How PlantWeave will boost Saunders International’s prospects amid automation boom

The world is progressing towards automation to increase productivity and efficiency levels. The deployment of automation technologies in a sector depends on the nature of the activities performed.

Industrial automation in sectors like oil & gas, manufacturing, mining, and energy & power has been gaining traction in the recent years.

Seizing the opportunity, Saunders International Limited (ASX:SND), a multi-disciplined engineering and construction company, recently acquired PlantWeave Technologies, a specialist in industrial process automation and electrical systems.

Saunders is a well-known and established industrial solutions provider for design, fabrication, construction, shutdown, and maintenance services. In short, the Company caters to leading organisations across Australia and the Pacific Region with its innovative and cost-effective solutions.

On the other hand, PlantWeave Technologies caters to the needs of energy, power, water, manufacturing, oil & gas and mining industries. It provides tailored solutions to these industries, similar to the customer base of the SND.

Related read: Saunders International acquires PlantWeave Technologies, diversifies into technology-based infrastructure

PlantWeave specialises in the following services:-

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Also read: Saunders International (ASX:SND) at vantage point amid robust infrastructure spending

Saunders to beef up services to existing clients

Besides gaining exposure to the existing client base of PlantWeave, Saunders will continue to service and grow PlantWeave’s customers and markets.

The transaction will drive Saunders’ market entry into process optimisation, cyber security, Industry 4.0 Technologies, and industrial automation systems. The acquisition will enable Saunders to provide technology-driven solutions to its clients, as they seek to automate and remotely monitor, control, and maintain their facilities and processes.

The Company will expand its technical service offering to its existing clients in the oil & gas and resources sectors, as well as accelerate market penetration into the defence and utilities space.

The tank and piping services within refineries and terminals will be complemented by the Industry 4.0 solutions.

Related read: What soaring crude oil prices mean for Saunders International (ASX:SND)

Automation market in Australia

It is estimated that nearly 46% of the work activities in the country could be automated by 2030. This will lead to enhanced productivity levels and accelerated economic growth.

Automation could easily add AU$1-4 trillion to the economy in the next 10 years, according to data from a report of McKinsey – Australia Automation Opportunity. The report talks about the automation of all industrial activities. It is to be noted that the industries catered by Saunders form a major part of the Australian economy.

Though it highlights that automation will impact job creation in the short run, the wealth created using automation could be invested in new sectors to create new opportunities.

Related read: What are the pockets of opportunities for Saunders International (ASX:SND) in the mining industry?

In essence, the acquisition, which is anticipated to be earnings per share accretive post integration, will expand PlantWeave’s existing capabilities and reach while enhancing Saunders’ service offering to its existing customer base and diversifying into technology-based infrastructure.

Shares of SND traded at AU$0.75 with a market cap of AU$82.72 million on 14 October 2021.