contra - Safety.Automation

Name

contra - Safety.Automation

Legal name

contra Elektronische Bauelemente Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH

Website

https://contra.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Safety and Automation Components

NAICS

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Sensors & Safety Automation (Sensors, Light Curtains, Safety PLCs) (IMAHAHAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Safety Instrumented Systems & Machine Safety Control (SIS, Safety PLCs, Relays) (IMAGABAF)

Keywords

• Industrial safety components
• Safety sensors and interlocks
• Industrial automation distribution
• Machine safety engineering
• Gate and door automation

Headquarters

HQ city

Vienna

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Safety Components: Sale of industrial safety products including tactile sensors, safety switches, key transfer systems, optical sensors, radar systems, safety PLCs, safety relays, wireless safety devices, radio remote controls, operating units, safety fences, signal transmission systems, and safety signaling devices. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales with potential for recurring service/support relationships.
2. Automation/HMI Products: Sale of automation products including displays and information systems, touch operating devices, keyboards/trackballs, sensors, remote maintenance equipment, connectors/I/O systems, signaling devices, and speed measurement products for industrial HMI applications.
3. Gate Building Products: Sale of gate construction products including safety sensor technology for doors, radar systems, signal transmission systems for doors, and switchgear specifically designed for gate and door automation.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

contra Safety.Automation distributes and configures industrial safety and automation components for machine and plant manufacturers across DACH, Czech Republic and Poland. The portfolio spans tactile sensor systems (contact mats, bumpers, edges), modular safety switches and interlocks (mechanical, electromagnetic and RFID variants), non-contact magnetic/RFID sensors, ATEX-certified safety switches, key transfer systems, valve interlocks, safety light curtains and grids, FMCW volumetric radar safety systems, AKAS press-brake safety, safety PLCs and relays, wireless SIL3 safety components, gate/door drive controls, flexible safety fences, operating units, radio enabling switches, EX-ATEX signaling, LED displays, touch HMIs, industrial keyboards, photoelectric/capacitive/inductive sensors, speed sensors and encoders, signal towers, connectors/I-O systems, Tosibox remote-maintenance routers, and order-picking systems.

Product overview

contra Safety.Automation is an Austrian company (based in Vienna) providing industrial safety and automation solutions since 1982. The portfolio consists of three main product lines: (1) Safety products including tactile sensor systems (contact mats, bumpers, edges), robust modular safety switches with RFID technology, non-contact magnetic safety sensors, ATEX-certified safety switches, key transfer systems, valve interlocks, safety light curtains and grids, radar-based volumetric safety systems, AKAS pressbreak safety systems, safety PLCs, safety relays, wireless safety components (Safety Simplifier, Simplifier Gateway), safety alarm indicators, safety-related signaling devices, EX-ATEX signaling, drive controls, flexible safety fences, operating units (emergency stop, enabling buttons), radio remote controls, and unexpected restart protection; (2) Automation/HMI products including LED displays, industrial monitors, digital/electromechanical number displays, truck/visitor management systems, touch HMIs (cMT X Series, iP Series), industrial keyboards and trackballs, various sensor types (photoelectric, capacitive, inductive), incremental encoders, speed sensors, connectors and I/O systems, signal towers, remote maintenance solutions (Tosibox), and order picking systems; (3) Gate building products including safety radar for gates, light curtains for gates, drive controls, and switchgear. The products support industrial communication protocols including PROFInet, PROFIsafe, EtherCAT, OSSD, Ethernet/IP, CIP Safety, and IO-Link Safety.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• tGard: Modular safety interlock system with IO-Link Safety capability
• amGard pro
• DRICO
• ELMON

Products and services

• Tactile Sensor Systems (Contact Mats, Bumpers, Edges) Touch-sensitive safety devices including pre-assembled contact edges, standard-size contact mats, and artificial-leather-covered contact bumpers that perceive physical contact to protect crushing and shearing points such as those on automatic sliding doors of CNC machines.
• Robust Modular Safety Switches (amGard pro, S40) Guard-locking safety switches and interlocks available in mechanical, electromagnetic, and RFID variants, with configurable main control modules (emergency stop, reset, request buttons, signal lamps, emergency release), head rotation in 90-degree steps, 10kN locking force, ProfiNet/ProfiSafe and Ethernet/IP/CIP Safety support, IP65/IP67 protection, PLe safety level, expandable with RFID security keys, for protecting machine areas against unauthorized access.
• RFID Safety Sensors (SAFIX, MAGNUS, EDEN, R-SAFE) Non-contact RFID safety sensors integrating into systems with the highest safety level, offering LED diagnosis, multiple coding levels (standard, individual, relearnable), and OSSD outputs enabling series connection of up to 80 devices, with IP69K protection.
• Non-Contact Safety Sensors (MAGNUS, EDEN) Non-contact magnetic safety sensors in compact rectangular or cylindrical glass-fiber-reinforced housings for position monitoring of safety devices, certified to PLe safety level and EN ISO 14120.
• ATEX Robust Modular Safety Switches (ALFRED) ATEX-certified safety switches suitable for explosive environments and hazard zones, with modular design combinable with key transfer systems, complying with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EG and EN ISO 13849-1.
• Key Transfer System Mechanical key transfer systems where keys are locked or released only after specified sequences to ensure safe, sequenced entry into plant areas.
• Valve Interlocks Mechanical valve interlocks for hand wheel valves and ball valves, developed for chemical and petrochemical processes with rust-free AISI 316 stainless-steel construction.
• Safety Light Curtains and Grids Safety light curtains and grids that detect objects by converting electrical pulses into light pulses via a transmitter and back to electrical signals via a receiver, for area and point-of-operation protection.
• Volumetric Radar Safety System (5m/9m Range) 60 GHz FMCW volumetric safety system using radar technology with object classification and virtual induction loops for areas where optical and tactile systems reach their environmental limits.
• Safety Radar for Gates (Lisens Scan) Safety radar purpose-built for gates and barriers with 120-degree horizontal and 40-degree vertical opening angle, 13m detection range, Safety Category 2, PLd.
• AKAS Press Brake Safety System Press brake finger protection using safety light grids with 1.5 ms response time, OSSD safety outputs, and Performance Level PLe.
• Safety PLC Safety controllers capable of replacing safety relays and supporting all types of safety components including encoders and network gates.
• Safety Relay (ELMON) Safety relays for operating safety components such as curtains, barriers, E-stops, and mats with reduced/failure-resistant circuits, certified up to Safety Category 4.
• Surface-Mounted Switchgear (ELMON classic) Surface-mounted safety relays for gate building with and without test input, supporting up to 6 A current-carrying capacity and Safety Category 4.
• Wireless Safety Components (Safety Simplifier / Simplifier Gateway) Wireless components enabling safety functions without wiring, achieving SIL3 safety level through digital bidirectional transmission, for commissioning, maintenance and servicing operations.
• Safety Alarm Indicator (RL-24i) Emergency-stop reminder that optically indicates live circuits, covering voltage range 24V to 1000V with IP66 protection.
• Safety-Related Signaling Devices Visual and audible safety signaling devices with cast aluminium housing for harsh environments, SIL 2 / PL d certified.
• EX-ATEX Signaling Devices (Pfannenberg) EX-ATEX signaling devices for potentially explosive areas in Zone 2 (3G) and Zone 22 (3D), with 80 selectable tones.
• Drive Control (DRICO) Drive control unit for any gate type connecting gate and drive, supporting parallel operation of up to 3 gates.
• Flexible Aluminium Fence Solutions Flexible protective fences made of robust aluminium profile technology that compensates for unevenness and allows customization, certified to EN 14120.
• Flexible Steel Fence Solutions Flexible protective fences made of steel for robust industrial applications with modular design.
• Operating Units (Emergency Stop, Enabling, Two-Hand Controls) Emergency-stop buttons, enabling buttons, and two-hand controls for the safety chain from input to output.
• Radio Enabling Switches (Radio Remote Controls) Radio remote controls enabling wireless safety during commissioning, maintenance and servicing without costly cable repairs.
• Protection from Unexpected Restart (IBL, PBL) Protection from unexpected machine restart through safety keys compatible with mechanical doors or photoelectronic protection systems, with wireless retrofit installation capability for existing safety systems.
• LED Displays and Industrial Monitors LED displays, industrial monitors, and Andon systems for displaying and transmitting production-process information.
• Digital and Electromechanical Number Displays (Crameda) Digital and electromechanical number displays for industrial operator indication in control panels and machines.
• Truck and Visitor Management System Truck and visitor management system with digital call-up, driver control, delivery management and cargo control for industrial sites.
• Touch HMIs (cMT X Series, iP Series) Touch HMIs for industrial use, resistive technology suitable for harsh conditions in mechanical engineering.
• Industrial Keyboards and Trackballs Industrial keyboards and trackballs made of various materials for robust desktop or direct installation use.
• Photoelectric Sensors (ELCO) Photoelectric sensors with high ranges for contact-free detection of materials regardless of color and surface.
• Capacitive Sensors (ELCO) Capacitive sensors detecting conductive and non-conductive objects including liquids using capacitive field technology.
• Inductive Sensors (ELCO) Inductive sensors for industrial environments with fully encapsulated electronics and IP67 protection.
• Incremental Encoders Safety incremental encoders for robust and reliable safety-related speed sensing with IP67 protection.
• Speed Sensors Speed sensors using Hall-effect, Eddy Current, or electromagnetic technology for industrial speed detection.
• Connectors and I/O Systems Shock and vibration resistant connectors with connecting cables and distributors for industrial applications.
• Signal Towers and Signaling Devices Visual, audible, and combined signaling devices for machine and system status information.
• Remote Maintenance Routers (Tosibox) Remote connection routers for managing remote connections and building IoT structures in harsh industrial environments.
• Order Picking Systems (miPick) Order picking systems for efficient warehouse picking operations.

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• microSYSTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnermicroSYST supplies LED information systems and displays that are distributed through contra's product portfolio. Featured in news section regarding AGRANA LED information system implementation.
• Lisens ScancoreTechnology or IntegrationLisens Scan supplies radar sensors for barriers and gates, including the 60 GHz FMCW radar system (Scan sensor) for contactless detection and categorization of vehicles and persons. This is a core safety product line for contra's gate construction segment.
• Fortress Security (amGard)coreTechnology or IntegrationFortress Security (brand amGard) supplies modular safety interlocks and key transfer systems, including the amGard pro and S40 series with ProfiNet/ProfiSafe support. Core product line for machine safety applications.
• ELCOcoreTechnology or IntegrationELCO supplies photoelectric sensors, capacitive sensors, and inductive sensors for industrial automation applications. Core sensor products integrated into contra's automation portfolio.
• REER (S AFEX, Magnus, Eden)coreTechnology or IntegrationREER supplies RFID safety sensors (SAFIX, MAGNUS, EDEN, R-SAFE), non-contact safety sensors, and safety encoders. Core products for non-contact safety sensing applications.
• Fiessler (AKAS)coreTechnology or IntegrationFiessler supplies the AKAS press brake safety system for finger protection during press operations. Features integrated overrun measurement and SIL2/PLd certification.
• ASO (Drico, safety edges)coreTechnology or IntegrationASO supplies contact strips/safety edges, contact bumpers, contact mats, and Drico drive control units for gate applications. Core products for tactile safety and gate automation.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Siemens: Global automation conglomerate offering SIMATIC safety PLCs, PROFIsafe/PROFINET-native safety components, and integrated factory automation. Competes broadly with Contra across machine safety and HMI categories.
• Rockwell Automation: Global industrial automation incumbent offering safety PLCs, drives, HMIs, and integrated machine safety solutions. Competes with Contra via broader bundled offerings including safety controllers and IO-Link Safety hardware.

Direct peers

• SICK AG: German sensor and safety systems manufacturer with broad industrial safety light curtains, radar, and encoder portfolios. Directly competes with Contra's light curtains, radar safety system, and incremental encoders.
• Euchner: German specialist in safety switches, interlocks, and RFID-coded safety sensors for industrial machinery. Competes with Contra's RFID safety sensor portfolio (SAFIX, MAGNUS, EDEN) and modular interlock offerings.
• ifm electronic: German sensor and automation component manufacturer offering inductive, photoelectric, and capacitive sensors, plus safety and connectivity products. Comparable to Contra's automation sensor portfolio and industrial connectivity offerings.
• Pilz: Austrian-headquartered safety automation specialist offering safety relays, safety PLCs, sensors, and operator devices. Closest geographic and product-line peer to Contra, competing head-to-head in DACH industrial machine safety.
• Schmersal: German safety switchgear and interlock manufacturer with deep coverage in machine guarding, interlocks, and safety relays. Directly comparable to Contra's amGard Pro and modular safety switch lines for machine builders.
• Banner Engineering: US-based industrial safety light curtain, sensor, and machine safety specialist. Comparable product breadth to Contra's optical safety, RFID sensing, and machine safety offerings for OEMs globally.
• Bernstein AG: German industrial safety switch and enclosure specialist with comparable product depth in machine safety switches and operator controls. Mid-sized DACH peer with overlapping industrial customer base.
• Pepperl+Fuchs: German industrial sensor and hazardous-area equipment manufacturer with ATEX-certified safety and automation products. Directly comparable to Contra's process industry and ATEX-certified safety switch portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/contra-safety-automation

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 contra - Safety.Automation