Eclipse Automation: Where Factory Automation is Going in Waterloo

We have engineers, automation specialists and tech innovators working hand in hand to build one of the most dynamic ecosystems in Canada. It’s the kind of place where companies don’t just take roots – they scale, innovate and create global impact.  

Eclipse Automation is one such success story.  

From a small, ambitious team in 2001, Eclipse has grown into a multinational factory automation leader serving industries. Yet its success remains deeply connected to the strengths of our ecosystem that helped shape it.

We sat down with Marc Fuentes, VP Growth at Eclipse Automation, to dive into what keeps the company growing and how being anchored in Waterloo region gives it the foundation to reach markets around the world.

Building global reach from Waterloo

Eclipse Automation started its operations in Cambridge, one of the cities in the Waterloo region, in 2001. The company designs, builds and services factory automation systems for various industries including automotive, life sciences, consumer goods, industrial manufacturing, energy and sectors such as EVs and batteries.

“For over two decades, we have been a leader in delivering advanced automation solutions and high-tech manufacturing expertise across multiple industries,” shared Fuentes.  

Today, the company has built its strength in providing full vertically integrated solutions and in-house customized tooling solutions to its customers. This helps Eclipse gain unmatched control over lead times, quality and project schedules for industries where reliability and precision are non-negotiable.

“Our expertise spans the most critical dimensions of industrial automation, ensuring your operations are not just meeting the current standards, but setting new benchmarks for the industry,” added Fuentes.  

With operations in Canada, USA and Europe, the company remains deeply rooted in Waterloo, drawn by our region’s top-tier engineering talent, collaborative ecosystem, strong manufacturing legacy and robust supply chain networks.

The Accenture chapter

As the manufacturing industry braces for the Industry 4.0 era and the new wave of digital transformation technologies, Eclipse Automation joined forces with Accenture in 2022 to elevate its capabilities to the next level.

The acquisition was driven by a shared vision: combining Eclipse’s decades of expertise in factory automation with Accenture’s global strengths in cloud, data, AI and digital transformation.

In September 2025, Eclipse Automation returned to private ownership, led by founder and CEO Steve Mai. Eclipse Automation and Accenture will continue to collaborate closely, leveraging each other’s strengths to deliver innovative, digital manufacturing solutions globally.

“We’re aligned as strategic partners with a shared commitment to delivering AI-driven digital manufacturing solutions that move the industry forward,” explained Fuentes.

How Waterloo’s ecosystem helped shape Eclipse’s rise

The Waterloo ecosystem didn’t just give Eclipse a home, but access to talent, innovative mindset, supply chain strength and partnerships that allowed it to scale internationally.

1. A powerful talent hub

Ranked among North America’s top 10 tech talent markets, our region has been a meaningful part of Eclipse’s growth. “With more than half of our workforce based in our Cambridge HQ, we benefit greatly from this region’s deep talent pool and innovation-driven environment,” said Fuentes.

The company taps heavily into the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College for engineering, robotics and computer science talent.

“Through co-op programs, we’re able to build early, lasting connections with emerging talent that often transition into full-time roles,” he adds – a steady and reliable pipeline that has fueled Eclipse’s growth for over two decades.

2. An unmatched cluster strength

But talent is only part of the story. Waterloo’s dense network of manufacturers, suppliers and automation integrators give Eclipse seamless operational agility. And for a company that builds precision equipment for a wide range of industries, a strong supply chain has enabled the company to build its competitive edge in vertically integrated solutions and digital offerings.

“As an internationally recognized tech and innovation hub, especially in AI, automation and IoT, Waterloo region adds significant value to our work in advanced robotics and digital technologies,” adds Fuentes.

3. A culture of collaboration

A big part of Eclipse’s success also comes from how deeply it benefits from our community’s collaborative ecosystem.

“This region is a highly collaborative environment where companies, suppliers and integrators often work together rather than compete,” Fuentes shared.

This allows high-tech manufacturers like Eclipse to solve complex challenges faster.

“We also benefit greatly from strong partnerships with organizations like Waterloo EDC, Communitech and other innovation partners that help accelerate innovation through funding and valuable connections,” noted Fuentes. Together these partnerships give Eclipse the momentum to compete internationally and innovate faster.

In many ways, the region’s strength is not just growing companies but also bringing them together. For instance, Westinghouse joined the Waterloo ecosystem in 2024 – and one year later, Eclipse signed an agreement with the global nuclear powerhouse to support nuclear new-build projects in Canada and globally. This partnership shows how companies in our region can benefit from not just geographic proximity but also shared objectives and expertise.

Why international business should take note

Eclipse is celebrating its 25^th anniversary in our community in 2026, demonstrating that technical expertise, skilled talent and a responsive support network helps you to innovate faster and eliminate barriers to growth. Their journey over the last two decades sends a clear message to international businesses: being rooted in a strong ecosystem offers the pieces needed for long-term success.

As Fuentes stressed, “Expanding into Waterloo region means more than accessing top-tier talent – it’s about joining a highly collaborative ecosystem where partnerships and innovation come together to accelerate growth and create momentum for bold ideas of tomorrow.”