Bernay Automation

What Bernay Automation does

Bernay Automation is a privately-held French industrial engineering company founded in 1982 and headquartered in Menneval (Bernay), Normandy, with a secondary site in Saint-André-de-Corcy. The company designs, manufactures, and installs automated component distribution systems for industrial production lines, with a core specialty in vibratory bowl feeders (classic and Industry-4.0-connected variants) and centrifugal feeders adapted for very-high-cadence distribution of fragile components. Its product portfolio has expanded to include flexible feeding systems (Flexcube 380, 2DFLEX), robotic bin-picking cells with 2D and 3D vision-guided picking via Keyence, and peripheral equipment (plate elevators, storage hoppers, conveyors, presentation/orientation modules).

The company's underlying technology combines mechanical vibratory engineering, Keyence-based 3D and 2D vision systems, and in-house additive manufacturing using SLA, SLS, MJF, DMLS metal, and FDM processes, including biosourced PA11 polyamide developed with Arkema. Under the SMARTBOL program launched in May 2018, Bernay Automation has built connected-services capability covering equipment productivity monitoring, performance alerts, and predictive maintenance. The company is the exclusive French distributor for Kanya modular aluminum profile systems (since 1986), enabling it to bundle machine frames, enclosures, and safety solutions with its feeding systems.

Bernay Automation operates a B2B, sales-led, project-based go-to-market targeting industrial manufacturers across automotive (Renault, PSA/Stellantis), cosmetics (L'Oréal), electrical (Schneider Electric), pharmaceutical (Aptar), agri-food (Fromageries Bel), and aerospace verticals. Revenue is generated through custom equipment sales, integration of robotic depalletizing cells with vision systems, professional services (feasibility, layout, and budget studies, plus maintenance contracts and retrofit), and additive manufacturing services. Pricing is quote-based with no public disclosure. The company is managed by PDG Sylvie Vandendriessche and has 11–50 employees.

Name

Bernay Automation

Legal name

BERNAY AUTOMATION SA

Website

https://bernay-automation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bernay Automation is a privately-held French industrial engineering firm (founded 1982, 11–50 employees, HQ in Menneval/Bernay) that designs, manufactures, and installs automated component distribution systems — vibratory bowl feeders, centrifugal feeders, flexible feeding platforms, and robotic 2D/3D bin-picking cells with vision — for industrial manufacturers across automotive, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, electrical, agri-food, and aerospace sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Equipment

NAICS

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (33324), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513)

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)

akta.pro primary industry

Conveying, Feeding & Accumulation Systems (Packaging Lines) (IMAHAOAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK), End-of-Line Integration & Packaging Line Systems (IMAHAOAN)

Keywords

• Vibratory bowl feeders
• Robotic bin picking
• Industrial automation equipment
• Component feeding systems
• Flexible feeding solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Bernay

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Vibratory Bowl and Distribution Equipment Sales: Sale of vibratory bowls, centrifugal feeders, elevator plates, conveyors, and other distribution equipment as custom-manufactured industrial machinery
2. Robotic Cell and Vision System Integration: Sale and integration of robotized depalletizing cells with vision systems for automated component handling
3. Professional Services: Feasibility studies, layout studies, budget studies, installation, maintenance contracts, preventive and curative maintenance, retrofit services, and production line modernization consulting
4. Kanya Aluminum Profile Sales: Exclusive distributor in France for Kanya modular aluminum profile systems, including sales of profiles by the meter and custom configurations
5. Additive Manufacturing Services: 3D printing services using various technologies (SLA, SLS, MFJ, DMLS metal, FDM) for prototyping and end-use production parts

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Bernay Automation designs, manufactures, installs, and maintains automated component distribution systems for industrial production lines. Its core offerings include vibratory bowl feeders, centrifugal feeders, flexible feeding systems, robotic bin-picking cells with 2D and 3D vision systems, additive manufacturing/3D printing services, Kanya aluminum profile distribution, and SMARTBOL Industry 4.0 connected monitoring solutions. The company supports clients from feasibility study through production follow-up, including maintenance contracts and retrofit services.

Product overview

Bernay Automation offers a comprehensive portfolio of automated part feeding and distribution solutions, centered on vibrating bowl feeders and centrifugal feeders, augmented by flexible feeding systems and robotic bin-picking cells. The product range spans from traditional mechanical feeders to Industry 4.0-enabled connected solutions under the SMARTBOL program. Core offerings include vibrating bowls, centrifugal feeders, flexible feeding systems (Flexcube 380, 2DFLEX), robotic cells with 2D and 3D vision-guided picking, vision systems, and peripheral equipment (elevators, hoppers, conveyors). The company also provides additive manufacturing services using multiple 3D printing technologies for custom parts and rapid prototyping, distributes Kanya aluminum profile systems, and offers connected IoT services for equipment monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bols Vibrants (Vibrating Bowl Feeders) Traditional or connected vibrating bowl feeders equipped with custom selection tooling, designed to handle components of any material, size, or shape for industrial assembly and packaging lines.
• Alimentateur Centrifuge (Centrifugal Feeder)

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to -70% cost reduction compared to traditional manufacturing methods using additive manufacturing
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability5 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic, supporting and minor.

• KeyencecoreTechnology or Integration · 17 November 2021Strategic partnership for 3D bin picking solutions combining Keyence's vision systems and robotics expertise with Bernay Automation's depalletizing and distribution know-how. Enables development of flexible and reconfigurable solutions for automated component picking directly from bins. Bernay maintains a permanent 3D vision-guided robotized depalletizing system in their workshops for client feasibility studies and real-world testing.
• AssisoftstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 July 2018Bernay Automation hosts Assisoft startup through CCI LINKHUB incubator program, providing workspace, offices, and workshops. In exchange, Assisoft shares IoT and connected systems innovations. Assisoft develops WIOT program with intelligent sensors for data collection and predictive analysis to optimize industrial production. Creates mutual synergy and cross-fertilization of skills.
• KanyacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1986Exclusive French distributor since 1986 for Kanya modular aluminum profile systems. Kanya is the leader in modular aluminum construction systems with over 150 profiles and 1500+ accessories. Partnership enables provision of aluminum framing, machine enclosures, work stations, safety guards, and acoustic cabins as part of complete depalletizing solutions.
• ArkemacoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnical cooperation for development of next-generation vibratory bowls using Arkema's biosourced polyamide 11 (Rilsan®). Arkema provides high-performance polymer materials with excellent impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. Located 10km from Bernay Automation in Serquigny, enabling close technical collaboration and eco-responsible local sourcing.
• CetimsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIndustrial technical partnership for Industry 4.0 transformation projects including digital transformation, manufacturing modernization, and smart factory initiatives.
• GFI InformatiquesupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDigital transformation consulting partner for IT projects, software deployment, and connected systems integration.
• Inter et SenssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOrganizational development and change management consulting partner, providing relational quality and management coaching services.
• OVHminorOthersWebsite hosting provider for bernay-automation.com. OVH is a French cloud computing company.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Performance Feeders: US-based manufacturer of vibratory bowl feeders, centrifugal feeders, and step feeders serving assembly automation customers. Direct peer with comparable product depth and similar project-based custom engineering model.
• RNA Automation Ltd: UK-based specialist manufacturer of vibratory bowl feeders, centrifugal feeders, and linear feeders with integrated vision systems. Closest direct competitor to Bernay Automation, serving European automotive and industrial OEMs with similar project-based custom distribution solutions.
• Asyril SA: Swiss specialist in flexible feeding systems using 3-axis vibration platforms and integrated vision, with a strong pharma/medical and electronics orientation. Highly comparable to Bernay's Flexcube 380 and 2DFLEX platforms and to its vision-guided bin-picking offering.
• Automation Devices, Inc. (ADI): US manufacturer of vibratory and centrifugal bowl feeders plus flexible feeding systems with vision integration. Direct peer with overlapping product range (traditional bowls + modern flexible feeding), targeting industrial assembly lines across automotive, electronics, and medical.
• Moorfeed Corporation: North American feeder and conveyor specialist serving high-volume assembly operations. Comparable in offering centrifugal and vibratory feeders plus integration services to industrial customers in similar end-markets.

Others

• Keyence Corporation: Strategic technology partner of Bernay Automation for 3D vision systems since 2021. Included as a peer because Keyence also sells vision-guided automation solutions directly, making it both an enabler and a potential competitor on integrated robotic feeding projects.

Broad incumbents

• ABB Robotics: Global automation incumbent with a robotics and discrete automation division serving automotive and industrial customers including Schneider Electric. Provides integrated vision-guided robotic solutions that compete with Bernay's bin-picking cells at the enterprise RFP level.
• FANUC Corporation: Global industrial robotics and automation major. Competes indirectly by offering integrated robot-plus-feeding solutions for high-volume assembly; relevant as a competitive reference for the robotic depalletizing side of Bernay's business.
• DEPRAG SCHULZ GmbH & Co. German industrial automation group with feeding, assembly, and screwdriving technologies serving global manufacturers. Overlaps with Bernay in component feeding but operates at significantly larger scale with broader portfolio.
• AViTEQ Vibrationstechnik GmbH: German-established vendor of vibrating drives, conveyor technology, and screening equipment with broader industrial scope than Bernay. Overlaps in conveying and feeding but addresses a wider customer base beyond assembly automation.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bernay-automation-sas

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 Bernay Automation