JOT Automation's modular microfactory ANT Plant Microfactory has quickly made a name for itself. The platform-based manufacturing concept, with more than 30% faster delivery times, has sold nearly €20 million in Europe and the United States after launching it in the JOT portfolio. The ANT Plant Microfactory can be seen live for the first time at the Productronica trade fair in Munich Nov 18 - 21 on stand A3.200.
Modular microfactories, such as JOT Automation's ANT Plant, are breaking the conventions of industrial manufacturing. Time and money are saved when you don't have to build on a blank slate, but on a pre-designed platform.
Thanks to the modules, i.e. pre-designed basic frames, the delivery time of ANT Plant is at least 30% shorter than traditional automation line construction.
“Investment decisions often take time, but when they are made, there is always a rush to start and have a fully functional line ready. In the ANT Plant platform ideology, the basics have been thought out well in advance, allowing us to quickly think about customer-specific solutions. This way of thinking speeds up the process enormously, which has proven to be the most significant competitive advantage for customers,” explains Paavo Käkelä, Head of Sales and Marketing at JOT Automation.
Industry-agnostic solution
So far ANT Plants have been sold to Europe and the United States. The flexible concept adapts to the needs of virtually any industry: So far, ANT Plants have been delivered to the manufacturing of components for the automotive and battery industries, as well as power and consumer electronics.
“In 2025, ANT Plant sales have already reached nearly 20 million euros on top of our traditional business. One customer has already placed an additional order and expanded its operations. There is clearly traction in the market for this type of solution. Customers appreciate the possibility to start manufacturing quickly with minimal risks and scale manufacturing as needed,” says Käkelä.
Fast design phase, one-day installation
In traditional manufacturing, the first 8-10 weeks are spent on design, but at the same time, the ANT Plant delivery process is already progressing to the assembly of basic modules and the purchase phase of application modules.
Delivery starts quickly, because the starting point is a ready-made platform that can be configured quickly. Standard-sized modules have all the basics pre-designed, such as safety devices and logic, basic electrical panels, robot panels, electrical gutters and basic protective panels. Each module is configured according to the final use.
“We typically have the basic modules ordered within a week of receiving a customer order and can start designing applications. When the basic modules arrive, we can start assembling them at the same time. Once the applications have been designed, they can be installed in the basic modules. We have had time for installations at a stage where in traditional manufacturing we are only in the purchasing phase,” Käkelä illustrates.
The installation phase is also quick. The modules are wheeled into place one after the other with a forklift, electricity, telecommunications and compressed air are connected - and the line is basically ready.
“It is possible to start installing the line in the morning and have the first product off the line in the evening. Of course, the ramp-up with all the fine-tuning takes a few days,” Käkelä says.
Risk mitigation
Low-risk microfactories are a good answer to the challenges of the current very uncertain operating environment. The geopolitical situation has made many operators reconsider their production in cheap labor countries.
“Cheap labor has been such a strong driver that people have agreed to tolerate the risks associated with manufacturing far away, such as the vulnerability of a long supply chain and the challenges of protecting IPR. Now, if you can bring production closer and automate it, many people understandably lean towards this option,” Käkelä reflects.
When manufacturing is moved from far to near, transportation costs and emissions also decrease.
“It is more environmentally friendly to manufacture close by than far away. Production always creates well-being for the wider society in the form of tax revenue and a prosperous subcontracting network,” Käkelä states.
Contact information: Paavo Käkelä, Head of Sales and Marketing, JOT Automation, paavo.kakela@jotautomation.com, tel. +358 50 361 3945
About JOT automation
JOT Automation is a global leader in providing advanced manufacturing and testing solutions for the automotive, battery, and electronics industries. With over three decades of expertise, JOT Automation has established itself as a trusted partner to leading companies worldwide, offering innovative and customized solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and productivity in the production process. With a strong focus on automation, robotics, and technological expertise, JOT Automation is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technologies and outstanding customer service to meet the evolving needs of key manufacturing industries.