12 January 2026 | News
Image Courtesy: Public Domain
Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. (“AIR” or the “Company”) announced the acquisition of KAON Automation (“KAON”), an Ireland-based industrial automation company that delivers advanced automation solutions for leading manufacturing companies globally. In addition to strengthening AIR’s existing presence in Ireland, the transaction expands the Company’s presence in the medical and life sciences end markets and enhances its capabilities across precision assembly, aseptic high-speed filling and end-of-line automation.
Founded in 2005, KAON brings a strong reputation for delivering bespoke automation solutions for medical and life sciences manufacturers, including building and integrating automated lines for regulated medical applications. Modular system architectures underpin KAON’s technical capabilities to enable flexible, scalable and repeatable production environments, with particular expertise in integrating leading intelligent conveyor architectures. This capability facilitates the development of high throughput production systems where accuracy, repeatability and uptime are essential. Furthermore, KAON has successfully combined its experience with central transport platforms and aseptic filling solutions to develop next-generation systems that marry high speed filling with zero-touch change-over.
The acquisition supports AIR’s strategy of building a globally integrated automation company with deep technical capabilities and the ability to serve customers across geographies in a seamless manner. KAON will integrate into AIR’s unified operating model, which with this acquisition now comprises more than 550 employees operating across approximately 450,000 square feet in the United States, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Supported by Ares Private Equity funds, AIR continues to pursue a strategy of organic growth and selective acquisitions to expand its global automation platform.
AIR Executive Chairman Brian Klos and Chief Executive Officer Darragh de Stonndún said, “KAON is a high-quality business with strong technical depth, long-standing customer relationships and a culture that aligns closely with AIR’s values. 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.”
Garreth Finlay and Fergus Hynes, Co-Founders of KAON, said, “Joining AIR marks an important new chapter for 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.”
