What staedler automation does

Staedler Automation AG is a Swiss industrial automation integrator founded in 2009 by Lukas Staedler and headquartered in Henau, Canton of St. Gallen. The company designs and commissions custom process automation systems, robotics-integrated special machines, and food-technology equipment, with a primary vertical focus on food and beverage manufacturers and a secondary footprint in general industrial manufacturing. Core technical capabilities span software engineering, mechanical engineering, automation, and project planning, built on a Siemens-centric PLC stack (S7-1512, S7-1516F-3 PN/DP safety controllers), Profinet networking, OPC-UA-based web visualization via Atvise, and integration with FANUC and ABB robotics. The product portfolio includes Prozessautomation (custom control systems), Robotik & Sondermaschinen (palletizing, pick-and-place, machine loading, packaging, handling), Lebensmitteltechnik via the Marinox brand (cooking and cooling systems such as the CK800 line), Steuerungen f\u00fcr Dampf- und Heisswassererzeuger (steam generator controls with retrofit services), CE-Abnahmen (conformity assessments), and the ADVATCON branded automation suite for food technology. Notable in-production capacities include order-picking systems for beverage bottles (up to 240 cartons/hour), container-washing conveyors at 1,500 containers/hour per line, Maultaschen continuous cooking plants at up to 500 kg per batch, and 26,500-liter mixing-tank dispensing installations with integrated energy management.

The business model is project-based and consultative: revenue is generated through one-time customized automation projects (engineering, software development, assembly, commissioning), professional services for retrofits and CE conformity assessments, and recurring 24/7 worldwide service and maintenance contracts. Pricing is quote-based and scope-dependent, with multi-year service engagements. Customers are a mix of Swiss SMEs (Minnig Metzgerei, Z\u00fcger Frischk\u00e4se, K\u00e4serei Wildberg, Gamper Gem\u00fcse) and larger European enterprises (Corvaglia, Eugster/Frismag, Signature Foods, Brauerei Locher, Endress+Hauser, B\u00fcchi Labortechnik, SIGG Switzerland Bottles, Veritec, Rogg Allg\u00e4u, K\u00e4serei Leupolz). Staedler distributes exclusively through direct field sales, supported by trade-show presence (SINDEX, ANUGA FoodTec, FoodTech Greece), an Innovation Days customer event, a corporate LinkedIn/YouTube/Instagram presence, a bi-annual customer magazine (Staedler Insights), and the company's multilingual website (staedler-automation.ch).

Since November 2021, Staedler Automation AG has been part of the Advaton FoodTec Group, alongside Kalt Maschinenbau AG (merged 2021) and SAS Eurotandem (merged July 2023), with Swiss investor CGS Management AG as the controlling shareholder. The group employs the founders in group-level roles (Lukas Staedler as Group CEO; Thomas F\u00e4h as CTO of the group); Andreas Altwegg has served as CEO of Staedler Automation AG since January 1, 2023, having previously been COO since January 2022. As of 2025, the legal entity employs 40 staff plus apprentices in the Automatiker EFZ program, growing from approximately 30 employees in the 2021-2022 period.

Name

staedler automation

Legal name

Staedler Automation AG

Website

https://staedler-automation.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Staedler Automation AG is a Swiss industrial automation integrator founded in 2009 that designs custom process control systems, robotics-integrated special machines, and food-technology equipment (via the Marinox and ADVATCON brands) primarily for food, beverage, and general industrial manufacturers across Europe. The firm is part of the Advaton FoodTec Group alongside Kalt Maschinenbau AG and SAS Eurotandem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Engineering and Robotics Integration

NAICS

Food Product Machinery Manufacturing (333241), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Packaging Line Automation, Robotics & Integration (Controls, Turnkey Lines) (IMALAOAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Process & Batch Control Software (Recipe Management, ISA-88) (IMAGABAH), End-of-Line Integration & Packaging Line Systems (IMAHAOAN), Conveying, Feeding & Accumulation Systems (Packaging Lines) (IMAHAOAK)

Keywords

• Industrial automation solutions
• Custom robotics integration
• Process control systems
• Food technology automation
• Special machine engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Zuzwil

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Automation and Robotics Projects: The company generates revenue through bespoke project-based work including process automation, robotics integration, and custom machine design. Revenue is derived from engineering, construction, software development, assembly, and commissioning services for industrial customers. Projects span multiple industries with food/beverage as a primary vertical.
2. Retrofit and Modernization Services: Upgrading existing customer control systems (retrofit of steam generators, machine tools, production lines) with modern Siemens-based solutions. Revenue is project-based with service and support ongoing.
3. Customer Service, Maintenance and Support: 24/7 worldwide customer service for questions, maintenance, and support of installed systems. Warranty services and ongoing technical support generate recurring service revenue.
4. CE Conformity Assessments: Safety and conformity assessment services for industrial equipment, generating project-based service fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Staedler Automation AG designs, engineers, and commissions custom industrial automation, robotics, and process control systems for food, beverage, and general industrial manufacturers. Core deliverables include bespoke Siemens-PLC-based control platforms, integrated robotics (FANUC/ABB) special machines for palletizing, pick-and-place, packaging, and handling, food-technology cooking and cooling systems (Marinox brand), CE conformity assessments, and full project delivery from consultation and design through global installation and commissioning.

Product overview

Staedler Automation AG is a Swiss industrial automation company founded in 2009, offering a comprehensive portfolio of automation, robotics, and food technology solutions. The core offerings include Prozessautomation (custom control systems for industrial automation), Robotik & Sondermaschinen (robotics and custom special machines for palletizing, pick-and-place, handling, and packaging), and Lebensmitteltechnik (food technology equipment via the Marinox brand including cooking and cooling systems like the CK800 Kochanlage). Supporting services include CE-Abnahmen (CE certifications), ADVATCON-branded solutions, and Retrofit & Modernization services for existing equipment. The company also delivers specialized solutions such as driverless transport systems, automated palletizing systems, robot cells for food processing, beverage bottle order picking systems (up to 240 cartons/hour), and tank-based dispensing control systems with energy management. As a member of the Advaton FoodTec Group, Staedler positions itself as a full-service provider for the food production industry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Prozessautomation (Process Automation) Custom-designed industrial process automation and control systems, covering project planning, custom software development, and worldwide commissioning of machines and plants for industrial customers.
• Robotik & Sondermaschinen (Robotics & Custom Machines) Custom robotics-integrated special machines for palletizing, pick-and-place, machine feeding, packaging, and handling operations, built around proven FANUC and ABB robotics platforms.
• Lebensmitteltechnik / Marinox Cooking and Cooling Systems Industrial cooking and cooling systems for food production, including continuous cooking plants for products like spaetzle, meatballs, and Maultaschen, offered through the Marinox brand and integrated into customer production lines.
• Steuerungen für Dampf- und Heisswassererzeuger (Steam and Hot Water Generator Controls) Control systems and retrofit solutions for industrial steam and hot water generators, including feedwater treatment for brewing and process applications.
• CE-Abnahmen (CE Conformity Assessments) CE conformity assessment and certification services for industrial machinery and equipment, delivered as a dedicated service offering for industrial customers.
• ADVATCON Automation and control solutions offered under the ADVATCON brand for industrial automation and food technology applications.
• Retrofit und Modernisierung (Retrofit and Modernization) Retrofit and modernization services for legacy industrial equipment, including steam generators, lathes (e.g., Veritec AG 2024 retrofit), measurement tube coating systems (Endress+Hauser Flowtec AG), and cooking plants (Siemens ET 200SP control retrofit, HMI TP700 comfort with remote access, software revisions).
• Fahrerlose Transportsysteme (Driverless Transport Systems) Computer-controlled, driverless transport systems (FTS) for moving goods from pickup to delivery points, with Staedler selecting and integrating appropriate vendor solutions based on customer requirements.
• Palettieranlage (Automated Palletizing Systems) Fully automated palletizing systems for industrial containers and packages, designed for 24/7 operation; deployed for customers including Corvaglia AG (PET bottle closures) and Eugster/Frismag AG (commercial appliance manufacturing).
• Roboterzelle für Butterentnahme (Robot Cell for Butter Extraction) Custom robot cell for placing butter portions into standard reusable containers, including empty container handling, delivered for customers such as Züger Frischkäse AG to promote sustainability through reusable packaging.
• Kommissionieranlage für Getränkeflaschen (Order Picking System for Beverage Bottles) Sorting and commissioning system handling beverage bottles via four feed lanes with gripper systems placing individual bottles into cartons. Handles different bottle formats with quick gripper changeover and automatic recipe switching; achieves up to 240 cartons/hour.
• Steuerung Dosierung mit Tankanlage und Energiemanagement (Dispensing Control with Tank System and Energy Management) Control system for dispensing installations with mixing tanks (up to 26,500 liters each) and integrated energy management. Coordinates heat, cold, and distribution for targeted energy resource utilization, using Siemens S7-1512 PLC with Profinet and Atvise web-based visualization over OPC-UA.

Quantifiable outcome

• Order picking capacity of up to 240 cartons/hour for beverage bottles
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SAS EurotandemcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023SAS Eurotandem, based in Saint-Just, France, merged with the Advaton Group in 2023. Specializing in dairy and cheese production lines with focus on semi-hard and hard cheese in the AOP sector, Eurotandem brings French market expertise and complementary product portfolio. The Berthier family (Albert, Olivier, Yann) became shareholders and joined the management team.
• OST – Ostschweizer FachhochschuleminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023OST (Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences) participated in Staedler Automation's Innovation Days 2023. OST represents an academic partnership for knowledge transfer and potential joint development in automation and robotics.
• Kalt Cheese TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Kalt Cheese Technology (same group as Kalt Maschinenbau AG under Advaton) partners with Staedler to offer joint solutions for plant revisions and modernizations of cheese production facilities, combining Staedler's automation expertise with Kalt's cheese processing equipment.
• Kalt Maschinenbau AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2021In November 2021, Staedler Automation AG merged with Kalt Maschinenbau AG (a specialist for cheese, dairy, and process technology) under the Advaton FoodTec Group umbrella. The two companies combined their complementary competencies — Staedler's automation/robotics and Kalt's cheese/dairy machinery — to form a complete solutions provider. Lukas Staedler and Thomas Fäh retained significant minority stakes and joined the group management team. CGS (Swiss investor) holds the majority stake.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Krones AG: German global leader in beverage packaging and process technology (filling, labeling, packaging, intralogistics). Comparable on the beverage/bottling automation side where Staedler delivers order-picking and palletizing cells for customers like Corvaglia and Brauerei Locher, but at significantly larger scale and with a productized portfolio.
• Tetra Pak: Swiss-based global leader in food packaging and processing, particularly for liquid dairy, cheese, and ice cream. Comparable as a Swiss-origin food processing and packaging automation supplier to dairy customers like those served by Staedler's cheese process control projects.
• GEA Group: German-based one of the largest suppliers of process technology and components for the food, dairy, and beverage industries. Comparable as a process automation and equipment provider in the same verticals, but with a much broader portfolio (separators, homogenizers, complete plants).
• MULTIVAC: German-based leading supplier of packaging solutions and food processing equipment, with strong robotics integration for food and medical applications. Comparable as a packaging-line automation and robotics integrator serving overlapping food customers, but with productized machinery lines and global scale.
• Bühler Group: Swiss global market leader in food processing equipment, optical sorting, and complete production lines. Highly comparable as a Swiss-based food-automation and process-equipment supplier serving overlapping customers (dairy, grain, specialty foods) but operating at substantially larger scale across the full value chain.
• Marel: Icelandic-headquartered global leader in food processing equipment for meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. Comparable as a food-automation systems supplier, though focused on different sub-segments (meat and seafood) than Staedler's dairy/beverage/cheese core.

Direct peers

• SAS Eurotandem: French cheese and dairy production line specialist (AOP semi-hard and hard cheese) and third member of the Advaton FoodTec Group. Comparable as a niche European food-process machinery builder with project-based delivery and similar customer verticals to Staedler.
• Schubert Group: German-based specialist in robotic top-loading packaging systems (TLM) for food, cosmetics, and technical products. Comparable as a niche robotics-integrator and packaging-line automation peer, with similar project-based delivery model for customers in adjacent food and consumer segments.
• Kalt Maschinenbau AG: Sister company under the Advaton FoodTec Group; Switzerland-based specialist for cheese, dairy, and process technology. Directly comparable as a Swiss custom machine and process technology supplier to the same food and beverage customer base, with complementary (rather than competing) capabilities.

Others

• Rockwell Automation: US-based global industrial automation and information platform provider (ControlLogix/Allen-Bradley). Comparable as a control-systems platform and automation ecosystem that competes for the same process-control wallet, but operates at vastly larger scale and does not deliver custom food machinery like Staedler.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCgl9dPmaC_7LijM1nzNWi-A
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/staedler
• Instagraminstagram.com/staedler_automation

Compliance1 record

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 staedler automation