Your Automation Partner for What’s Next
Whether you’re modernizing equipment, solving labor shortages, or scaling smarter, we provide solutions designed to move businesses forward.
Who We Are
We believe great automation starts with genuine partnership. Our story is built on doing what’s right for our clients, our team, and the industries we serve.
While we design, build, and support smart, scalable systems, our real focus is solving complex problems, driving performance, and becoming the kind of partner you can count on again and again.
Our Founding Story:
From Frustration to Innovation
Every great company begins with a spark. For Automation Solutions, that spark was ignited by Brad Tompkins’ passion for engineering and his frustration with corporate environments that prioritized profits over people. After witnessing these flaws, Brad launched a successful home-building business, only for it to falter during the 2008 financial crisis. It was then he returned to his true passion for automation.
Brad started Automation Solutions in Birmingham, Alabama, with a small team and a bold idea: that doing the right thing, putting people first and focusing on long-lasting quality, would lead to better results for everyone.
In the early years, everyone on the small team wore many hats, which was both exciting and challenging. Brad focused on building strong relationships rather than expanding too quickly. Over time, we built a stronger framework, adding layers of leadership while keeping the freedom that makes work enjoyable.
Today
Automation Solutions is proud to be recognized as one of the nation’s most trusted automation providers, serving clients across the Southeast including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and special projects nationwide as far as Alaska. We’ve grown steadily, staying true to our core values and building long-lasting partnerships. By focusing on sustainable growth of 20 to 40% annually, we keep delivering the quality and reliability that our clients expect from us. As we look to the future, we’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
The Right Tools. The Right People. The Right Approach.
Whether your challenges are rooted in constraints, complexity, or urgency, most clients call us when:
- Labor costs are rising or staff is in short supply
- Outdated equipment is slowing operations
- Their process doesn’t fit off-the-shelf systems
- Something breaks and they need a fix, fast
- Their in-house team needs backup or specialized expertise
What We Do
Discover what your automation systems could look like.
Custom Automation Systems
We design and build tailored automation solutions with modular components like best-in-class robots, conveyors, and vision systems, perfectly integrated with custom mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
Material Handling & End-of-Line Automation
From packaging to palletizing, we automate the tasks that slow you down, boosting efficiency, accuracy, and throughput.
Process Optimization & Inspection
We help streamline production with automation for mixing, dosing, metering, visual inspection, and quality control designed to fit your exact manufacturing process.
Controls Retrofits & Upgrades
Extend the life of aging equipment with modern control systems. We replace obsolete PLCs and reprogram outdated logic to improve reliability and performance.
Technical Service & Support
Get rapid-response support when it matters most with remote troubleshooting via VPN, or on-site electricians and programmers on-call across the Southeast and beyond.
Engineers for Hire
Short on skilled automation talent? We provide skilled engineers and techs for short- and long-term assignments, by the hour, day, week, or month.
R&D and Proof-of-Concept Projects
Bring us your toughest challenges. We work on a time-and-materials basis to explore, prototype, and validate innovative or high-risk automation ideas.
Trusted Technology Expertise
We build on proven platforms such as FANUC robots, Allen-Bradley PLCs, and peripherals from Siemens, ABB, and more to deliver systems that are scalable, supportable, and future-ready.
OEM & Integration Partnerships
We collaborate with equipment builders and OEMs on controls integration, programming, panel design, field service, and mechanical improvements.
Enhanced System Capabilities
Add value with advanced features like data acquisition, energy monitoring, asset health tracking, and ERP/MES integration.
Industries We Serve
General Manufacturing
Building Materials
Logistics and Fullfillment
Water & Wastewater
Food & Beverage
Automotive
Aerospace
Military
Plastics
Foundry
Casting
Textiles
Paper
Roll Forming
Pharmaceuticals
Why it Matters
We’re not just here to design and install systems, we’re here to solve problems and guide you to the best solutions that truly work for you.
What Makes Us Different?
- We won’t push a brand or cookie-cutter solution. We start with what’s right for you.
- We price for long-term value, not lowest bids. Our systems pay off in performance and ROI.
- Our people are our advantage. From application engineers to service technicians, you’ll work with experienced professionals passionate about solving complex problems.
- Environmental responsibility matters. We prioritize energy efficiency, material optimization, and sustainable integration in every design.
- We choose purposeful growth. We do this to preserve our culture, deliver consistent quality, and keep the promises we make.
- We don’t just build systems. We build trust that sticks around after the job is done.
The Results Speak For Themselves
- 80%+ of our clients return for more work
- ROI typically achieved within 12 to 18 months
- Upgraded control systems reduce downtime by up to 40%
- Custom equipment boosts production throughput by 25–35%
- Service projects completed across the Southeast and nationwide–even as far as Alaska
- Our clients report fewer product defects, safer operations, and better reliability across the board
Leadership That Leads by Example
From our founder to our team leads, we invest in leadership development that ensures decisions are made with clarity, care, and long-term thinking.
More than half of our leaders have been promoted from within—a reflection of our commitment to nurturing talent and aligning people with purpose. And when things get busy, our leaders roll up their sleeves too, whether that means helping write proposals, visiting client sites, or mentoring rising team members.
At a Glance
Founded: 2008
Team: 30+ employees, 75% technical roles
Annual Growth: 20–40%
Repeat Clients: 80%+
Average Custom Project: $300K–$2.2M
Average Support Engagement: $13K
Service Response: Same-day when needed
Coverage: Southeast U.S. + Nationwide Support
“Leadership isn’t just a title, it’s a responsibility to serve, to grow others, and to protect the values that got us here.”
— Brad Tompkins, Founder & CEO
How We Work
Here, wins, both big and small, are celebrated together. Whether completing a challenging system integration or surpassing growth goals, we lift each other up and believe great work starts with a great workplace filled with:
- High trust in our team
- Leadership with an open-door policy—offering honest, constructive feedback (our motto: “Be kind, not nice”)
- Continuous leadership development with support from external consultants
- Cross-functional training available at all levels—not just for managers
- Promotions based on performance, not just tenure
- Referral bonuses to grow the team with people who fit our culture
- Employee turnover under 10%
Join Our Journey and Let’s Build Together
Whether you’re seeking automation solutions, exploring career opportunities, or simply looking to learn more, we’re here to connect. Your challenges could be our next success story.