ABB Robotics Australia recently welcomed its newest Authorized Value Provider (AVP), Alnico Systems Pty Ltd. Based on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Alnico Systems is a leading industrial automation systems integrator with capabilities spanning end-to-end system design, pre-sales consulting, and the supply and integration of industrial robotics, machine vision, AGVs, conveying systems, and industrial control solutions.
They specialise in fully customised, bespoke, turnkey automation projects engineered to meet each customer’s specific operational requirements, and some of their noteworthy customers include The Avocado Collective and Bendotti Avocado in Western Australia, where they have delivered advanced automation solutions for high-volume fruit processing.
The company operates with a core team of five highly skilled engineers, supported by a trusted network of expert installation and commissioning contractors, which enables them to deliver high-quality results across diverse industries including food and beverage, agriculture, and logistics.
In addition to integration services, they also design and manufacture proprietary in-house products such as high-speed tray-stacking machines and pallet-scanning systems, which automatically scans all the barcodes on a full pallet of fruit trays. These solutions are widely used across the agricultural sector, particularly in post-harvest environments such as packing sheds.
A long-time advocate of ABB robotic technology, Jamie has been working with ABB robots since 2001. After becoming Director of Alnico Systems, he formalised the partnership by joining the ABB Robotics Channel Partner network in 2020. Since then, Alnico Systems has engineered three major automation systems featuring a total of seven ABB industrial robots—demonstrating both their technical capability and their commitment to ABB’s ecosystem.
Impressively, they have also developed their own specialised tooling and collaborated with industry partners to engineer a custom robotic gripper designed specifically for palletising fruit trays— including trays for avocados, citrus, mangoes, and bananas. This gripper enables the trays to nest precisely and consistently, maximising pallet stability while minimising overall footprint. The tooling is integrated into complete automation systems built around ABB industrial robots, most commonly ABB’s high-performance IRB 660 palletising robot.
When asked about the impact ABB Robotics has had on their business, Jamie explains that ABB technology enables their customers to significantly improve production throughput, operational efficiency, and—in many cases—the quality and consistency of their end product. Ultimately, he says, the goal is always the same: to deliver automation solutions that meet each customer’s unique business objectives.
Jamie emphasises that Alnico Systems delivers true end-to-end project execution, covering project management, installation, commissioning, after-sales support, and ongoing service. This nationwide capability is strengthened by the reliability and backing they receive from ABB.
According to Jamie, ABB’s support has been “number one”—from pre-sales engineering and technical assistance to field service. He adds that the team has complete confidence in ABB robots: “We always know the robot is reliable and will deliver. That gives us certainty, and in turn helps us deliver on our promises to our customers.”
Jamie also highlights the exceptional support he receives from Peter Bradbury, ABB Robotics Channel Partner Manager for Australia and New Zealand. He credits Peter’s hands-on pre-sales support as a key factor in Alnico Systems’ success, noting that Peter is always available with the technical expertise needed to ensure “we have the right equipment for the right job.”
"Execution is quick, service and spares have fast turnaround, and the entire team responds promptly."
He adds that ABB’s fast response times—across service, spare parts, and the broader Australian sales and support team—provide a level of reliability that sets ABB apart.
“Execution is quick, service and spares have fast turnaround, and the entire team responds promptly. That means we can always deliver, and this level of support makes ABB a clear standout among robot suppliers in Australia and helps Alnico Systems’ customers minimise unplanned downtime and maintain consistent operational performance which is what we’re all about,” says Jamie.
(L-R): Peter Bradbury, Channel Manager for ABB Robotics Australia & New Zealand present the ABB Robotics Authorized Value Provider certificate and plaque to Jamie Bailey, Director at Alnico Systems Pty Ltd. 
A cutting-edge robotic fruit-tray palletising system engineered by Alnico Systems for Bendotti Avocado in Western Australia, which features ABB industrial robots. 
An integrated tray-conveying and robotic fruit-tray palletising system custom-built for Bendotti Avocado by Alnico Systems. 
A closer look at the comprehensive, intricately engineered robotic fruit-tray conveying system that Alnico Systems developed for Bendotti Avocado. 
An ABB robotic palletising system for fruit trays, created as an additional solution for Bendotti Avocado. 
A high-speed fruit-tray stacker designed and engineered by Alnico Systems.
When asked why he chose to become an ABB Robotics AVP, and what impact he believes it will have on his business, Jamie explains:
“Becoming an AVP gives Alnico Systems greater visibility by aligning with ABB’s global network and 50-year legacy in robotics. It opens the door to deeper collaboration with a broad community of industry partners and provides next-level support from the local ABB team.”
He shares that he is excited about how the partnership will also grant his team access to the latest product innovations, technical resources, and advanced training, enabling Alnico Systems’ engineers to continually upskill.
“This ensures the team is equipped with the expertise needed to meet the evolving demands and growing challenges of Australia’s industrial landscape now, and in the future. Becoming an AVP also means we can co-promote our new systems alongside ABB, leveraging their global footprint and extensive network while combining it with our own well-connected ecosystem.
I’m especially looking forward to building stronger relationships with other ABB Robotics AVPs and exploring new opportunities to collaborate and innovate together,” says Jamie.
As an ABB Robotics AVP, Alnico Systems will benefit from expert support via both local and global specialists. Additionally, they will have access to ABB’s RobotStudio®, an offline programming and simulation tool offering users advanced robot programming and optimisation for testing, validation, and visualisation.
This comprehensive support ensures AVPs are equipped with the resources to drive success in their projects and operations and deliver faster implementation of solutions for their customers.
Peter Bradbury said, “Jamie and his team of dedicated experts have been selling and installing ABB robots for many years, so it’s been incredibly rewarding to witness their recent surge in success, particularly in large fruit and vegetable packing facilities. I’m delighted to see Alnico Systems receive the recognition they truly deserve.”
When asked about some of his favourite projects featuring ABB robotic technology, Jamie highlighted a recently completed major system for Bendotti Avocado. The new installation is engineered to deliver an impressive 5,000 trays per hour of conveying and palletising capacity, supported by two ABB palletising systems at the end of the line. He says that this capability represents a substantial uplift—approximately a 320% increase in throughput compared to Bendotti Avocado’s previous setup.
Additionally, in March they will begin installation on a major new project for The Avocado Collective, which will feature a nine-robot palletising system, five fruit-tray handling lines, integrated pallet dispensing and conveying, 27 of Alnico Systems’ high-speed tray stackers, and two full pallet-scanning systems. Designed to support a new fruit-grading machine, this comprehensive automation solution will help the client significantly increase the capacity and efficiency of their upgraded grading line. Suffice to say, this will be a space to watch for robotics-automation innovation in Australia.
