WSA USA Named a 2026 Family and Private Business Award Honoree
Recognized by the Goering Center at the University of Cincinnati
WSA USA was named one of ten honorees (opens in a new tab) of the 2026 Family and Private Business Awards, presented by the Goering Center for Family & Private Business at the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business. The awards were presented on September 15, 2026, at Hard Rock Casino, with Baseball Hall of Famer Marty Brennaman as emcee.
The annual awards recognize family-owned and privately held businesses in Greater Cincinnati for strategic planning, sustained growth, innovation, leadership and community impact.
“Every year, the Family and Private Business Awards recognize organizations and leaders who embody the resilience, innovation and values that define our region’s business community,” said Carol Butler, President & CEO of the Goering Center.
Watch the Honoree Video
What the Award Recognizes
WSA USA was founded in Cincinnati in 2011 to bring WSA material handling solutions to the United States and Canada. The privately held company entered the market with three employees and a $5,000 initial investment, and set out to design customized automation systems that improve productivity, enhance workplace safety and create long-term value for customers.
It has since designed and installed more than 200 automation systems across the United States and Canada, and has grown into a $30 million business. Its expertise spans complete plant automation, including conveyor systems, robotics, intelligent factory controls and advanced warehouse solutions.
Two of the company’s earliest relationships show what that approach has produced over time. The first customer came to WSA USA after another supplier declined what seemed to be a simple design modification. WSA USA found a solution without charging design change fees, and the relationship has since generated more than $30 million in projects. A second early customer, a century-old family-owned corrugated manufacturer, wanted to improve efficiency through automation; the system WSA USA designed increased production speeds while reducing labor requirements and product waste, and more than a decade later the partnership continues across automation projects totaling more than $25 million.
Engineers, project managers, software developers, field technicians and industry veterans work together on every project, and the company invests in developing future talent through ongoing education and technical training.
WSA USA on the Evening
WSA USA said of the award and the evening:
“We are truly honored to have been recognized as one of this year’s honorees. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many organizations that are driven by strong values, dedicated employees, and a vision for long-term success.”
“A huge congratulations to Carol Butler and the entire Goering Center team for another outstanding event. Bringing together so many accomplished business leaders and companies is no small task, and the evening was a tremendous success.”
“We are grateful for the recognition, proud of our team, and excited for what lies ahead.”
What Comes Next
WSA USA is focused on investing in Industry 4.0 technologies, intelligent factory systems and new opportunities within the folding carton market.
Learn more about WSA USA, or contact the team to talk about automation in your plant.
