SALZ Automation

What SALZ Automation does

SALZ Automation GmbH is a German industrial automation company founded in 2021 and headquartered in Bad Salzuflen. The company designs, manufactures, and sells control systems, functional safety modules, industrial panel PCs, EtherCAT I/O modules, managed and unmanaged Ethernet switches, power supplies, relays, and motor starters, alongside engineering services and embedded software development. It serves more than 150 customers and partners across manufacturing, life sciences, and energy, including named accounts such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Westfalen AG, Eurac Lemgo, and Ipsen.

The technology stack is anchored by partnerships with established industrial vendors: Advantech supplies the AMAX controller platform, Codesys provides the IEC 61131-3 programming environment, SpiderControl delivers web-based visualization, and Tele Haase contributes safety relays and timing modules. Safety modules are TÜV-certified for functional safety applications up to SIL3/PLe, and the platform is positioned as CRA-ready with an open Linux-based control architecture. SALZ also operates its own embedded software development and custom engineering services, supporting system integrators, OEMs, and end customers that need application-specific configuration.

The business model combines hardware product sales (controllers, switches, I/O, panel PCs, relays) with bespoke engineering services. Revenue is generated through direct sales, system integrator relationships (notably the joint office with Rupp Automation in the Nürnberg/Schwabach region), and digital marketplaces such as Unchained Robotics. The company has internationalized via a US LLC subsidiary and a China-based manufacturing footprint for cost-optimized production, and remains privately held by founders Thomas Hüttemeier (CEO) and Dr. Thomas Holm (CTO) with approximately 45 employees.

Name

SALZ Automation

Legal name

SALZ Automation GmbH

Website

https://salz-automation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SALZ Automation GmbH, founded 2021 in Bad Salzuflen, Germany, designs and manufactures industrial control systems, TÜV-certified safety modules, panel PCs, EtherCAT I/O, and Ethernet switches for manufacturers, life-sciences firms, and system integrators across DACH and beyond.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation

NAICS

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (3332), All Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (333248), Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Automation Software (SCADA, HMI, MES, Historian) (IMAHAHAJ), Embedded & HMI Electronics Manufacturing (Industrial PCs, HMIs, Panel PCs) (IMAGAGAD), Motor Drive & Motion Control Electronics Manufacturing Services (VFDs, servo drives, controllers) (IMAGAGAJ)

Keywords

• Industrial automation
• Functional safety
• Embedded systems
• Control systems
• Automation engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Bad Salzuflen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Industrial Hardware Products: Sale of proprietary industrial automation products including safety modules, controllers, EtherCAT I/O, Ethernet switches, panel PCs, power supplies, and industrial relays. Products are sold directly and through channel partners.
2. Custom Engineering Solutions: Tailor-made automation solutions including application design, programming, and implementation services for projects of any complexity.
3. Embedded Software Development: Custom embedded software development services for industrial automation applications, including Linux development and system integration.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SALZ Automation designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary industrial automation hardware — including Linux-based controllers, EtherCAT I/O modules, TÜV-certified functional safety modules, industrial Ethernet switches, panel PCs/IPCs, power supplies, industrial relays, and motors — and complements this portfolio with custom Engineering Solutions and Embedded Software Development services. Customers include machine builders, plant engineers, and integrators requiring flexible, Industry 4.0-ready automation with certified functional safety compliance.

Product overview

SALZ Automation offers a modular industrial automation portfolio anchored by the SALZ Control System — an open, Linux-based control platform supporting virtualization, EtherCAT I/O, Docker containers, and Codesys-based control. The product range spans industrial automation controllers, EtherCAT I/O modules, Industrial Ethernet switches (unmanaged, lite-managed, fully managed, and PoE), TÜV-certified functional safety modules (SAFE-ESTOP, SAFE-DELAY, SAFE-SIL, SAFE-TWO-HAND, SAFE-MULTI, SAFE-EXP), Eco Series switch-mode power supplies, industrial Panel PCs and IPCs/Edge IPCs, PCIe expansion modules, industrial relays (GS, CS, CP, SR, SSR series), and general-purpose motors (SUE IE5 permanent magnet, SHE cast iron, SAE aluminum, SHM high-voltage). Engineering Solutions and Embedded Software Development services complement the hardware portfolio. All products are developed and manufactured to German quality standards with TÜV Rheinland certifications for safety modules.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SALZ Control System Open, centralized industrial automation control platform for efficiently managing building and machine functions, with virtualization, real-time management, lighting/shading control, HVAC control, and remote access capabilities. Targeted at industrial and building automation customers.
• Industrial Automation Controllers High-performance Linux-based industrial automation controllers that support EtherCAT I/O systems, Codesys-based control, Docker containers, and real-time virtualized runtimes for flexible and scalable automation. Targeted at machine builders and plant engineers.
• EtherCAT I/O Modules EtherCAT-based remote I/O modules for distributed industrial automation, allowing modular expansion of digital and analog inputs/outputs connected to the SALZ Control System. Targeted at industrial automation integrators.
• Industrial Ethernet Switches Full-metal industrial Ethernet switches available in unmanaged, lite-managed, and fully managed variants, including PoE models. They support PROFINET, QoS, redundant power, and operate in -40°C to +75°C environments. Targeted at industrial network installations. Includes the 1008TX-POE PoE Switch launched in 2026-06.
• Functional Safety Modules (SAFE Series) TÜV-certified functional safety relay modules — including SAFE-ESTOP, SAFE-DELAY, SAFE-SIL, SAFE-TWO-HAND, SAFE-MULTI, and SAFE-EXP — for monitoring safety sensors, wiring, and safely disconnecting contactors or drives in industrial automation. Safety levels up to SIL3 and PLe. Targeted at machine builders and integrators with functional safety requirements.
• Power Supplies (Eco Series) Single-phase DIN rail switchmode power supplies in the Eco Series, converting AC/DC input to stabilized DC output at various voltages (12V, 24V, 48V) and current ratings (3A–20A) for industrial environments. Includes the POWER 1AC 24-10 ECO variant. Targeted at industrial control cabinet builders.
• Industrial Panel PCs High-performance, rugged industrial panel PCs with screen sizes from 10.1 to 23 inches, supporting Windows, Linux, or Android operating systems. Designed for industrial automation, factory control, and HMI applications with IP65 protection options. Targeted at machine builders and plant operators needing HMI/control terminals.
• IPCs and Edge IPCs Industrial PCs and edge computing IPCs for running automation software, SCADA, and visualization applications directly on the factory floor. Targeted at industrial customers needing edge computing capacity for automation workloads.
• PCIe Modules PCIe expansion modules for extending the functionality of SALZ industrial controllers and IPCs with additional I/O, communication, or specialized industrial interfaces. Targeted at industrial automation integrators needing customized controller functionality.
• Industrial Relays (GS, CS/CP, SR, SSR Series) Comprehensive range of industrial relays in GS, CS, CP, SR, and SSR series, available from ultra-slim 6mm to compact sizes with high current handling, LED status indicators, and CE/RoHS/UL/TÜV compliance. Targeted at control cabinet builders and industrial automation integrators.
• Industrial Motors (SUE, SHE, SAE, SHM Series) Comprehensive motor portfolio including SUE Series high-efficiency IE5 permanent magnet synchronous motors (0.55–630kW, NdFeB rare earth materials), SHE Series cast iron general purpose motors (IE3–IE5, 0.55–355kW), SAE Series aluminum shell general purpose motors (0.12–18.5kW), and SHM Series high-voltage three-phase asynchronous motors (380V–13.8kV, frame sizes 315–630). Targeted at industrial automation and process industries.
• Engineering Solutions Custom industrial automation engineering services including application design, programming, and implementation for scalable and efficient automation plans, from small to complex systems. Targeted at companies requiring tailor-made automation projects.
• Embedded Software Development Embedded Linux development and software-defined control architecture services, including secure update mechanisms, SCADA integration, and cyber resilience for industrial systems. Targeted at companies needing custom embedded control and software-defined automation solutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Flexible, future-proof automation solutions
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SIListra SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2026SALZ Automation and SIListra Systems joined forces for functional safety, combining innovative software technology and deep system expertise for future-proof safety solutions.
• Tele Haase SteuergerätecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTele Haase Steuergeräte and SALZ Automation form an ideal partnership combining Tele Haase's decades of experience in control, monitoring, and protection technology with SALZ Automation's expertise in functional safety, software-defined control architectures, and system integration. Together they deliver robust, scalable, and future-ready solutions for modern industrial applications.
• Rupp AutomationstechnikcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership where Rupp Automationstechnik delivers tailored automation concepts and complete turnkey solutions while SALZ Automation provides the underlying control and safety platform. The collaboration combines robotics, advanced control systems, and automated machinery expertise.
• IniNet Solutions (SpiderControl)coreTechnology or IntegrationIniNet Solutions' SpiderControl HMI visualization framework runs on SALZ Automation hardware in protected kiosk mode, supported by reliable industrial connectivity and CRA-aligned cybersecurity. Together they deliver a secure, end-to-end visualization ecosystem.
• AdvantechcoreTechnology or IntegrationAdvantech is the world's leading manufacturer of IoT hardware. Based on Advantech's AMAX system, SALZ Automation developed an automation system for industrial real-time applications. SALZ Automation is part of Advantech's trusted ecosystem.
• Unchained RoboticscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUnchained Robotics delivers flexible automation solutions based on advanced robotics, machine vision, and AI technologies. SALZ Automation supplies the robust control architecture including functional safety modules and industrial panel PCs. SALZ products are available on the Unchained Marketplace.
• MIG-PASKA elektroinstalacijeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with Slovenian company for joint exhibition at Industrial Industry Fair Celje. MIG-PASKA provides electrical installation and commissioning services while representing SALZ Automation products in the region.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Schneider Electric (Industrial Automation): Broad incumbent offering Modicon PLCs, Lexium drives, Magelis HMIs and Triconex safety. Competes with SALZ across controllers, panel PCs and safety.
• Rockwell Automation: North American automation leader offering ControlLogix/CompactLogix PLCs, PanelView HMIs and Guardmaster safety. Competes with SALZ primarily in US accounts but overlaps broadly on product.
• ABB (Industrial Automation / B&R): Major automation incumbent spanning AC500 PLCs, safety, drives (via ABB and B&R) and robotics. Broad-portfolio competitor to SALZ in mid-market and large-plant accounts.
• Siemens (SIMATIC/Digital Industries): Global incumbent dominating PLCs (SIMATIC), industrial PCs, drives, and safety via Sirius. Overlaps every SALZ product category at far larger scale.
• Eaton (Industrial Control): Global industrial control manufacturer offering safety relays, contactors, relays and motor controls. Direct overlap on SALZ's relays, safety modules and power product lines.

Direct peers

• WAGO: German manufacturer of PFC controllers, I/O and industrial interconnection with broad safety and automation offerings. Comparable customer base and product breadth to SALZ.
• Pilz: German safety automation specialist with TÜV-certified safety relays, controllers and PLe/SIL3 products. Direct overlap with SALZ's SAFE family and core safety-relay competitive set.
• Wieland Electric: Mid-sized German safety and automation company with safety relays (samos), I/O systems and industrial controls. Closely comparable niche positioning to SALZ.
• Phoenix Contact: German-headquartered industrial automation specialist with deeply overlapping PLC, I/O, safety, and Ethernet switch portfolios. Closest direct competitor to SALZ in mid-market German machine building accounts.
• Beckhoff Automation: Beckhoff invented EtherCAT and sells PC-based controllers, I/O and TwinCAT software. Competes head-on with SALZ's Linux-based Codesys + EtherCAT controller architecture.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance16 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries2 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 SALZ Automation