1. Dacke Industri Acquires an 80% Stake in Inlead Automation
On 6 October 2026, Dacke Industri acquired 80% of the shares in Inlead Automation AB, a Swedish provider of industrial automation solutions. The deal marks another step in Dacke Industri’s strategy to expand its presence in industrial automation and strengthen its portfolio of technology-driven businesses.
Based in Sweden, Inlead Automation helps manufacturers improve production efficiency, flexibility and equipment utilisation through standardised and modular automation systems. By bringing the company into its Precision & Protection division, Dacke Industri aims to expand its automation capabilities and create opportunities for cooperation across its industrial group.
2. Inlead Automation Focuses on CNC Machine Tending and Manufacturing
Inlead Automation develops and supplies modular automation solutions for CNC machine tending and other manufacturing applications. These systems help manufacturers automate repetitive machine-loading and unloading tasks, reduce dependence on manual handling and make better use of existing production equipment.
From an industrial engineering perspective, CNC machine tending offers a practical starting point for factory automation. Manufacturers do not always need to redesign an entire production line to improve output. Instead, automating selected machine operations can increase productive machine time, support more consistent workflows and help existing equipment handle changing production requirements.
Standardised and modular designs also give manufacturers more flexibility when adapting automation systems to different machines or production environments. However, the actual benefits depend on factors such as cycle times, workpiece variation, machine interfaces, safety requirements and the level of integration with the existing production process.
3. Aftermarket Services Create Long-Term Business Opportunities
Beyond equipment and automation systems, Inlead Automation provides spare parts, technical services, service agreements and training. These offerings support its growing installed base and extend the company's relationship with customers beyond the initial installation.
For manufacturers, aftermarket support plays an important role in maintaining production continuity. Timely maintenance, access to replacement parts and appropriate technical training can help reduce unexpected downtime and keep automated equipment operating as intended.
This service capability also has strategic value for Dacke Industri. In my view, the combination of automation equipment and recurring aftermarket services creates a broader business model than equipment sales alone. It allows a supplier to remain involved throughout the equipment lifecycle while helping customers manage maintenance requirements and operating costs.
4. Inlead Automation at a Glance
Inlead Automation operates from Anderstorp in Småland, Sweden. The company employs approximately 30 people and generates annual revenue of around SEK 72 million.
Its main business characteristics include:
- Core expertise: Industrial automation and manufacturing technology.
- Primary applications: CNC machine tending and related manufacturing processes.
- Product approach: Standardised and modular automation solutions.
- Aftermarket offering: Spare parts, service agreements, technical services and training.
- Location: Anderstorp, Småland, Sweden.
These capabilities provide Dacke Industri with an established automation business and an existing customer base. The combination of technical expertise, installed equipment and aftermarket services may also create opportunities to expand customer relationships and develop additional solutions.
5. Management Highlights Long-Term Growth and Collaboration
Tommy Strand, CEO and co-owner of Inlead Automation AB, said the company had been seeking a partner with a similar long-term outlook, entrepreneurial approach and commitment to sustainable development. He explained that Dacke Industri would provide access to additional expertise, networks and experience while allowing Inlead Automation to maintain its focus on customers, employees and operations in Anderstorp.
Kenneth Carlsson, President of Dacke Industri’s Precision & Protection division and Chairman of Inlead Automation AB, highlighted the company's complementary capabilities in automation and manufacturing technology. He also pointed to opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration and continued development across the division.
Dacke Industri Group CEO Lars Fredin described Inlead Automation as a business with an established business model, an attractive aftermarket offering and further growth potential. He added that the acquisition supports the group's ambition to strengthen its industrial automation position and build a more international industrial group.
6. What the Acquisition Means for Industrial Automation
The acquisition reflects a broader development in manufacturing: automation suppliers increasingly compete through a combination of equipment, application expertise and lifecycle support rather than hardware alone.
For customers, the value of an automation solution depends on more than its initial purchase price. Integration with existing CNC machines, ease of maintenance, operator training, spare-parts availability and the ability to adapt to changing production requirements all influence its long-term performance.
In my assessment, Inlead Automation's combination of modular automation systems and aftermarket services gives Dacke Industri a platform for developing this wider offering. The next step will be to translate the group's resources and technical knowledge into measurable customer benefits, such as improved machine utilisation, reduced unplanned downtime and more flexible production capacity.
Nevertheless, these outcomes are opportunities rather than guaranteed results. Their realisation will depend on how effectively the businesses share expertise, develop their offerings and maintain close relationships with customers.
7. About Dacke Industri
Dacke Industri is a long-term owner and developer of technology companies, with a particular focus on customised components and systems. The group supports its businesses with industrial expertise and a broad professional network while preserving an entrepreneurial culture and a decentralised operating model.
Its companies develop products and systems with a strong technical focus, supported by engineering, design and quality capabilities. They also work to improve environmental performance through product development and more sustainable production practices.
Nordstjernan has owned Dacke Industri since January 2016. According to the company information provided for this announcement, Dacke Industri has 36 subsidiaries across four divisions, employs more than 2,000 people worldwide and generates annual net sales of approximately SEK 5 billion.
Conclusion
Dacke Industri's acquisition of an 80% stake in Inlead Automation AB expands its presence in industrial automation and adds expertise in CNC machine tending, modular automation and aftermarket services.
The deal also highlights the growing importance of lifecycle support in manufacturing automation. For industrial customers, the long-term value of automation comes not only from installing equipment, but also from maintaining performance, supporting operators and adapting systems to evolving production needs. How effectively Dacke Industri combines these capabilities will be an important factor in turning the acquisition into sustained growth.