Edgewater Automation Celebrates 25 Years of Growth, Partnership, and Purpose

Edgewater Automation is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter century of designing, building, and delivering advanced automation solutions that help customers solve complex manufacturing
challenges.

Founded in January 2001 by Rick Blake in St. Joseph, Michigan, Edgewater Automation began with five employees working out of a 10,000-square-foot facility. The company steadily expanded its capabilities and reputation through engineering excellence, hands-on execution, and a deep knowledge of how automation enhances success on the factory floor.

As customer needs evolved, Edgewater Automation expanded its team and footprint by opening a fully capable operation in Spartanburg, South Carolina, matching the capabilities of the St. Joseph location, while continuing to invest in Michigan with additional facilities opened in Buchanan and St. Joseph. Today, the company operates approximately 400,000 square feet of combined manufacturing and engineering space across its locations.

A key part in that growth was the launch of Edgewater Manufacturing in 2014. Established in Buchanan, Michigan, the division was created to strengthen fabrication and machining capabilities needed to support increasingly complex automation projects.

What began as an internal resource has since grown into supporting both Edgewater Automation and external customers. 

“Reaching 25 years is a milestone made possible by many people,” said Tim Tate, President of Edgewater Automation. “Our success was built through the vision of our founder, the dedication of our employees, past and present, and the trust of our clients and partners. For 25 years, Edgewater has been defined by doing the hard work well, investing in our people, and delivering results that matter. As we look ahead, we remain focused on strengthening our capabilities, embracing new technologies, and scaling in ways that help our clients stay competitive.”

Beyond its work on the factory floor, Edgewater Automation is committed to supporting the communities where its teams live and work. The company volunteers with FIRST Robotics and supports local education and county programs, along with offering apprenticeships and internships that help develop future talent through hands-on experience.

With 25 years behind it, Edgewater Automation is poised to continue delivering smart automation solutions that move manufacturing forward through its nationwide teams, facilities, and partnerships.