fixing insertion. Applications include engines, transmissions, motors, pumps, medical devices, and food and beverage.
• Engine Assembly and Test Production Lines Bespoke engine assembly production lines using Q-MAC carousels and MES integration. Covers cylinder head assembly, valve train, bottom end, piston assembly, conrod assembly, RTV application, flywheel/clutch assembly, engine loom testing, and hot/cold engine testing.
• Weld Integrity Testing Machine Standalone machine testing weld integrity using hydraulic jaw clamps and torque drive. Applies up to 500-inch lbs of torque through 720-degree rotation, monitoring torque vs angular movement with RedLion PLC and Allen Bradley components.
• Automated Medical & Pharmaceutical Vial Filling Machines Vial filling machines in 3000 vials/hour (Model 3000) and 6000 vials/hour (Model 6000) versions. Handles volumes from 50µl to 1500µl with CV values below 1% for 50µl using Festo VODA/VTOE dispense valves.
• Medical Curtain Assembly System Multi-stage web processing system for medical curtains operating at 11m/min. Integrates pleating, hook/clip insertion with Yaskawa and Schneider delta robots, Cognex vision systems, and ultrasonic welding on rotary tables.
• Renewable Energy Battery Production Automation Bespoke battery production automation for cylindrical, pouch, and prismatic cells. Includes tab welding, pocketing, cell wrapping, ultrasonic welding, resistance welding, vision inspection, measurement, and electrical testing.
• Marine Production Systems Automated and semi-automated production and test systems for marine engines including short/long block assembly, engine marinization, transom/PTT assembly, gearbox assembly, lower leg assembly, and hot/cold engine testing for diesel outboard motors.
• Aerospace & Defence Testing Solutions Electronic test solutions for aerospace including rotor measurement cells, current testing, continuity testing, resistance testing, rack system testing, EMC testing, and circuit board testing (PERA transient voltage suppressor testing). Clients include Rolls Royce, Safran, Dowty, and Airbus.
• Food Packaging Automation Automated food packaging systems capable of 60-70 picks/minute using high-speed SCARA robots and vision systems for food handling, tray packing, grape packing, and palletising.
• Construction & Building Services Automation Bespoke automation for retail and building services including PVC pipe assembly, shower valve assembly/testing, P-Clip assembly, steel handling, conveying, bundling, and plumbing component assembly.
• Body In White Assembly Systems Flexible body-in-white assembly systems up to 50m in length with multi-variant production capability. Integrates robots from Yaskawa, Fanuc, KUKA, and ABB for automotive and home delivery vehicle production.
• Service and Maintenance Packages Comprehensive SLA, PPM, and spares packages with Gold, Silver, and Bronze service tiers. Includes 24/7 remote engineering support, breakdown response, scheduled service visits, calibration, and tooling changes.
• QM Manufacturing (Contract Manufacturing / NPI) Contract manufacturing sub-division providing turnkey New Product Introduction (NPI) solutions including manufacturing engineering, design and manufacture of production equipment, staffing, and distribution logistics.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cycle time efficiency of 42 minutes for body-in-white assembly
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration35 records

AI capability3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Directech GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQM Systems formally integrated into the Directech Group in 2024, strengthening its position as a specialised engineering and automation partner within a broader industrial ecosystem. The integration expanded operational capacity, enhanced technical depth, and introduced integrated solutions across manufacturing, automation, and industrial systems.
• Thomson Engineering Design LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquired by QM Systems in 2017, Thomson Engineering Design is a leading provider of manipulation solutions in the rail infrastructure industry. The acquisition expanded QM Systems' capabilities in rail sector manipulation solutions.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Boulting Group: UK-based multi-disciplinary engineering and automation integrator delivering bespoke control, instrumentation, and process automation solutions across water, power, pharma, and manufacturing. Direct comparable to QM Systems in bespoke UK industrial automation integration.
• Schubert Group (Gerhard Schubert GmbH): German family-owned manufacturer of bespoke top-loading packaging automation systems and robotic assembly lines. Direct comparable to QM Systems in food, pharma, and consumer goods automation with proprietary modular platforms.
• ATS Automation Tooling Systems: Canadian-headquartered global designer and builder of bespoke industrial automation systems. Highly comparable to QM Systems in custom factory automation, assembly lines, and test systems serving multiple industrial verticals including life sciences, transportation, and consumer products.
• RM Group (RM Automation): Welsh-based industrial automation and robotic systems integrator serving automotive, food, pharmaceutical, and general manufacturing with bespoke robotic cells and assembly lines — directly comparable to QM Systems' bespoke automation model and UK market positioning.

Broad incumbents

• ABB Ltd: Swiss-Swedish global leader in industrial automation, robotics, and motion. Supplies robot platforms integrated into QM Systems' solutions while also competing as a broad automation systems integrator across multiple verticals.
• Siemens AG: Global industrial automation and digital industries giant providing PLCs, drives, MES, and turnkey automation solutions. Competes with QM Systems both as a control systems supplier (Siemens products integrated into Q-MAC) and as a broader automation incumbent.
• Rockwell Automation: US-based global leader in industrial automation, control systems (Allen-Bradley), and information solutions. Competes with QM Systems in factory automation projects and is also a supplier of PLCs/servo drives integrated into QM's bespoke systems.

Emerging players

• Krones AG: German global leader in packaging and bottling machinery for food & beverage. Partial overlap with QM Systems' food packaging automation offering and shared end-market customers, though Krones operates at much larger scale.
• Stevanato Group: Italian-headquartered provider of glass primary packaging and integrated pharma manufacturing equipment including vial filling lines. Direct overlap with QM Systems' medical vial filling machines (3000/6000 vials/hour) in the pharmaceutical automation space.
• Pilz GmbH & Co. KG: German automation specialist focused on safe automation, control systems, and system integration services. Adjacent peer to QM Systems with shared industrial automation integration model and similar engineering-led SME positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/QM__Systems

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

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 QM Systems