ONDEX Automation Acquires NeoMatrix to Deepen Industrial Automation Capabilities and Accelerate Digital Transformation Initiatives
In a bold move to strengthen its position as a leader in industrial automation and digital transformation solutions, ONDEX Automation has officially announced the acquisition of NeoMatrix, a renowned factory automation system integrator known for its innovative software-driven solutions. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for ONDEX Automation as it continues to build out its technology stack and broaden its capabilities in SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), and broader digital transformation services.
The acquisition, finalized earlier this month, brings together two complementary organizations with shared values, deep technical expertise, and a mutual focus on driving operational excellence across a range of industries. NeoMatrix, which was founded in 2003, has built a solid reputation for delivering complex automation projects to a diverse portfolio of clients in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, semiconductors, and food & beverage.
With headquarters in Andover, Massachusetts, and additional offices in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Colorado Springs, Colorado, NeoMatrix offers a full suite of automation and digital transformation services. These include plant floor system integration, real-time data analytics, digital strategy development, and MES deployment. The company is widely respected for its consultative approach, deep domain knowledge, and ability to execute on both legacy modernization and greenfield system implementations.
Strategic Rationale Behind the Acquisition
The acquisition of NeoMatrix represents a strategic inflection point for ONDEX Automation, a Chicago-based integrator that has rapidly expanded its footprint in North America. With this acquisition, ONDEX gains access to a team of highly skilled automation engineers and software experts, as well as a customer base that aligns closely with its own growth objectives.
Justin Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of ONDEX Automation, described the acquisition as a “transformative step forward” for the company. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the exceptional NeoMatrix team, whose expertise significantly enhances our capabilities across the automation tech stack,” Kerr said in a statement. “This strategic partnership empowers us to better address the evolving digital transformation needs of our current and future customers.”
For ONDEX Automation, which has been steadily investing in its growth through both organic expansion and strategic M&A activity, the NeoMatrix deal represents more than just an expansion of services. It reflects ONDEX’s commitment to helping manufacturers embrace Industry 4.0 technologies and transition to smarter, data-driven operations.
The acquisition also aligns with ONDEX’s long-term vision of being a full-service automation partner to discrete and process manufacturers seeking to modernize their production environments, improve traceability, and optimize performance.
The NeoMatrix Value Proposition
NeoMatrix has made a name for itself in the competitive landscape of factory automation by focusing on mission-critical systems that help manufacturers gain real-time visibility into operations, drive process efficiencies, and maintain regulatory compliance. Its expertise in SCADA and MES platforms—particularly Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform—has positioned the company as a trusted advisor to manufacturing organizations embarking on digital transformation initiatives.
Notably, NeoMatrix was recently recognized with a 2024 Ignition Firebrand Award from Inductive Automation. This prestigious honor highlights the company’s success in delivering innovative automation projects that push the boundaries of what is possible with modern industrial software.
Danny Haskell, Co-Founder and President of NeoMatrix, emphasized the synergistic nature of the partnership with ONDEX. “The partnership with ONDEX presents an exceptional opportunity to expand our service offerings, including UL508A-certified panels, electrical installation services, and a comprehensive range of automation equipment,” Haskell noted. “This collaboration not only enables us to better serve our existing and prospective customers but also allows us to extend our service offerings to ONDEX’s existing customer base. Furthermore, the partnership creates exciting career development opportunities for our employees, fostering growth and innovation across our organization.”
Haskell and the rest of the NeoMatrix leadership team are expected to remain with the company under the ONDEX umbrella, ensuring continuity for customers and providing a strong foundation for future collaboration.
Accelerating Digital Transformation for Manufacturers
One of the most compelling aspects of the ONDEX-NeoMatrix integration is its potential to help manufacturers accelerate their digital transformation journeys. As more companies seek to digitize operations, gain real-time insights from industrial data, and integrate disparate systems across the plant floor, the demand for expert system integrators has never been higher.
NeoMatrix’s strengths in MES deployment and real-time data integration are especially timely as manufacturers grapple with the complexities of digital transformation. Whether it’s aligning production schedules with demand forecasts, enabling predictive maintenance through IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) technologies, or achieving greater regulatory compliance through digital records, the combination of ONDEX and NeoMatrix is uniquely positioned to deliver holistic solutions.
Through this acquisition, ONDEX gains valuable experience in integrating major industrial software platforms, as well as expertise in designing and sustaining enterprise-grade solutions. This will allow ONDEX to take on larger, more complex automation initiatives that span multiple sites and require robust system interoperability.
Enhancing Service Delivery Across North America
The expanded geographic footprint brought by the acquisition will also enable ONDEX to serve customers more effectively across the United States. NeoMatrix’s presence in the Northeast and Mountain West complements ONDEX’s Midwest base and opens the door to increased service responsiveness, local expertise, and faster project deployment.
In addition to NeoMatrix’s established regional offices, ONDEX is expected to invest in talent development and infrastructure to support continued expansion. Employees from both organizations will benefit from cross-training opportunities, professional development programs, and access to a broader customer base, creating a vibrant ecosystem for innovation.
The ability to draw on a larger, multidisciplinary team is also expected to accelerate ONDEX’s response to emerging trends in smart manufacturing, such as AI-driven process optimization, edge computing, and adaptive control systems.
Backed by Shore Capital Partners
The acquisition of NeoMatrix is supported by Shore Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm that is an active investor in ONDEX Automation. Shore Capital specializes in partnering with lower middle market companies in sectors such as industrials, healthcare, and business services, with the goal of scaling businesses through operational excellence and strategic acquisitions.
Shore Capital brings not only financial resources but also a proven playbook for growth. The firm has earned accolades from Inc. Magazine as a Top Founder Friendly Investor and has consistently led U.S. private equity deal volume, according to PitchBook Research.
“Shore’s investment philosophy is centered on partnering with exceptional management teams to build market-leading platforms,” said a Shore Capital representative. “We see tremendous potential in ONDEX and NeoMatrix joining forces. Together, they have the right people, technology, and strategy to deliver next-generation automation solutions to manufacturers across North America.”
With approximately $12.5 billion in assets under management, Shore Capital is well-positioned to support ONDEX as it continues to scale and pursue further acquisitions.
As the manufacturing sector continues to evolve, the ONDEX-NeoMatrix acquisition underscores a broader industry trend: the growing importance of end-to-end integration and digital intelligence in factory operations.
Customers are no longer looking for piecemeal automation solutions—they want partners who can deliver a comprehensive roadmap for digital transformation. With NeoMatrix now part of its ecosystem, ONDEX is poised to meet this demand head-on, offering a powerful combination of engineering talent, software acumen, and industry expertise.
Looking ahead, ONDEX plans to pursue additional strategic acquisitions to further enhance its capabilities, broaden its vertical reach, and build a truly national platform. Areas of particular interest include robotics integration, machine vision systems, and AI-driven analytics platforms.
In addition, ONDEX is expected to deepen its partnerships with key technology providers and OEMs, co-develop new solutions with customers, and expand its offerings in critical infrastructure sectors such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and semiconductors.
As manufacturers prepare for an increasingly digital future, ONDEX Automation’s acquisition of NeoMatrix represents a bold step toward enabling that transformation. With aligned missions, complementary skill sets, and a shared vision for growth, the two companies are charting a new course in the world of smart manufacturing.
