Automation
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersMinneapolis, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Automation does
Automation, Inc. is a Minneapolis-based value-added stocking distributor of industrial automation components, founded in 1981 and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. The company distributes a multi-vendor product line spanning robotics (collaborative robots from Universal Robots, SCARA and 6-axis robots from Epson and Nachi, autonomous mobile robots from MiR), motion control (actuators, motors, VFDs, PLCs/PACs from Mitsubishi, Parker, NSK, Schneider Electric, Advantech), pneumatics and vacuum (Parker, Piab, Destaco), machine vision (Zebra, Apera AI, Datalogic, Sensopart, Basler), industrial controls and safety (Advantech, Schmersal, Weidmuller), material handling, and T-slot aluminum extrusion framing (Parker IPS). It holds certified IPS Design Center status with 10,000 sq ft of in-house framing manufacturing capacity and operates a Value Added Department for custom electrical panels, enclosures, sub-assemblies, and kitting.
The company's revenue model is a hybrid of hardware distribution (the largest stream, with product pricing available on quote), value-added services (IPS Design Center, custom assembly, kitting, application evaluations with proof-of-concept testing), and paid technical training (Mitsubishi PLC training at $499/person, Universal Robots certified core training at $1,200/seat). Go-to-market is a direct enterprise field sales motion with product specialists and application engineers covering six Midwest states (MN, ND, SD, western WI, IA, NE), supported by an inside sales function for quotes and bills of materials. Customer segments are organized horizontally across manufacturing end users, OEMs, and industrial partners/resellers, with applications spanning palletizing, machine tending, assembly, material handling, transportation, finishing, welding, and bin picking. Marketing and demand generation run through the company website, monthly email newsletter, social channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X), and recurring in-person events including the annual Tech Fair and manufacturer-specific training seminars.
Automation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Automation
- Legal name
- Automation, Inc.
- Website
- https://automationinc.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Automation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Automation Distribution
- NAICS
- Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders) (IMAHAHAG), Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), Factory Automation Cells & Integrated Systems (Assembly, Welding, Painting Lines) (IMAHAHAL)
Keywords
Where Automation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Minneapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Automation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Industrial Automation Products Distribution: Automation, Inc. operates as a value-added stocking distributor of industrial automation components. They distribute products from multiple manufacturers including robotics, motion control, machine vision, pneumatics, electrical controls, and process control components. Revenue is generated through product sales, with services including application evaluations, engineering support, and value-added assembly.
- Technical Services and Support: Application engineering services, product training, seminars, and local technical support. Includes IPS Design Center services for aluminum framing projects.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Mitsubishi PLC Training - One-day intensive course |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Universal Robots Certified Core Training - 2-day course |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Automation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Automation, Inc. is a value-added stocking distributor of industrial automation components — robotics, motion control, machine vision, pneumatics, electrical controls, process control, and T-slot aluminum extrusion framing — sourced from manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Electric, Parker, Universal Robots, Epson, and Piab. The company supplements distribution with in-house services including a 10,000 sq ft IPS Design Center for custom aluminum framing, a Value Added Department for custom assembly, application evaluation and proof-of-concept testing, and paid technical training programs on partner platforms.
Product overview
Automation, Inc. is a Minneapolis-based value-added stocking distributor established in 1981, serving the Midwest (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska) with industrial automation products and services. The company's offering centers on the IPS Design Center for extruded aluminum framing systems, complemented by eight core product categories: Robotics (cobots, AMRs, 6-axis, SCARA, Cartesian, gantry robots), Motion (actuators, motors, VFDs, PLCs, PACs), Pneumatics (air logic, cylinders, valves, vacuum equipment), Industrial Controls & Safety (HMI, industrial computers, SCADA, IoT), Vision (machine vision, cameras, lighting, lensing), Material Handling (conveyors, ergonomic handling, sensors), and Fencing (perimeter guarding). Services include the Value Added Department for custom assembly and manufacturing, Application Evaluations for proof-of-concept testing, and Training & Events programs. The company operates as a distributor of third-party manufacturers' products including Mitsubishi Electric, Parker, Universal Robots, Epson, Piab, Destaco, Zebra, and others, while providing in-house design, assembly, and technical support services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- IPS Design Center Value-added design and manufacturing service using Parker IPS T-slot aluminum framing systems for customized workstations, robot bases, pedestals, and modular frames, targeted at manufacturers and OEMs in the Midwest region.
- Value Added Department Custom in-house manufacturing and assembly service building electrical panels, control enclosures, camera mounts, modified components, sub-assemblies, kitted parts, and quality-tested assemblies for non-standard automation applications.
- Application Evaluations Engineering evaluation and proof-of-concept testing service covering vision evaluations, robotics evaluations, robotic time studies, control platform support, vacuum testing, and pneumatic testing to validate automation solutions before deployment.
- Training & Events Paid technical training programs and certification courses on partner automation platforms, including Mitsubishi PLC training, Universal Robots certified core training, and manufacturer-specific courses for Advantech, Epson, MiR, Parker, Schmersal, SensoPart, and Zebra.
- Robotics Distribution Distribution of collaborative robots (cobots), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), 6-axis articulated robots, SCARA robots, Cartesian robots, gantry robots, end-of-arm tooling, vision systems, sensors, and palletizers from manufacturers including Universal Robots, Epson, MiR, Destaco, RobotiQ, OnRobot, Nachi, and Apera AI.
- Motion Control Distribution Distribution of motion control components including actuators, motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), programmable automation controllers (PACs), and PC-based motion control products from Mitsubishi Electric, Parker, NSK, Schneider Electric, Advantech, Dart Controls, Leeson, and Nidec.
- Pneumatics Distribution Distribution of pneumatic components including air logic, air motors, air preparation, ball valves, cylinders, fittings, flow controls, grippers, mufflers, pressure and temperature switches, proportional regulators, slides, thrusters, tubing, vacuum equipment, and valves from Parker, Piab, Destaco, and other manufacturers.
- Industrial Controls & Safety Distribution Distribution of industrial control systems including HMI, industrial computers, network components, remote I/O, SCADA software, IoT solutions from Advantech, safety switching products from Schmersal, and connection technology from Weidmuller.
- Machine Vision Distribution Distribution of machine vision products including heads-up displays, marking and identification systems, lensing, lighting, filters, industrial cameras, and mounting solutions from Zebra, Apera AI, Datalogic, Sensopart, CCS, Moritex, Advanced Illumination, Basler, and The Imaging Source.
- Material Handling Distribution Distribution of material handling solutions including conveyors, flexible feeding systems, ergonomic handling equipment, gear motors, linear bearings, robotic end-of-arm components, sensor cables and connectors, shock absorbers, and vibration isolation products.
- Fencing Distribution Distribution of perimeter guarding solutions for robotic work cells and machinery, supplied through partnership with WireCrafters.
- T-Slot Aluminum Extrusion Distribution Distribution of high-strength T-slot aluminum framing, systems, and components from Parker Industrial Profile Systems (IPS) for industrial applications including workstations, robot bases, and modular frames.
Quantifiable outcome
- Improved productivity through consistent automation performance for extended periods
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Automation
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Automation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Automation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Parker (IPS, Pneumatics, Compumotor, Daedal, Gearheads, Legris, Watts Fluid Air, Paraflex)coreAutomation, Inc. is a certified IPS Design Center and authorized distributor of Parker products including pneumatics, motion controllers, linear positioners, gearheads, and tubing solutions. Parker is a key strategic manufacturer partner providing the IPS extruded aluminum framing systems.
- Mitsubishi ElectriccoreAuthorized distributor providing programmable controllers, motion controllers, inverters (VFDs), AC servos, HMI, SCADA and robots from Mitsubishi Electric across the Midwest territory.
- Universal RobotscoreAuthorized distributor of Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots) including UR3e, UR7e, UR12e, UR16e, UR20, UR30 models. Provides certified training for Universal Robots platforms.
- Epson RobotscoreAuthorized distributor of Epson SCARA and 6-axis robots including GX Series, LS Series, T Series, RS Series, C Series, VT Series, and N Series robots across the Midwest region.
- MiR (Mobile Industrial Robots)coreAuthorized distributor of MiR autonomous mobile robots including MiR250, MiR600, MiR1350, and associated top modules, pallet jacks, and software solutions.
- PiabcoreProvides Piab vacuum solutions including suction cups, vacuum pumps, soft grippers, and end-of-arm tooling components for robotic automation.
- DestacocoreAuthorized distributor of Destaco Robohand grippers including electric and pneumatic actuation grippers, angular grippers, and parallel grippers for industrial automation applications.
- OnRobotminorProvides tools and software for collaborative robots including grippers, force/torque sensors, and accessories.
- RobotiQcoreEnd-of-arm grippers, components, and kits provider for cobot solutions including palletizing, machine tending and welding applications.
- Nachi Robotic SystemsminorProvides 6-axis industrial robots and SCARA robots from Nachi for various automation applications.
- Kane RoboticsminorIntegration partner for finishing applications, providing preconfigured collaborative robot systems with customized programming.
- Melton Machine & Control CompanyminorIntegration partner for welding solutions, developing precise and efficient robotic welding systems using cobots.
- ZebraminorProvides industrial machine vision, fixed scanners, and barcode readers for quality inspection and track-and-trace applications.
- SensopartminorPhotoelectric sensors, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and image processing solutions for factory automation.
- SchmersalminorSafety switching products and systems provider for protecting human life and machines in industrial applications.
- AdvantechcoreProvides HMIs, industrial computers, industrial network components, edge computing, remote I/O, SCADA software, and IoT solutions.
- WeidmullerminorAuthorized distributor of Weidmuller SNAP IN connection technology and industrial network components for control cabinet applications.
- Industrial Profile Systems (IPS)coreLeading manufacturer of high-strength T-slot aluminum framing systems. Automation, Inc. is one of the select certified IPS Design Centers in the country with 10,000 sq ft manufacturing capability.
- CaptronminorCapacitive and optical sensors provider with TCP (tool center point) measurement technology for robotic automation calibration.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Automation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- RS Group (RS Components / RS Online): Global broad-line industrial automation and electronics distributor carrying PLCs, motion control, pneumatics, robotics, and sensors from hundreds of manufacturers. Directly comparable distribution-plus-technical-support model to Automation, Inc., though at significantly larger scale and with global reach.
- Allied Electronics & Automation: North American industrial automation distributor (now part of RS Group) offering controls, motors, sensors, and pneumatics with technical support and engineering services. Closely mirrors Automation, Inc.'s value-added distribution model across a similar product breadth.
- AutomationDirect: Direct-to-customer industrial automation distributor selling PLCs, HMI, motion, pneumatics, and sensors at low margins. Same product categories as Automation, Inc., with a contrasting digital-direct go-to-market versus Automation, Inc.'s field-sales model.
- Kaman Industrial Technologies: Value-added industrial distributor of bearings, power transmission, automation, and fluid power products with engineering services and field sales across multiple US regions. Comparable distributor-plus-engineering profile and co-member of the AHTD community.
- Heilind Electronics: Distributor of electronic components and industrial interconnect, automation, and sensor products with field engineering support. Same broad industrial distribution profile with similar value-added services and AHTD membership.
Broad incumbents
- Motion Industries: Large-scale industrial distributor of bearings, power transmission, fluid power, and automation products across North America. Overlaps with Automation, Inc. in motion control, pneumatics, and industrial supplies, but at vastly larger scale and broader portfolio.
- Grainger: Major US industrial MRO distributor with a growing automation and controls offering alongside its core maintenance and facilities products. Competes for the same industrial buyer wallet but with much broader non-automation catalog and national scale.
- Fastenal: US-headquartered industrial supply distributor with strong Midwest presence, increasingly expanding into automation, fasteners, and MRO services. Geographic overlap and shared Midwest manufacturing customer base make it a comparable, if much broader, incumbent.
- Applied Industrial Technologies: Public parent company of Automation, Inc. and itself a broad-line industrial distributor across bearings, fluid power, motion control, and automation. Parent operates the same distributor-plus-engineering model at national scale, making it the closest larger-context benchmark.
- McMaster-Carr: National industrial supply distributor with a deep mechanical, electrical, and automation catalog. Overlaps with Automation, Inc. on components sales to industrial buyers, but competes primarily on catalog breadth and speed rather than application engineering.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Automation social profiles
Digital presenceAutomation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Automation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Automation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Automation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Automation
What does Automation do?
Automation, Inc. is a value-added stocking distributor of industrial automation components — robotics, motion control, machine vision, pneumatics, electrical controls, process control, and T-slot aluminum extrusion framing — sourced from manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Electric, Parker, Universal Robots, Epson, and Piab. The company supplements distribution with in-house services including a 10,000 sq ft IPS Design Center for custom aluminum framing, a Value Added Department for custom assembly, application evaluation and proof-of-concept testing, and paid technical training programs on partner platforms.
Is Automation a public or private company?
Automation is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Automation founded?
Automation was founded in 1981. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Automation based?
Automation is headquartered in Minneapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does Automation make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Industrial Automation Products Distribution is the primary driver. The others are technical Services and Support.
Who are Automation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are RS Group (RS Components / RS Online), Allied Electronics & Automation, AutomationDirect, Kaman Industrial Technologies and Heilind Electronics. Broad incumbents are Motion Industries, Grainger, Fastenal, Applied Industrial Technologies and McMaster-Carr.
Does Automation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Automation.
What industry is Automation in?
Automation's product category is Industrial Automation Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGABAK, Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits), with a secondary code of IMAHAHAG, Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders). Its NAICS code is 334513 and its SIC code is 5084.