Industrial Control

What Industrial Control does

Industrial Control is a privately held factory automation distributor and engineering solutions provider headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan. Founded in 1974 and serving the Michigan market for 50 years, the company focuses on a regionally concentrated, consultative distribution model rather than national expansion. Its customer base is primarily Michigan-based manufacturers and machine builders - with over 60% of customers being machine builders - supplemented by case-study exposure in automotive, medical device, healthcare, and precision metal manufacturing verticals via its Datalogic traceability offerings.

The company's product portfolio is broad but composed almost entirely of distributed (rather than proprietary) brands. Coverage spans robotics (Epson SCARA and 6-axis robots, MiR autonomous mobile robots, Kassow 7-axis cobots, Nachi industrial robots, IAI electric actuators and ROBO Cylinders, Asyril flexible feeders, SCHUNK grippers), machine vision (Datalogic smart cameras and IMPACT software, LMI Gocator 3D sensors, DeepView X400 AI camera, Solomon AccuPick 3D vision, Smart Vision Lights, Advanced Illumination, Opto Engineering optics), barcode reading and traceability (Datalogic handheld scanners, Magellan POS scanners, Jade X7 portal scanner, LaneHawk loss prevention), laser marking (Datalogic AREX, UNIQ, EOX, VLASE systems with MARVIS software), safety (Datalogic light curtains, Laser Sentinel scanners, Velox machine guarding, Bircher safety mats), sensors (Datalogic, Turck, Prime Controls), HMI/PLC (WAGO, Unitronics), and conveyance (QC Industries low-profile and sanitary conveyors, Quickdraw open-center conveyors). The model is differentiated less by any single product than by engineering-led specification: degreed engineers (rather than sales staff) perform application analysis, system design, integration, and commissioning support, with a lab facility available for customer testing.

Industrial Control makes money through two streams: hardware distribution margins on third-party automation products and professional services revenue from system consulting, engineered solutions, and in-house training/startup assistance. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with billing typically structured as multi-year contracts. Go-to-market combines direct field sales with engineer-led application consulting, a regional rep network, and vendor co-marketing. Strategic differentiators include exclusive or limited Michigan distribution rights for major brands (notably one of only two Epson Robots distributors in the state and the largest IAI pre-engineered robotics supplier in Michigan), 1,200+ machine vision installations, and the proprietary Advanced Manufacturing Expo (AME) created in 2014 to anchor the company's regional brand.

Name

Industrial Control

Legal name

Industrial Control

Website

https://industrialcontrol.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Industrial Control is a Zeeland, Michigan-based factory automation distributor serving manufacturers and machine builders for 50 years. It distributes robotics, machine vision, laser marking, safety, sensor, and conveyance brands with a consultative, engineer-led model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Distribution

NAICS

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (3332), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339)

SIC

Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYIMAGABAK

Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Electrical Equipment & Industrial Electronics/Industrial Automation & Control Systems (PLCs, SCADA, DCS)

SECONDARYIMAHAHAL

Factory Automation Cells & Integrated Systems (Assembly, Welding, Painting Lines)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Industrial Machinery & Heavy Equipment/Industrial Automation & Robotics Equipment

SECONDARYIMAHAHAH

Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Industrial Machinery & Heavy Equipment/Industrial Automation & Robotics Equipment

SECONDARYIMAHAHAG

Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Industrial Machinery & Heavy Equipment/Industrial Automation & Robotics Equipment

SECONDARYIMAHAOAK

Conveying, Feeding & Accumulation Systems (Packaging Lines)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Industrial Machinery & Heavy Equipment/Packaging Machinery (Automated & Semi-automated)

SECONDARYIMAGABAG

Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Electrical Equipment & Industrial Electronics/Industrial Automation & Control Systems (PLCs, SCADA, DCS)

Keywords

• Factory automation distribution
• Machine vision systems
• Industrial robotics solutions
• Laser marking systems
• Conveyor automation systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Zeeland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Distribution: Distribution of factory automation products including robots, sensors, conveyors, vision systems, safety equipment, and related automation components from multiple manufacturer partners
2. Solutions and Consulting: Consultative solutions including system consulting, application analysis, and engineered solutions for manufacturing automation

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Industrial Control distributes and integrates factory automation products for Michigan manufacturers and machine builders, offering robotics, machine vision, barcode/DPM readers, laser markers, motion control, networking/PLC, sensors, safety equipment, lighting, HMI systems, and conveyors from multiple manufacturer partners. The company layers consultative engineering, system design, and integration support on top of these distributed product lines, serving the manufacturing sector for 50 years.

Product overview

Industrial Control is a distributor and solutions provider of factory automation products serving Michigan manufacturers and machine builders for 50 years. Their product portfolio centers on robotics (Epson Robots, MiR AMRs, Kassow Robots, Nachi Robotic Systems, IAI America actuators, Asyril feeding systems, SCHUNK grippers), machine vision (Datalogic smart cameras, vision processors, IMPACT software, LMI 3D sensors, DeepView AI cameras), barcode/traceability (Datalogic handheld scanners, Magellan POS scanners, Jade X7 portal scanners, LaneHawk loss prevention), laser marking (Datalogic AREX, UNIQ, EOX, VLASE fiber and CO2 markers with Lighter MARVIS software), safety (Datalogic light curtains, Laser Sentinel scanners, Velox guarding, Bircher safety mats), sensors (Datalogic, Turck, Prime Controls metal sensors), and conveyance (QC Industries low-profile and sanitary conveyors, Quickdraw open-center conveyors). They provide consultative solutions combining their distributed products with engineering expertise for smart factory implementations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Epson Robots SCARA and 6-axis articulated robots for small parts assembly applications, including the T3 SCARA with integrated vision and the compact Synthis T3 robot, priced at $32,000 for a pre-engineered Vision Pick & Place System.
• MiR Autonomous Mobile Robots Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for internal transport automation in industry, manufacturing, and hospital environments, designed to operate safely around people.
• Kassow Robots 7-axis collaborative robots for industrial automation emphasizing flexibility and reach.
• Nachi Robotic Systems Industrial robotics including collaborative, spot welding, arc welding, sealant dispensing, material handling, machine tending, and palletizing robots with load capacities from 3kg to 1700kg.
• IAI America Motion Control Systems Electric actuators, ROBO Cylinders, and motion control systems enabling transition from pneumatics to programmable electric cylinders.
• Asyril Flexible Feeding Systems High-performance flexible feeding systems with 3-axis vibration technology and intelligent vision for parts from 0.1 to 150mm.
• SCHUNK Gripping Systems Gripping systems and clamping technology with over 4,000 standard components including the largest product range of standard grippers.
• Datalogic Barcode Readers and Handheld Scanners Comprehensive portfolio of barcode readers, Gryphon and PowerScan industrial scanners, and RIDA cordless imagers for 1D/2D barcode reading in retail, healthcare, and industrial applications.
• Datalogic Machine Vision Systems Smart cameras (P1x, A-Series, T-Series), vision processors (MX-E Series), cameras (E100, M-Series), and vision sensors (DataVS2, Smart-VS) for industrial inspection.
• Datalogic AREX400 Laser Marker Top performance fiber laser marker for industrial Direct Part Marking (DPM) with IP64 environmental resistance, native protocols, and embedded Safe Laser Off.
• Datalogic UNIQ Laser Marker Ultra compact all-in-one fiber laser marker for industrial marking applications.
• Datalogic EOX CO2 Laser Marker General purpose CO2 laser marker for marking on paper, cartons and organic materials, available in 10W and 30W configurations.
• LMI Technologies Gocator 3D Sensors Gocator 3D laser, snapshot, and line confocal sensors for factory quality inspection and measurement.
• DeepView X400 AI Vision Camera Onboard AI training and image processing camera with browser-accessible UI for visual inspection without programming.
• QC Industries Conveyors Low-profile belt conveyors including Automation Series (aluminum frame), Industrial Series (steel frame), Flextrac plastic chain, and HydroClean washdown conveyors.
• Quickdraw Conveyor Systems Patented low-profile open-center slip-roller conveyors for automation, cleanroom, automotive assembly, medical device, microelectronics, and semiconductor applications.
• Datalogic Safety Products Type 2 and Type 4 safety light curtains (SG2, SG4 series), Laser Sentinel safety laser scanner for AGVs, and integrated safety controllers.
• Velox Machine Guarding Systems Machine guarding systems with four times faster installation than alternatives for worker and equipment protection.
• Datalogic Industrial Sensors S5N M18 sensors with IO-Link, S85 TOF long-range sensors up to 20m, S100 miniature sensors, and S65-M long-range background suppressor.
• WAGO Touch Panels and PLC/Networking High-performance touch panels with Cortex A9 Multicore processor, bus stations, I/O modules, and automation products with spring pressure connection technology for decentralized automation.
• Turck Networking and Connectivity Intelligent bus stations supporting PROFIBUS-DP, DeviceNet, Modbus-TCP, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, plus sensors, HMIs, and RFID systems for factory automation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successfully evaluated and helped implement over 1200 machine vision applications
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Motion & Control Enterprises (MCE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2023MCE completed acquisition of Industrial Control Service, Inc. MCE is a supplier of technical fluid power, automation, flow control, compressed air and lubrication products, serving more than 23,000 MRO and OEM customers from 39 facilities in 13 states. Founded in 1951.
• Epson RobotscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 January 2021Industrial Control is one of only two distributors of Epson Robots for the state of Michigan. Partnership delivers innovative, easy-to-use robot solutions for pre-engineered, turn-key factory automation solutions.
• Kassow RobotsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 December 2020Industrial Control from Michigan is a new partner of Kassow Robots in the US. Zeeland based company is a minority owned provider of factory automation solutions and a perfect fit for intelligent robotic solutions.
• AHTD (Association for High Technology Distribution)minorOthersIndustrial Control has been members of AHTD almost since its inception 40 years ago. CEO Mark Ermatinger sits on the AHTD board of directors.
• MiR (Mobile Industrial Robots)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMiR produces and develops mobile robots for professional use in industry, manufacturing and hospitals. Industrial Control offers MiR robots for internal transport automation.
• IAI AmericacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIAI designs, manufactures, and markets complete line of motion control systems including ROBO Cylinders. Industrial Control is the largest supplier of IAI pre-engineered robotics in Michigan.
• Nachi Robotic SystemsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNachi Robotic Systems (NRS) headquartered in Novi, Michigan is a leader in industrial robotics with more than 25,000 robots delivered in North America. NRS supplies collaborative robots, spot welding, arc welding, sealant dispensing, material handling, and palletizing solutions.
• DatalogiccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDatalogic is a global technology leader in automatic data capture and process automation, specializing in bar code readers, mobile computers, sensors, safety, machine vision, and laser marking systems. Industrial Control distributes the full Datalogic product line.
• Bircher ReglomatminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBircher Reglomat produces pressure sensitive safety mats for detecting people or objects in defined areas, safeguarding danger zones and protecting people.
• Husky Rack & Wire (Velox)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVelox machine guarding systems create safe work environments protecting workers and equipment. Industrial Control distributes Velox guarding which installs four times faster than other guarding systems.
• QC IndustriescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQC Industries is the leader in low profile conveyors with Flextrac Series modular plastic chain conveyors, Automation Series, and Industrial Series conveyors. Industrial Control is a proud distributor.
• Quickdraw Conveyor SystemscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQuickdraw Conveyor Systems are specially designed for automation processes with patented low profile, open center, slip roller design. Ideal for clean-room, automotive assembly, medical device, microelectronics, and semiconductor applications.
• WAGOcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWAGO specializes in electrical interconnection, industrial interface modules and automation products with spring pressure connection technology. Products include Ethernet-based controllers, wiring systems using PLC, and I/O modules.
• Turck USAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTurck is a specialist in sensor, connectivity, and fieldbus products with interface technology, HMIs, and RFID systems. Offers efficient solutions for factory and process automation with experts in 30 countries.
• AsyrilminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAsyril develops high performance flexible feeding systems for parts from <0.1 to 150mm with 3-axis vibration technology and intelligent vision for optimized speed, accuracy and flexibility.
• Applied Motion ProductsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApplied Motion Products specializes in high-precision, cost-effective motion control products including stepper and servo drives, motors, controllers, gearheads, and power supplies.
• SCHUNKminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSCHUNK offers the world's largest assortment of gripping systems and clamping technology with 11,000 standard components and 2,550 grippers in their product range.
• SolomonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSolomon specializes in bin picking and 3D vision with AccuPick 3D technology that blends 3D machine vision and deep learning for intelligent robot eye capabilities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Acieta: Robotics integrator and automation solutions provider serving manufacturers in the U.S. Midwest. Competes with Industrial Control in robotics-focused system integration for machine builders and end users.
• AutomationDirect: Online-first industrial automation distributor offering PLCs, sensors, motion control, and related components. Competes with Industrial Control in the same factory automation product categories but reaches a national audience with a low-touch, price-competitive model.
• Radwell International: Distributor of industrial automation, controls, and MRO parts including PLCs, drives, motors, sensors, and machine vision. Similar value-added distributor model with engineering support serving manufacturing customers.

Others

• Datalogic: Global manufacturer of barcode readers, machine vision, sensors, safety, and laser marking systems — a core brand distributed by Industrial Control. Relevant as a principal supplier shaping Industrial Control's product mix.
• WAGO Corporation: Industrial interconnection and automation products manufacturer that Industrial Control distributes. Listed here as an ecosystem partner / principal brand, illustrating the supplier side of the distribution model.

Regional players

• Motion & Control Enterprises (MCE): Supplier of fluid power, automation, flow control, compressed air and lubrication products across 13 states. Acquired a separately-named Industrial Control Services entity in 2023 and is a closely related Midwestern automation distributor.
• Axis New England: Northeast U.S. automation distributor and motion control specialist. Mirrors Industrial Control's regional, engineering-led distributor model with a different geographic focus and similar product categories.

Broad incumbents

• Kaman Industrial Technologies: Large industrial distributor of automation, motion control, and fluid power products across North America. Overlaps with Industrial Control's product portfolio at much greater scale and broader geographic reach.
• Gray Solutions (Gray): Large system integrator offering automation, controls, and manufacturing IT services for industrial customers. Overlaps with Industrial Control on consultative automation solutions but at enterprise scale and scope.
• Allied Electronics & Automation (Newark / element14): Global broadline distributor of industrial automation and electronic components. Competes with Industrial Control in PLCs, sensors, motion control, and machine vision, but with a much larger catalog and global logistics footprint.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Industrial Control