How LAC Logistics Automation is revolutionizing automation and transforming supply chains

LAC Logistics Automation (LAC) is an industry-leading conveyor system integrator and UK manufacturer, and its bespoke automation solutions have been transforming companies for over 25 years. Prioritizing longstanding customer relationships, LAC develops all essential conveyor and automation solution components in-house, including design, manufacturing, software, robotics, and mechatronic elements, ensuring each solution is the best fit for each customer.

The business was established in 1997 as a producer of modular conveyors. With a passion for technology, several successful installations, and some repeat business based on client relationships, LAC grew organically and began developing a complete automation solution. Such determination and motivation have continued throughout its history, giving the business a strong foothold in the logistics, manufacturing, food and beverage, and bespoke automation industries.

Today, LAC employs over 150 multiskilled specialists and operates five facilities totalling 70,000 square feet in Nottingham, England. In 2024, LAC joined MotionTech, an industrial group covering the entire life cycle of a project, including solution design, software development, integration, and aftermarket services. MotionTech’s strategy to become a full solutions and service partner to customers within intralogistics and warehouse automation across the world will also strengthen LAC’s growth opportunities across the continent.

Joe Metcalfe, LAC’s Sales Director, shares his view on the company’s evolution. “LAC has a great history and has grown significantly over the past few years,” he opens. “Although the business initially focused on machine building and specialist conveyor systems supplied to the trade, LAC has today expanded its capabilities to offer full supply and integration services across the supply chain. When we joined the MotionTech group, we super-charged our strategy for expansion into mainland Europe. By providing us with access to this market, we now have service capabilities across Europe and are actively supplying our new group partners with technology and software.”

Bespoke solutions

Elaborating on the products and services on offer, Joe continues: “We provide standard and bespoke conveyor solutions for various applications. In terms of automation solutions, we offer state-of-the-art automation technologies and software, suited to many applications within the supply chain sector, including ASRS and sortation technology. We can also supply bespoke robotic systems and autonomous mobile robot (AMR) systems across the supply chain, as well as warehouse control system software.”

LAC also offers comprehensive aftercare support, including 24/7 breakdown call support, routine maintenance, continuous improvement programs, spare parts, and remote software support. Its dedicated support line means customers can get assistance at any time of the day or night, with many queries able to be rectified there and then without site attendance. To ensure LAC’s systems run as reliably as possible, the company offers a range of preventative maintenance contracts. Following installation, LAC audits the process line and suggests a tailored service package to suit individual requirements. However, as production and operational needs evolve, LAC can reevaluate the system to meet increased demand.

Having experienced a record-breaking year in 2024, with gross profits up by an impressive 26.5 percent, we ask Joe his thoughts on what factors contributed to such success. “New technology, new partners, and great people,” he states. “Our strategy over the last three years has been to expand our software and build a flexible integration platform for a range of technologies. We’ve developed some state-of-the-art conveyor products and robotics systems, as well as broadening our product range by aligning with great partners. Our people are truly our greatest asset, and we are proud to be building a new generation of integration specialists.

“As a result of our growth in recent years, we’re looking to increase our manufacturing space by consolidating four premises into one larger site. Our ongoing objective is to focus more on R&D to bring more products to market, strengthen awareness, and scale the business further.”

With new innovative technologies constantly emerging, LAC must stay ahead of the curve to bring the latest automation, robotics, and software technologies to the forefront of the market as these technologies continue to transform manufacturing and logistics operations by increasing efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. “The field of technology and automation is moving at an alarming pace,” Joe states. “Five years ago, people were shocked by new technologies arriving on scene at trade shows like LogiMAT, but now, the new AMR technologies are commonplace and having a positive impact on the supply chain.

“AMR took lots of businesses by surprise and has lowered the entry point for end users looking to automate, as these systems are more flexible, modular, quicker to install, and have a relatively low risk profile. Integration businesses and OEMs have had to scramble to keep up; LAC has managed to bring out new complementary products like our software and build partnerships with some of the new technology providers to offer clients end-to-end solutions.”

Focused on the year ahead

As our conversation ends, Joe elaborates on one of LAC’s major projects before sharing his thoughts on what the future holds for the company. “We’re currently working with Envision on one of the largest EV battery manufacturing sites in Europe, which is located in Sunderland,” he says. “We’re providing a bespoke conveyor and software solution to go live at the end of 2025. It’s an interesting project because it’s a relatively new format, bringing new engineering challenges along the way. We transport battery cells through multiple manufacturing processes, for instance, including a cooling system manufactured in-house.

“World politics aside, 2025 is a year of process improvement, product development, and new customer wins,” Joe concludes. “The pipeline is strong and lots of businesses are still highlighting that if there is an ROI then funds will be available for projects. In today’s world, businesses need to evolve fast to stay competitive, and automation is currently the best possible solution to the labor shortages seen across the UK and Europe. Further afield, I’d like to see LAC become one of the top ten integration businesses in the world, but that is my view from my position as Sales Director!”

www.lacconveyors.co.uk