For Ahmed Tawfik, owner and CEO of EZ Automation System, innovation has always been at the heart of the business. As a leading provider of automation solutions for manufacturers, EZ Automation System helps companies improve quality, efficiency, and precision through advanced machine vision and robotics technologies.
Based in Jacksonville, the company specializes in automated inspection and quality assurance systems for highly regulated industries such as medical devices, aerospace, semiconductors, electronics, and precision manufacturing. By integrating cameras, sensors, robotics, and artificial intelligence into customized turnkey solutions, EZ Automation System enables manufacturers to meet stringent quality standards while improving production processes.
The company has evolved significantly over the years. What began as a business focused on traditional machine vision has expanded to include deep learning, AI-powered inspection systems, and robotics integration. Ahmed, who joined the company as an engineer more than a decade ago, worked his way through multiple leadership positions before acquiring the business four years ago.
While Ahmed enjoys leading the company, what motivates him most is solving complex challenges for customers.
"What gives me joy is when we actually solve problems," he said. "We bring all the pieces together into a complete system that serves a purpose and helps our customers succeed."
As EZ Automation System grew, the company began receiving increasing opportunities to serve international markets. Recognizing the potential for expansion, Ahmed sought guidance on how to strategically grow the company's export efforts. That's when he connected with the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of North Florida and International Trade Consultant Mike Chung.
Ahmed was immediately impressed by the SBDC's approach.
"The fact that everything is confidential helps you feel comfortable sharing your challenges," he said. "Mike took the time to understand our business, our vision, our goals, and what we were trying to accomplish. That gave us confidence in the guidance he was providing."
With Mike's assistance, Ahmed explored resources available through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant, which helps small businesses pursue international growth opportunities. Through the program, EZ Automation System received funding support and access to valuable market research, export resources, and industry connections.
"It wasn't just about the grant," Ahmed explained. "It was about the entire ecosystem that comes with it. The market research helped us identify opportunities outside the United States, and we were introduced to stakeholders and key contacts who could help us navigate the exporting process."
Using STEP Grant funding, Ahmed traveled twice to the Middle East, a region identified as a promising target market for the company's solutions. Those efforts opened doors to new opportunities that the company had not previously considered.
"We discovered untapped markets that we weren't exploring before because we simply didn't know they existed," he said. "The guidance, networking, and partnerships we gained through the SBDC gave us more visibility and insight into opportunities that helped us grow."
Today, EZ Automation System continues to expand its global footprint while helping manufacturers around the world improve quality and operational efficiency through innovative automation technologies.
Reflecting on his experience, Ahmed credits the Florida SBDC at UNF as an important partner in the company's growth journey.
"Building a business is a tough journey, and you need every support system you can get," he said. "The SBDC has been one of the greatest sources of support we've had. If you're not working with the SBDC yet, schedule a meeting with an advisor. You'll find there are many advantages that can help your business grow."
Through strategic guidance, export assistance, and access to critical resources, the Florida SBDC at UNF has helped EZ Automation System transform international expansion from an idea into a growing reality.
