Introduction
Tennessee manufacturers face mounting pressure from rising input costs and persistent labor shortages. With the state's manufacturing sector employing approximately 364,600 workers and generating $68.3 billion in GDP, automation has shifted from optional upgrade to competitive necessity.
Industrial automation companies help Tennessee manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize production through controls integration, robotics, and data-driven solutions.
The right automation partner delivers concrete outcomes: 15-30% throughput gains, quality defect reductions, and systems that maintain reliability for 10+ years.
This article examines the top 5 industrial automation companies serving Tennessee manufacturers based on technical capabilities, industry certifications, and proven track records.
TLDR
- Tennessee manufacturers combat rising costs and labor shortages through automation across automotive, food, chemical, and general manufacturing
- Look for technical expertise (PLC, robotics, SCADA) backed by ISO-9001, UL508A certifications
- Industry experience and local service capability determine long-term partnership success
- National integrators and regional specialists both serve Tennessee's diverse manufacturing base
Overview of Industrial Automation in Tennessee
Tennessee's manufacturing sector faces a critical challenge: production demands are growing 2.4 times faster than available workforce. Industrial automation bridges this gap through control systems, robotics, and information technologies that improve manufacturing processes.
The state's manufacturing landscape spans multiple high-value sectors:
- Transportation equipment (29,200 jobs added since 1990)
- Food manufacturing (6,100 jobs added)
- Chemicals production
These industries depend on automation to maintain quality standards, increase throughput, and control costs in a competitive global market.
Automation investments directly address this workforce gap while meeting production targets.
The following sections profile five leading industrial automation companies serving Tennessee manufacturers with specialized engineering services and integration capabilities.
Top 5 Industrial Automation Companies in Tennessee
These companies were selected based on technical capabilities, industry experience, certifications, client track records, and demonstrated ability to serve Tennessee manufacturers effectively.
JR Automation (Nashville)
JR Automation operates a dedicated Nashville facility as part of the Hitachi Group, specializing in high-complexity automation for medical device manufacturing and carbon fiber production systems. The Nashville team received the 2022 Hitachi Inspiration of the Year Global Award for Innovation, reflecting their technical excellence in precision industries.
What sets them apart:
- National resources combined with dedicated Tennessee presence
- Extensive experience in regulated industries with strict compliance requirements
- Comprehensive turnkey solutions from concept design through implementation and support
The Nashville facility has completed over $100 million in installed work for major medical manufacturers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Specializations | Medical device automation, carbon fiber manufacturing, custom automation systems |
| Technical Capabilities | Robotics integration, vision systems, custom machinery design, controls engineering |
| Service Areas | Nashville facility serving Tennessee and Southeast region |
Automation Design Works (Hendersonville)
Automation Design Works is a Tennessee-based automation specialist offering robotics integration, PLC programming, and UL508A certified panel manufacturing from their Hendersonville location. Their local presence provides responsive support for Tennessee manufacturers requiring rapid on-site service.
Why Tennessee manufacturers choose them:
- Fanuc Authorized System Integrator status
- UL508A certified panel shop meeting regulatory standards
- Specialized expertise in food and beverage automation
Their certification credentials ensure control panels meet rigorous safety standards, eliminating inspection failures.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Specializations | Food and beverage automation, SCADA systems, data collection solutions |
| Technical Capabilities | Fanuc robotics, PLC programming, UL508A panel design, field support services |
| Certifications | Fanuc Authorized System Integrator, UL508A certified panel shop |
Siemens Industry (Regional Presence)
Siemens serves Tennessee manufacturers through regional sales and service support, bringing global automation technology leadership with comprehensive product portfolios and engineering expertise. Siemens holds the #1 market position for factory automation products, automation software, and SCADA systems.
Core advantages:
- Industry-leading PLC and HMI technology
- Extensive product ecosystem spanning hardware to industrial networking
- Proven scalability from individual machines to plant-wide systems
The TIA Portal engineering framework integrates safety, security, and automation into unified solutions. Tennessee manufacturers benefit from local partners like elliTek in Knoxville, an Authorized Distributor providing training and technical support.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Specializations | Process automation, discrete manufacturing, industrial software solutions |
| Technical Capabilities | SIMATIC PLC systems, TIA Portal software, industrial networking, MES/SCADA platforms |
| Industry Focus | Automotive, chemicals, food and beverage, metals, general manufacturing |
Rockwell Automation (Regional Presence Through Partners)
Rockwell Automation serves Tennessee through authorized system integrators and direct support, offering industry-standard Allen-Bradley control systems and the FactoryTalk software ecosystem. Their structured partner program ensures manufacturers access qualified integrators with verified technical competencies.
Key strengths:
- Allen-Bradley PLCs (dominant in North America)
- Comprehensive FactoryTalk software for plant-wide data management
- Extensive partner network providing local support
- Deep industry expertise across manufacturing sectors
Tennessee partners include Logical Systems, a Platinum System Integrator with offices in Memphis and Jackson specializing in ControlLogix and PlantPAx DCS implementations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Specializations | Controls integration, industrial information software, connected enterprise solutions |
| Technical Capabilities | Allen-Bradley PLCs, FactoryTalk software, industrial IoT, motion control, safety systems |
| Partner Network | Served through authorized system integrators including regional Platinum and Bronze partners |
Lashley Cohen and Associates (Serving Tennessee from Georgia)
Lashley Cohen and Associates is an established automation integrator founded in 1988 with over 35 years of experience serving Tennessee manufacturers from their Georgia headquarters. With 5,000+ completed projects across diverse industries, they bring deep expertise in controls integration and project management.
What makes them different:
- ISO-9001 certified processes ensuring consistent quality delivery
- Rockwell Systems Bronze Partner status providing access to technical resources
- Certified PE engineer on staff for complex system design and regulatory approvals
- Comprehensive project management from design through implementation
The company has served 2,000+ clients across consumer goods, food and beverage, building materials, chemicals, metals, and water/wastewater sectors.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Specializations | Controls integration, project management, engineering services across food and beverage, consumer goods, building materials, chemicals, metals, and water/wastewater |
| Technical Capabilities | PLC programming, HMI development, SCADA systems, industrial networking, certified PE engineering |
| Credentials | ISO-9001 certified, Rockwell Systems Bronze Partner, 35+ years experience, 2,000+ clients served |
How We Chose the Best Industrial Automation Companies
We evaluated companies based on technical capabilities, industry certifications, proven track records, and ability to deliver complete solutions.
Common mistakes manufacturers make include selecting based solely on price or brand recognition without assessing project-specific expertise or post-implementation support.
Our evaluation criteria focused on five key factors:
- Years of experience and project history - Established track records with documented client relationships spanning multiple years
- Industry-specific knowledge - Proven expertise in Tennessee's key manufacturing sectors (automotive, food and beverage, chemicals, building materials)
- Technical certifications - ISO-9001 for quality management, UL508A for industrial control panels, and technology partnerships (Rockwell, Fanuc, Siemens authorized integrators)
- Local or regional service capability - Tennessee facilities or demonstrated regional service coverage
- Breadth of services - Complete offerings from engineering through installation and ongoing support
The CSIA Certification Advantage
CSIA certification represents the gold standard for system integrators. This certification evaluates business management, project management, and financial health. It ensures partners follow industry best practices and maintain financial stability.
Conclusion
Selecting the right industrial automation partner requires evaluating technical capabilities, industry experience, and alignment with specific operational goals rather than defaulting to the largest brand name. The best partnerships deliver tangible ROI through faster cycle times, consistent quality metrics, and minimized unplanned downtime.
To evaluate potential partners effectively, prioritize these key factors:
- Ongoing support capabilities and response times for troubleshooting
- Scalability of solutions as production demands evolve
- Total cost of ownership beyond initial equipment price
- Proven track record in similar manufacturing applications
With Tennessee manufacturers facing rising costs and labor constraints, the right automation investment delivers competitive advantages through measurable efficiency gains.
For manufacturers ready to explore automation solutions backed by ISO-9001 certified processes and over 35 years of controls engineering experience, Lashley, Cohen and Associates offers project consultations at (770) 962-0878 or websales@lashleycohen.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best industrial automation companies in Tennessee?
The best companies combine technical expertise, industry certifications, and proven track records. Top providers include national integrators like JR Automation Nashville and Rockwell Automation partners, plus specialized regional firms like Lashley Cohen and Associates serving diverse manufacturing needs.
What should I look for when choosing an industrial automation company?
Look for relevant industry experience, technical certifications like ISO-9001 and UL508A, technology partnerships with Rockwell or Siemens, documented project success, and comprehensive service capabilities from design through ongoing support.
How much does industrial automation cost in Tennessee?
Costs vary widely by project scope. Small PLC upgrades typically range from $10,000-$50,000, while complete production line automation can exceed $500,000. Evaluate total cost of ownership—including implementation, training, and support—rather than just initial hardware costs.
What industries in Tennessee benefit most from industrial automation?
Key sectors include automotive, food and beverage processing, chemicals, consumer goods, building materials, and metals. Automation improves efficiency, quality, and competitiveness while addressing labor shortages and rising operational costs.
Do I need a local industrial automation company or can I work with regional providers?
Both work effectively. Local companies may offer faster emergency response, while regional providers often bring deeper expertise and broader resources. The key factor is demonstrated ability to provide responsive support and proven experience in your industry.
What certifications matter for industrial automation companies?
Key certifications include ISO-9001 for quality management, UL508A for safety compliance, technology partnerships like Rockwell or Siemens, and licensed professional engineers (PE) on staff. CSIA certification represents the highest standard for system integrators.
