Heinen Automation GmbH & Co. KG

What Heinen Automation GmbH & Co. KG does

Heinen Automation GmbH & Co. KG is a German industrial automation engineering firm headquartered in Monschau in the Eifel region near Aachen, with an additional development office at RWTH Campus Melaten opened in 2017. Founded in 1999 by Kurt Heinen as a sole proprietorship and reorganized into a GmbH & Co. KG in 2004, the company delivers custom automation solutions spanning PLC programming (Siemens SIMATIC S7/S5, CODESYS, Beckhoff TwinCAT), robotics integration (KUKA, Universal Robots, ABB, Stäubli, Fanuc), industrial image processing with AI/deep learning, HMI/SCADA development (TIA Portal, WinCC), electrical and mechanical design (EPLAN, Solid Works, Inventor), and high-level programming (C++, C#, WPF, VBA). Supporting offerings include CE certification, database solutions, Industry 4.0 integration, and retrofit services for legacy equipment modernization.

The firm serves industrial verticals including automotive and suppliers, medical technology, thermoprocess technology, industrial cleaning, paper, and household appliances. Named customers include BMW, Continental, SEW-Eurodrive, Schwartz GmbH, and Dürr Ecoclean. Revenue is generated through project-based engineering services, one-time custom machine sales, and retrofit engagements, with no public pricing or productized SaaS offering. Go-to-market is direct enterprise sales led by Managing Shareholder Kurt Heinen, Managing Director Frank Lutterbach (joined 2022), and Head of Sales & Project Management Lars Falter.

The company has completed over 1,000 projects and 250+ ovens in thermoprocess technology, with commissioning capability spanning Germany, the rest of Europe, North America, South America (Brazil), and Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Russia, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic). Heinen Automation is ISO 9001 certified (UKAS-verified) and holds official system-partner status with KUKA, Festo, SEW Eurodrive, KEYENCE, and Opto Engineering, with active research collaborations with RWTH Aachen, FH Aachen, and RFH Köln. The firm is founder-controlled, with no disclosed venture capital, private equity, or external institutional ownership.

Name

Heinen Automation GmbH & Co. KG

Legal name

Heinen Automation GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://heinen-automation.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Heinen Automation GmbH & Co. KG is a German industrial automation engineering firm founded in 1999, delivering custom PLC, robotics, AI-vision, and special-machine solutions to enterprise customers across automotive, medical, thermoprocess, and other industrial verticals worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Engineering Services

NAICS

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (3332), Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (33324), Industrial Design Services (541420)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)

akta.pro primary industry

Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Automation Software (SCADA, HMI, MES, Historian) (IMAHAHAJ), Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), Factory Automation Cells & Integrated Systems (Assembly, Welding, Painting Lines) (IMAHAHAL), Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH)

Keywords

• Industrial automation engineering
• PLC programming services
• Custom machine building
• Robotics integration
• Industrial image processing

Headquarters

HQ city

Monschau

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Engineering and Automation Services: Project-based engineering services including PLC programming, robotics, HMI/SCADA development, electrical and mechanical design, CE certification, and consulting. Revenue is generated through billable engineering hours and project contracts for custom automation solutions.
2. Custom Machine Building: Design and construction of custom special-purpose machines delivered as turnkey modules or complete systems. Revenue from one-time project-based machine sales with associated engineering and commissioning services.
3. Retrofit Services: Modernization and upgrade services for existing production systems, including controller replacement, sensor upgrades, and component renewal. Revenue generated through project-based retrofit engagements.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Heinen Automation GmbH & Co. KG provides industrial automation engineering services from its headquarters in Monschau, Germany. The company designs and builds custom special-purpose machines, programs PLCs (SIMATIC S7/S5, CODESYS, Beckhoff TwinCAT), integrates robotics (KUKA, ABB, Universal Robots, Stäubli, Fanuc), implements industrial image processing with AI/deep learning, and delivers HMI/SCADA, electrical/mechanical design, CE certification, and Industry 4.0 retrofit services for industrial customers worldwide.

Product overview

Heinen Automation GmbH & Co. KG is an industrial automation engineering firm offering a comprehensive portfolio of automation services and solutions. The core offering centers on SPS-Programmierung (PLC Programming), Robotik (Robotics), and Sondermaschinenbau (Custom Machine Building), complemented by Industrielle Bildverarbeitung (Industrial Image Processing with AI/deep learning), HMI und SCADA (visualization systems), and Industrie 4.0 (smart connected solutions). Supporting services include Elektrische/Mechanische Konstruktion (electrical/mechanical design and manufacturing), CE-Zertifizierung (safety certification), Hochsprachen-Programmierung (high-level programming), Datenbanken (database solutions), and Beratung (consulting). The Retrofit service provides modernization of existing equipment. All offerings are delivered as professional engineering services rather than packaged software products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sondermaschinenbau (Custom Machine Building) Design and construction of customer-specific special machines and turnkey solutions, delivered as turnkey modules or complete systems, for industrial manufacturers across multiple sectors.
• SPS-Programmierung (PLC Programming) PLC software development for controllers from Siemens, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi, and Allen-Bradley, with full on-site commissioning and proprietary commissioning tools for industrial automation projects.
• Robotik (Robotics Integration) Integration, simulation, programming, and worldwide commissioning of industrial robots from KUKA, Universal Robots, ABB, Fanuc, and Stäubli for palletizing, handling, and treatment operations.
• Industrielle Bildverarbeitung (Industrial Image Processing) Machine vision and AI/deep-learning based quality control systems using Keyence and Opto Engineering technology for 3D inspection, geometric measurement, code recognition, surface defect detection, and pick-and-place applications.
• HMI und SCADA Visualization systems and operator interfaces for plant monitoring, recipe management, alarm handling, OEE productivity tracking, and production data acquisition using TIA Portal, WinCC, and SQL databases.
• Industrie 4.0 Solutions Smart connected manufacturing solutions including IoT integration, Big Data analytics, AI implementation, collaborative robotics with IoT connectivity, and IT security consulting for networked production environments.
• Elektrische Konstruktion und Fertigung (Electrical Design & Manufacturing) Electrical engineering and control cabinet manufacturing including schematic design, wiring, installation, and certification using EPLAN P8 and WS-CAD systems for automation projects.
• Mechanische Konstruktion und Fertigung (Mechanical Design & Manufacturing) Mechanical engineering and manufacturing services using Solid Works and Inventor CAD systems, including 3D modeling, 2D drawings, animations, and technical documentation for special machines.
• CE-Zertifizierung und Dokumentation CE marking consultation, safety concept development, risk assessment per EN ISO 12100, technical documentation, and conformity declaration according to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
• Hochsprachen-Programmierung (High-Level Programming) Custom high-level software development using C++, C#, WPF, VBA, HTML, XML, PHP for enterprise tools, web applications, time tracking systems, and machine interfaces.
• Datenbanken (Database Solutions) Database and document management systems including recipe management, file handling, production data acquisition, and custom CRM/ERP solutions using Microsoft Access, SQL Server, and MySQL.
• Beratung (Consulting) Expert consulting for automation, safety, IT, Industry 4.0 networking, robotic applications, retrofit strategies, security concepts, process optimization, IT security, and feasibility studies.
• Retrofit Services Modernization of existing plants and machines including control system upgrades, sensor retrofits, mechanical/electrical component renewal, and Industry 4.0 integration to extend equipment lifespan and improve efficiency.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1000 completed projects across various industries
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Opto EngineeringcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019Opto Engineering System Partner since 2019. Collaboration for industrial image processing solutions including 3D inspection technology and vision systems.
• KUKAcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2017KUKA Official System Partner since 2017. Heinen Automation provides robotic applications including palletizing, handling, and treatment applications using KUKA robots. The partnership enables competent, high-quality, and cost-efficient robot applications from a single source.
• KEYENCEcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2015KEYENCE Network Solution Partner since 2015. Collaboration for industrial image processing, providing customers with access to Keyence vision systems, 3D laser sensors, and inspection technologies for quality control and process automation.
• SEW EurodrivecoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2009SEW System Partner since 2009. Integration of SEW drive technology including MOVI-PLC, MOVIAXIS multi-axis servo systems, and frequency converters into automation solutions. Extensive experience with SEW motion control systems.
• FestocoreTechnology or IntegrationFesto Solution Partner EA (Electric Automation). One of 20 selected companies in the D-A-CH region recognized as qualified providers of automation solutions specifically using Festo's electric drive technology. Provides tailored automation solutions with high-quality drive technology.
• FH AachencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership for collaboration in research and development, particularly in Industry 4.0 and collaborative robotics. Access to latest technologies and academic expertise.
• RWTH Aachen UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong partnership with RWTH Aachen including ITA (Institute for Textile Technology) and WZL (Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering). Collaboration for Industry 4.0 research and development, collaborative robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Additional development office at RWTH Campus Melaten since 2017.
• RFH Köln (Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership for collaboration in research and development in the region.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lenze SE: German automation and drive technology specialist offering controllers, inverters, motors, and engineering services for machine and plant automation. Comparable as a mid-sized German automation specialist with overlapping drives, controller, and custom machine engineering capabilities.
• Beckhoff Automation: German PC-based control and automation specialist (TwinCAT) explicitly listed among Heinen's PLC programming competencies. Comparable in product scope (PLCs, motion control, HMI) and as a competitor for engineering services projects requiring Beckhoff platforms.
• KEBA AG: Austrian-based automation company providing control systems, HMI, drive technology, and industrial IoT solutions for machinery and plant engineering. Comparable in scale and offerings (PLC/controllers, HMI, motion, Industry 4.0) to Heinen's service portfolio.
• Baumüller Group: German-based automation specialist providing engineering services, drives, and control system integration for industrial machinery. Directly comparable to Heinen Automation's combination of PLC programming, drive technology integration, custom machine building, and customer-specific automation solutions across factory automation end markets.

Broad incumbents

• SEW-Eurodrive: Worldwide leader in drive technology, gear motors, and motion control (MOVI-PLC, MOVIAXIS) used in industrial automation. Listed as a Heinen customer; comparable because it sells the underlying motion-control platforms that drive Heinen's automation projects and operates its own System Partner integrator network.
• Phoenix Contact: German market leader in industrial electrical engineering, PLCs, I/O systems, and Industrial Ethernet. Comparable as a broad incumbent in industrial automation and control whose controllers, I/O, and networking components underpin systems integrators' work.
• KUKA AG: Global robotics and automation incumbent and an Official System Partner of Heinen Automation since 2017. Comparable as a broad incumbent in industrial robotics and turnkey automation solutions, with overlapping customer base in German automotive and industrial manufacturing.
• ABB Ltd (Robotics & Discrete Automation): Global automation and robotics supplier whose robots and drives Heinen integrates. Comparable as a broad incumbent operating in robotics, motion, drives, and control - overlapping with Heinen's robotics and Industry 4.0 capabilities across automotive and industrial customers.
• Festo SE: Global automation technology leader with a broad portfolio of pneumatics, electric drives, controllers, and Solution Partner (EA) program for system integrators. Comparable because Festo both competes with and enables firms like Heinen; their Solution Partner EA program is the same one Heinen Automation participates in.
• Siemens AG (Digital Industries / Motion Control): Global incumbent in industrial automation, controls (SIMATIC S7/S5, TIA Portal), drives, and HMI/SCADA - explicitly referenced in Heinen's technology stack. Comparable as the largest incumbent whose platforms and engineering ecosystem integrators build upon.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@HeinenAutomationGmbHCoKG
• Facebookfacebook.com/heinen-automation-459234134161962
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/heinen-automation-gmbh-co-kg
• Instagraminstagram.com/heinenautomation
• TikToktiktok.com/@heinen_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 Heinen Automation GmbH & Co. KG