In a strategic move aimed at deepening its capabilities in industrial robotics and automation, Patil Automation has announced the acquisition of two niche players in the sector—Mll Robotics and Pentaco Automation—for a combined investment of Rs 36 million. The acquisitions signal Patil Automation’s intent to consolidate its position in India’s fast-evolving smart manufacturing landscape, where demand for precision robotics and integrated automation solutions is surging across industries.
Key highlights of the announcement
1. Acquisition of Mll Robotics
- Patil Automation will acquire Mll Robotics for Rs 6 million
- Mll Robotics specializes in compact robotic arms, modular automation kits, and AI-integrated motion control systems
- The acquisition is expected to enhance Patil’s portfolio in low-footprint robotic solutions, particularly for SMEs and mid-sized manufacturing units
- Mll’s existing client base includes electronics assembly lines, automotive component makers, and educational robotics labs
2. Acquisition of Pentaco Automation
- Patil Automation will acquire Pentaco Automation for Rs 30 million
- Pentaco is known for its expertise in industrial PLC programming, SCADA systems, and turnkey automation for process industries
- The acquisition will strengthen Patil’s capabilities in large-scale automation deployments across sectors like pharmaceuticals, food processing, and chemicals
- Pentaco’s proprietary control software and integration tools will be merged into Patil’s existing automation suite
Strategic rationale behind the twin deals
- Portfolio diversification
With Mll Robotics, Patil gains access to agile, AI-ready robotic systems ideal for high-speed, low-volume production environments. Pentaco, on the other hand, brings depth in process automation and control systems for large industrial setups. Together, the acquisitions create a balanced portfolio that spans both discrete and process automation.
- Technology integration
Patil Automation plans to integrate Mll’s robotic modules with Pentaco’s control architecture, enabling end-to-end automation solutions that are scalable, customizable, and data-driven. This fusion of hardware and software capabilities is expected to unlock new efficiencies for clients.
- Market expansion
The acquisitions open doors to new geographies and customer segments. Mll’s presence in Tier 2 cities and Pentaco’s footprint in export-oriented industrial zones will help Patil Automation expand its reach beyond its current strongholds.
- Talent acquisition
Both companies bring specialized engineering teams with deep domain expertise. Patil Automation intends to retain key personnel and integrate them into its R&D and deployment divisions, accelerating innovation and reducing time-to-market for new solutions.
Industry context
India’s industrial automation market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 10 percent through 2030, driven by rising labor costs, demand for precision manufacturing, and government incentives for Industry 4.0 adoption. Robotics and automation are no longer confined to large factories; they are increasingly being adopted by mid-sized enterprises seeking to improve productivity and reduce operational risks.
Patil Automation’s acquisitions reflect this shift. By investing in companies that offer modular, scalable, and AI-compatible solutions, Patil is positioning itself as a one-stop provider for automation needs across the spectrum—from small workshops to large industrial complexes.
Looking ahead
Patil Automation has indicated that these acquisitions are part of a broader inorganic growth strategy. The company is actively scouting for additional partnerships and technology licenses in areas such as machine vision, predictive maintenance, and industrial IoT.
The integration of Mll Robotics and Pentaco Automation is expected to be completed within the next two quarters. Post-integration, Patil will unveil a unified product roadmap that combines robotics, control systems, and cloud-based analytics under a single platform.
Sources: SmartStateIndia.com, Newtonco.ai, BusinessWire India
