What’s the Difference Between a Conveyor Manufacturer and an Integrator?
In short:
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An integrator sources products (like conveyors) from third-party manufacturers and combines them into a system.
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A manufacturer designs and builds the entire equipment themselves — often with in-house engineers, fabricators, and installers.
What is a Conveyor Manufacturer ?
A manufacturer designs, engineers, and builds conveyor systems and automation equipment in-house. This means they have full control over design, quality, materials, and performance.
When you work directly with a manufacturer like us, you're speaking to the people who design and build the product — not someone reselling it.
Benefits of Working Directly with a Manufacturer?
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Custom-built solutions tailored to your business needs
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Full quality control from concept to installation
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Direct communication with engineers and technical experts
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Faster lead times and fewer delays
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No third-party markup — better value for your investment
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Ongoing support from the same team that built your system
More Choice and Better Access
Contrary to popular belief, manufacturers often offer more choices, not fewer. Because systems are designed from the ground up, you get a solution built for your workflow, not a one-size-fits-all package.
What Is an Integrator?
An integrator designs and assembles complete automation systems by sourcing individual components — such as conveyors, control panels, robotics, and software — often from multiple third-party manufacturers.
They act as the “middleman,” combining various technologies to create a tailored solution. This can be useful for large, complex systems that require a wide range of expertise or off-the-shelf components from many different suppliers.
Advantages of Integrators:
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Access to multiple product lines
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Potential for quick assembly using pre-made systems
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Can handle entire automation projects, not just conveyors
Limitations:
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Limited control over product design or customization
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Rely on third-party manufacturers for components and quality
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Additional markup and slower communication between parties
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Often lack deep, hands-on knowledge of the products they install
5 Reasons to Work Directly With a Conveyor Manufacturer
1. Full Customisation to Fit Your Workflow
Manufacturers build systems from scratch to fit your space, product, and processes — instead of assembling prefabricated parts. Whether you need a bespoke packing bench or a complex conveyor layout, you’ll get a truly tailored system.
2. Direct Access to Product Experts
No middlemen. You’ll work with the actual designers and engineers who build the equipment, not a third-party consultant.
That means faster communication, smarter problem-solving, and real accountability.
3. Better Build Quality & Materials
When you buy directly, you know exactly what's going into your system. A trusted UK manufacturer uses:
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High-grade steel
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Industry-compliant motors
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Precision welding
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Long-lasting powder coating
You get durable, industrial-grade equipment, not a mix of unknown parts.
4. No Hidden Markups
Integrators often add costs to third-party parts or subcontracted work. Working directly with a manufacturer eliminates that markup — saving you money without compromising quality.
5. Ongoing Support and Spare Parts
Need help years later? A manufacturer knows your system inside-out. They can supply exact spare parts, provide technical support, or even upgrade your system — something an integrator may not be able to do if parts are outsourced or discontinued.
Which Should You Choose?
If your automation project involves custom requirements, tight tolerances, or long-term reliability, a conveyor manufacturer is your best bet.
You’ll benefit from:
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More tailored design
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Better quality
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Direct support
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Faster turnaround
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Transparent pricing