E Tech Group, an engineering and system integration firm, acquired Automation Group, a system integrator that specializes in automation, robotics and cybersecurity. A key mission for E Tech Group is bridging the gap between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) with specialized cybersecurity solutions. Together, the two companies can expand their automation reach in life sciences, data center, consumer packaged goods, and food and beverage industries.
“While many firms focus on cybersecurity, or OT solutions individually, our unique strength lies in securing OT infrastructure and our expertise in both domains,” says E Tech Group CEO Matt Wise. After a comprehensive assessment, E Tech Group uses an OT-centric approach to mature its clients’ security posture, through design, implementation, and ongoing support. The assessment includes penetration testing and scrutiny of the environment, protocols, architecture, egress and more.
Both companies are aligned on many services and products, from plant layout and control design, to process automation and building automation, material handling, and business intelligence and cybersecurity.
Wise also says Automation Group brings significant cybersecurity expertise and is poised to accelerate E Tech Group’s rapid growth in IT/OT vulnerability assessments and remediation.
“The addition of Automation Group widened E Tech Group’s footprint on the West Coast, and Automation Group’s clients can benefit from E Tech Group’s deep bench and locations throughout North America. Our combined goal is to become the main automation partner for companies looking to modernize, automate and harden their facilities,” says Wise.
Automation Group will operate under the name “Automation Group, an E Tech Group Company.” Founder Brad Stegmann will step down from his CEO role but will consult with the business during the transition. Automation Group President Randy Ruano will remain with the company and no significant employment changes are anticipated in any of Automation Group’s locations.
Automation Group’s 12 locations are spread throughout northern and southern California, as well as Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, Indianapolis and Williamsburg, Virginia. Together, the combined independent automation engineering and system integration firm will have approximately 30 locations and 600 team members in North America.
This is E Tech Group’s second acquisition this year, beginning with the acquisition of E-Volve Systems in February. E-Volve Systems specializes in industrial automation, controls engineering and computer systems validation, focused in the life sciences, food and beverage and consumer products industries.
