As automation becomes the standard in today’s plants, some of the world’s leading suppliers of custom automated manufacturing equipment launched the Smart Automation Group, a collaborative partnership designed to disrupt the custom automation services industry.

This unique partnership — which includes Eclipse Automation, Insys Industriesysteme AG, Transmoduls Ltd, SMZ Wickel-und Montagetechnik AG, JULI Technology, and ITE Automation — will  share best practices, industry IP and experience to deliver innovative automation solutions.

“Our vision is to collectively disrupt the traditional way of providing custom automation services, putting the customer at the core of everything we do,” says Steve Mai, president of Eclipse Automation. “Smart Automation Group’s collaborative approach means we can automate any manufacturing process, and that through a commitment to quality, and operational excellence, there is no challenge we can’t solve for our clients, no matter where they are in the world.”

As part joint venture, the partners say they are a taking a team-oriented approach, significantly increasing the overall capabilities that enhance automation solutions for clients. Under the agreement, each company will review its own client requests, but if a particular project requires additional capabilities, the full collaborative team can be tapped to bring the best value to the table. Together, the group will operate offices in Canada, the United States, Hungary, Switzerland and China.