Medical device manufacturer Automated Industrial Robotics acquires Ireland-based KAON Automation

Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. has acquired KAON Automation, an Ireland-based industrial automation company, expanding its footprint in Europe and strengthening its presence in the medical and life sciences manufacturing markets.

The deal adds capabilities in precision assembly, aseptic high-speed filling and end-of-line automation to Automated Industrial Robotics, which operates under the name AIR. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2005, KAON has built a reputation for designing and integrating bespoke automation systems for regulated medical and life sciences applications. The company specializes in modular automation architectures that support flexible and scalable production environments, with particular expertise in intelligent conveyor systems designed for high-throughput manufacturing where accuracy, repeatability and uptime are critical.

KAON also has experience combining central transport platforms with aseptic filling technologies, allowing it to develop systems that support high-speed filling with zero-touch changeovers, a growing priority for manufacturers operating in tightly regulated environments.

The acquisition supports AIR’s strategy to build a globally integrated automation company capable of serving customers seamlessly across regions. With the addition of KAON, AIR now has more than 550 employees operating across roughly 450,000 square feet of facilities in the United States, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The company is backed by Ares Private Equity funds and continues to pursue a mix of organic growth and selective acquisitions.

AIR Executive Chairman Brian Klos and Chief Executive Officer Darragh de Stonndún said the deal strengthens the company’s technical depth and market focus.

“KAON is a high-quality business with strong technical depth, long-standing customer relationships and a culture that aligns closely with AIR’s values,” Klos and de Stonndún said in a joint statement. “Their strengths in precision assembly and liquid filling technologies support our strategy of building a company that can consistently deliver high-quality, scalable solutions in regulated environments. This acquisition reflects our continued focus on building a differentiated automation provider that brings together proven teams with deep domain experience, and we are excited to welcome the KAON team to AIR.”

KAON’s founders said the transaction positions the company for its next phase of growth.

“Joining AIR marks an important new chapter for KAON,” said Garreth Finlay and Fergus Hynes, co-founders of KAON. “We have built our business around delivering high-quality automation solutions, and we see strong alignment with AIR around engineering rigor and long-term customer partnerships. Becoming part of AIR gives our team new scale and resources to advance our expansion while staying true to the values that have made KAON a trusted automation partner for our clients.”

KAON will be integrated into AIR’s unified operating model as the combined company expands its global automation platform.