What IFP Automation does

IFP Automation (formerly Indiana Fluid Power, rebranded in 2012) is a privately held, Midwest US–focused industrial automation and motion control company founded in 1976 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company operates as an authorized Parker Hannifin distributor alongside a proprietary custom systems integration business, supplying hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical motion (servo drives, linear actuators, electric cylinders, rotary motors), industrial HMI and controls, fluid connectors, mobile controls, IoT/sensors/vision, and robotics and conveyor components to industrial OEMs, mobile equipment OEMs, MRO customers, and automation systems integrators. Beyond distribution, IFP designs and manufactures custom hydraulic power units, UL 508A-certified industrial control panels, integrated electronics-and-hydraulics systems, hose and tube assemblies (Parkrimp), HyperPress machines, extrusion designs, and kitted subassemblies at facilities in Fishers (Indianapolis HQ) and Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The company's technology stack centers on fluid power and electromechanical motion control, with engineering capabilities spanning hydraulic system design, control system engineering, PLC/HMI programming for platforms from Unitronics and Parker, industrial and mobile software development, and integration of communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT via Parker PSD1 servo drives. IFP holds CSIA, UL 508A, and FPDA certifications, maintains FDA-compliant manufacturing for sub-miniature hospital bed power units, and supports operations through an e-commerce storefront at shop.ifp1.com and two Parker Hose & Fittings retail stores.

IFP's business model combines hardware distribution markup (Parker and 50+ partner brands), value-add custom engineering and manufacturing services, professional services (system design, software development, training), and recurring MRO revenue through vendor-managed inventory programs and repair services. Go-to-market is sales-led, executed through five regional offices (Indianapolis/Fishers HQ, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Chicago, Louisville), supported by inside sales, e-commerce, and Parker Store walk-in locations, serving customers primarily in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Kentucky with broader North American reach for larger relationships.

Name

IFP Automation

Legal name

IFP Automation

Website

https://ifp1.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IFP Automation is a Midwest US–based authorized Parker Hannifin distributor and custom fluid power, electromechanical motion, UL 508A control panel, and integrated automation systems manufacturer serving industrial OEMs, MRO customers, mobile equipment OEMs, and systems integrators across Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Kentucky.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation and Motion Control

NAICS

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (3332), Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing (333996), Pump and Compressor Manufacturing (33391)

SIC

Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Hydraulic, Pneumatic & Fluid Power Systems MRO (Cylinders, Pumps, Valves, Hoses) (TLAKAHAI), Warehouse & Intralogistics Automation Systems (AS/RS, Sortation, Conveyance Controls) (IMAHAHAN), Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), Sensors & Feedback Devices (Pressure, Flow, Position, Encoders, Transducers) (IMAHAGAK)

Keywords

• Fluid power distribution
• Electromechanical motion control
• Hydraulic systems integration
• Pneumatic components supply
• Industrial control panels

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Wayne

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Fluid Power Component Distribution: IFP distributes hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and motion control components from manufacturer partners including Parker Hannifin, serving as an authorized distributor generating revenue through product markups and volume-based pricing.
2. Custom Systems Design and Manufacturing: IFP designs and manufactures custom hydraulic systems, UL 508A control panels, integrated fluid power/electrical systems, hose and tube assemblies, extrusion designs, and HyperPress machines. Revenue is generated through value-add engineering and fabrication services.
3. Engineering and Technical Services: IFP provides fluid power system design, control system design, fluid power and electromechanical integration, industrial software development, mobile software development, fluid power training, and control systems and software training services.
4. Maintenance, Repair, and MRO Services: IFP offers repair services, Parker Store retail operations, vendor-managed inventory programs, and MRO support to maintain ongoing customer relationships and recurring service revenue.
5. Product and System Kitting: IFP provides custom kitting services that consolidate all components and products needed for an application into a single order, simplifying procurement and reducing sourcing complexity for customers.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

IFP Automation is an authorized Parker Hannifin distributor and custom systems integrator that distributes hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical motion, and industrial control components and designs and manufactures custom hydraulic systems, UL 508A industrial control panels, hose and tube assemblies, HyperPress machines, custom extrusions, and integrated electronics-and-hydraulics systems for industrial OEMs, MRO customers, mobile equipment builders, and automation system integrators across the Midwest US.

Product overview

IFP Automation is a technology and parts distributor specializing in automation and motion control, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and manufactured systems. Their core product categories include Hydraulics (cylinders, pumps, motors, valves, filters, coolers), Pneumatics (valves, cylinders, grippers, vacuum systems), Electrical Mechanical Motion (Parker servo drives, linear actuators, electric cylinders, rotary motors), Industrial HMI & Controls, Fluid Connectors, Mobile Controls, IoT/Sensors & Vision, and Robotics & Conveyors. IFP Manufactured Systems include Custom Hydraulic Systems, UL Panel Design & Build (UL 508A certified), Integrated Electronics & Hydraulics, Custom Assemblies, Hose & Tube Assemblies (featuring Parker Parkrimp System), HyperPress Machines & Standalone Stations, Extrusion Design & Assembly, and Product & System Kitting. Services encompass Fluid Power System Design, Control System Design, Fluid Power & Electromechanical Integration, Industrial Software Development, Mobile Software Development, Fluid Power Training, and Control Systems & Software Training. As an authorized Parker Hannifin distributor, IFP also offers Parker Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Motion Controls, Fluid Connectors, and Fluid Controls product lines through their Parker Store.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Hydraulics Comprehensive hydraulic component portfolio including cylinders and actuators, pumps, motors, valves, filters, and coolers for fluid power applications across industrial and mobile markets, supplied as an authorized Parker Hannifin distributor.
• Pneumatics Pneumatic components including filters, regulators, lubricators, valves, cylinders and actuators, and gripper and vacuum systems for industrial automation applications, distributed through Parker Hannifin and complementary partners.
• Electrical Mechanical Motion Electromechanical motion control components and systems integrating Parker drives, motors, actuators, and cylinders for precise automation applications including servo drives, linear actuators, electric cylinders, and rotary servo motors.
• Industrial HMI and Controls Human-machine interface and control system products including HMI panels, PLCs, and industrial displays from partners such as Maple Systems and Unitronics for seamless industrial operations and advanced automation control.
• Fluid Connectors Fluid connector components including fittings, couplings, and hose assemblies from Parker and partner brands that enhance assembly efficiency and reduce build time.
• Mobile Controls On-highway and off-highway vehicle control products and systems that enhance mobile equipment performance for agricultural, construction, material handling, and transportation applications.
• IoT, Sensors and Vision Industrial IoT sensors and vision products including Axis Communications cameras and measurement instruments that enable advanced connectivity and monitoring capabilities for automation projects.
• Robotics and Conveyors Robotics and conveyor components designed to relieve bottlenecks and streamline efficiency throughout manufacturing facilities for industrial automation customers.
• Custom Hydraulic Systems Custom-engineered hydraulic power units and complete hydraulic circuit systems ranging from sub-miniature hospital bed power units to large industrial hydraulic power units, integrating fluid power with electrical controls for OEMs and industrial customers.
• UL 508A Panel Design and Build UL 508A certified industrial control panel design and build services for innovative and high-performing control systems, including integration of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical technologies.
• Integrated Electronics and Hydraulics Integrated systems combining hydraulic and electrical/electronic components for optimized performance and system reliability in industrial and mobile applications.
• Custom Assemblies Value-add assembly services using products from key partner manufacturers to reduce labor impact and provide ready-to-install subassemblies for customers.
• Hose and Tube Assemblies Custom hose and tube assembly fabrication services for hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including Parker Parkrimp hydraulic hose crimping services.
• HyperPress Machines and Standalone Stations Proprietary four standard HyperPress machine designs (C-Frames, H-Frames, Equalizing Units, CGB Small-Form Frames) for precision forming, punching, and pressing operations integrating electronics and hydraulics.
• Extrusion Design and Assembly Custom aluminum extrusion framing solutions for machine base frames, linear-slide systems, safety guarding, enclosures, worktables, and material handling systems.
• Product and System Kitting Custom kitting services that consolidate all components and products needed for an application into a single ready-to-go kit, reducing production steps and delivery times for industrial customers.
• Fluid Power System Design Customized fluid power system design services from initial concept through testing and final installation for hydraulic, pneumatic, and automation-controlled systems.
• Control System Design Comprehensive control and information system design services ranging from simple on-off valve control to complex distributed intelligence systems for total machine control.
• Fluid Power and Electromechanical Integration Integration services combining fluid power systems with electromechanical components to optimize performance, reduce energy consumption, and enhance system reliability.
• Industrial Software Development Customized software solutions for HMI graphical displays, machine control systems, PLCs, communication and fieldbus systems, motion controllers, vision systems, and safety hardware.
• Mobile Software Development Vehicle control software development for mobile machinery with module-based approaches using user interfaces and related accessories.
• Fluid Power Training Comprehensive hydraulic and pneumatic technology training courses from introductory topics to advanced safety training delivered through lunch-and-learn sessions or multi-day workshops.
• Control Systems and Software Training Targeted training for controls and automation engineering professionals including in-person, on-site courses, remote seminars, and custom sessions.
• Parker Hose and Fittings Retail Store Parker hose and fittings retail store providing local customer access to genuine Parker products, maintenance support, hydraulic hose crimping services using the Parkrimp System, fittings, and accessories at walk-in locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• IoT-enabled predictive maintenance can reduce unplanned downtime by up to 25% (McKinsey data cited in IFP content on OEM challenges)
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Parker HannifinflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP Automation is an authorized Parker Hannifin distributor in the USA, providing genuine Parker hydraulic, pneumatic, fluid connector, fluid control, and motion control components. IFP holds Parker certification ensuring distributor quality standards and access to authentic parts with full Parker warranty and after-sales support. IFP operates Parker Store retail locations in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis.
• ABBcoreTechnology or IntegrationIFP distributes ABB automation and control products as part of its comprehensive portfolio of motion control and electrical automation components.
• EnerpaccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes Enerpac hydraulic tools and solutions as part of its fluid power product portfolio.
• ITT EnidinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes ITT Enidine motion control and vibration isolation products as part of its industrial automation offerings.
• Axis CommunicationscoreTechnology or IntegrationIFP offers Axis Communications industrial cameras and vision products as part of its IoT, sensors, and vision product line for industrial automation applications.
• UnitronicscoreTechnology or IntegrationIFP distributes Unitronics programmable logic controllers (PLCs) with integrated HMI for industrial automation and control system applications.
• Kobold InstrumentscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes Kobold Instruments sensors and measurement instruments as part of its industrial instrumentation offerings.
• NOSHOKcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes NOSHOK pressure and level measurement instruments and fluid handling components.
• StauffcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes Stauff fluid power components including tube fittings, clamps, and filtration products.
• AmetekcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes Ametek industrial automation and motion control products as part of its component portfolio.
• ACE ControlscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes ACE Controls industrial shock absorbers and motion control products.
• BOSTONteccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes BOSTONtec automation and motion control products as part of its industrial solutions portfolio.
• Maple SystemscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes Maple Systems HMI panels and industrial displays for human-machine interface applications.
• NanoteccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes Nanotec motors and motion control products as part of its electromechanical motion portfolio.
• Prince Manufacturing CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes Prince Manufacturing hydraulic components and fluid power products.
• MencomcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIFP distributes Mencom industrial connectors and networking components for automation applications.
• CSIA (Control Systems Integrators Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFP is a certified member of the Control Systems Integrators Association, demonstrating commitment to industry standards, best practices, and professional development in control systems integration.
• FPDA (Fluid Power Distributors Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFP is a member of the Fluid Power Distributors Association, the trade association representing fluid power distributors across North America.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Motion Industries: A subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company and one of the largest industrial distribution and MRO services companies in North America, distributing hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and motion control products. Directly comparable to IFP as a multi-line fluid power and motion control distributor serving industrial OEMs and MRO customers, but with vastly greater scale, national footprint, and broader manufacturer relationships.
• Applied Industrial Technologies: A large publicly traded industrial distributor offering fluid power, bearings, power transmission, and industrial rubber products, plus MRO services and engineered solutions. Comparable to IFP in core fluid power distribution and engineered solutions, with overlapping customer segments (industrial OEMs, MRO) but operating at significantly greater national scale.
• Air Hydro Power: A regional fluid power distributor and systems integrator based in the Midwest, offering Parker and other hydraulic/pneumatic products, custom manifold design, and engineered systems. Highly comparable to IFP in product mix (heavy Parker alignment), customer base (Midwest industrial OEMs), and value-added engineering services, making it a near-direct mid-sized competitor.
• Flodyne/Hydradyne: A Midwest- and Southeast-focused fluid power distributor and system integrator offering Parker hydraulic and pneumatic products, custom systems, and engineering services. Directly comparable to IFP in regional positioning, Parker distribution focus, and integration capabilities, with a slightly broader geographic footprint.
• Kaman Industrial Technologies: A distributor of bearings, power transmission, fluid power, and motion control products serving industrial MRO and OEM customers across the US. Comparable to IFP in fluid power and motion control distribution plus engineered solutions, though it operates at a larger national scale following consolidation.
• Cross Company: A multi-line industrial distributor and systems integrator offering fluid power, automation, sensing, and safety products across the US Southeast and Midwest. Comparable to IFP in the integration of fluid power with industrial automation, with a broader geographic reach and similar value-added engineering approach.
• Brennan Industries: A manufacturer and distributor of hydraulic fittings, adapters, and fluid connection products serving OEMs, distributors, and MRO markets. Comparable to IFP in the fluid connector and hydraulic component space, though Brennan is primarily a manufacturer/wholesaler rather than a systems integrator.
• SunSource Technology (formerly SunSource): A US distributor and integrator of fluid power, motion control, and automation products serving industrial and mobile equipment markets. Directly comparable to IFP in product mix, customer segments, and integration services, with a national footprint and a similar Parker distribution legacy.

Broad incumbents

• HydraForce: A major manufacturer of hydraulic valves, manifolds, and electronic controls for mobile and industrial equipment, headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois. While HydraForce is primarily a manufacturer rather than a distributor like IFP, it serves the same mobile and industrial OEM customer base with overlapping fluid power and electrohydraulic control technology.
• Parker Hannifin: The global manufacturer whose products IFP distributes as an authorized distributor. While Parker is a supplier-partner rather than a direct competitor, it represents the broader incumbent in the fluid power and motion control space and is the most important strategic counterparty in IFP's ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IFPAutomation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/indiana-fluid-power

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 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 IFP Automation