What AMS Controls does

AMS Controls, founded in 1977 and headquartered in Maryland Heights, Missouri, is a privately held industrial automation company that designs and manufactures machine control systems and production management software for the global metal forming industry. Its hardware portfolio centers on three controller lines — the XL200 Series for roll forming, the XL220 for HVAC ductwork, and the Pathfinder controller for folding machines — each pre-loaded with proprietary control logic for servo-positioned tooling, punch progression, length correction, and coil-to-order validation. The company sells directly through field sales offices in Maryland Heights, Graz (Austria), and Bogotá (Colombia), and indirectly through a global network of OEM equipment partners, third-party system integrators, ERP integrators, and design software partners.

On the software side, AMS Controls offers the Eclipse and Eclipse Pro production management platforms (the latter as a web-based subscription at $150-$350 per machine per month) and the cloud-based Pathfinder Edge profile design tool, all designed to connect shop-floor machine data with customers' ERP and MRP systems via SQL/ODBC, XML, or ASCII integrations. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales of controllers and accessories (encoders, fiber-optic switches, solenoid drivers, printers, safety systems), recurring software subscriptions, paid training programs, and repair/SWAP services, with the Eclipse annual maintenance agreement as the primary recurring-revenue vehicle. The company reports thousands of installations across more than 70 countries and serves a customer base that includes large metal building and roll forming manufacturers such as Nucor Building Systems, ClarkDietrich, Mueller Inc., CEMCO, Metal Sales, and VicWest.

Name

AMS Controls

Legal name

AMS Controls, Inc.

Website

https://amscontrols.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AMS Controls, founded in 1977 and headquartered in Maryland Heights, Missouri, manufactures machine controllers and production management software for the global metal forming industry, serving roll forming, folding, and HVAC equipment manufacturers across 70+ countries via direct sales and an OEM partner network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Machine Controls for Metal Forming

NAICS

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513)

SIC

Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industry

Safety Instrumented Systems & Machine Safety Control (SIS, Safety PLCs, Relays) (IMAGABAF)

Keywords

• Roll forming controls
• Metal forming software
• Folding machine controls
• Production management software
• Industrial machine controllers

Headquarters

HQ city

Maryland Heights

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Machine Controls Hardware (XL200, Pathfinder, XL220 Series): AMS Controls sells industrial machine controllers (XL200 Roll Forming Controls, Pathfinder Folding Machine Controls, XL220 HVAC Controls) and associated console systems. These are one-time hardware purchases combined with ongoing software maintenance. Repair and SWAP programs provide additional hardware revenue. Hardware products range from controllers to accessories including encoders, switches, printers, remote displays, and safety systems.
2. Production Management Software Subscriptions (Eclipse, Eclipse Pro, Pathfinder Edge): Eclipse Pro is offered as a subscription at $150/month per machine (Core) or $350/month per machine (with Premium Support). Eclipse Pro Core includes dashboards, orders, inventory, reports, scheduling, wallboard, and warehouse apps. Premium Support adds extended technical support hours, extended controller warranty, remote troubleshooting, and discounts on AMS manufactured products and labor.
3. Software Maintenance and Support Agreements: Eclipse annual maintenance agreements provide access to software updates, technical support, and free training classes. Customers with current Eclipse annual maintenance agreements receive free training and software updates. Premium Support ($350/month/machine tier) provides extended support hours, discounted field service, and remote troubleshooting.
4. Training Services: AMS Controls offers paid training sessions for Machine Controls ($800 per session without maintenance agreement, free with active agreement), Eclipse Classic & Eclipse Pro ($800 per session without maintenance agreement), and Pathfinder Folding Machine Controls. Webinars for Eclipse/Machine Controls are available at $250 per hour.
5. Repair, SWAP, and Refurbished Unit Services: The company offers repair services at standard ($125/hour labor) and priority ($175/hour labor) levels, encoder rebuilds at fixed rates ($456-$636 depending on model), and a SWAP program for expedited replacement with refurbished controllers at discounted rates. These services provide recurring revenue from the existing installed base.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

AMS Controls designs, manufactures, and sells industrial machine controllers and production management software for the metal forming industry. Its core offerings include the XL200 roll forming controller, Pathfinder folding machine controller, XL220 HVAC controller, Standard Console Systems, and Eclipse/Eclipse Pro production management software, plus a full accessory ecosystem of encoders, fiber-optic switches, solenoid drivers, printers, scanners, and safety systems. These integrated hardware-plus-software solutions enable manufacturers to automate coil-to-order validation, reduce scrap, and connect shop floor operations to enterprise ERP systems.

Product overview

AMS Controls offers a comprehensive portfolio of machine control systems and production management software for the metal forming industry. The product family centers on three hardware controller lines: the XL200 Series for roll forming applications, Pathfinder for folding machine controls, and XL220 for HVAC/ductwork machines, all paired with Standard Console Systems for integrated hardware-software solutions. On the software side, Eclipse (available in Classic and Pro tiers) provides production management capabilities including order scheduling, real-time monitoring, OEE tracking, and ERP integration via SQL/ODBC, while Pathfinder Edge offers cloud-based profile design for trim shops. The accessory ecosystem includes precision incremental optical encoders (N256 through N2000), encoder wheels, signal splitters, fiber-optic switches, safety systems (FoldGuard by Lazer Safe), printer interfaces, remote displays, solenoid drivers, bar code scanners, and label/printer solutions. The company also provides AMSConnect for remote support and offers machine upgrades including the HyperDrive upgrade for up to 105% production increase. This integrated approach connects shop floor operations with sales office workflows, eliminating manual data entry and enabling real-time production visibility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Eclipse: Production management software for roll forming and metal folding operations with data gathering, order scheduling, and ERP integration capabilities
• Eclipse Pro
• Pathfinder
• Pathfinder Edge
• XL200
• XL220
• FoldGuard
• AMSConnect
• HyperDrive

Products and services

• XL200 Roll Forming Controls Industrial controller designed for roll forming machine operations, with pre-programmed control logic for servo-positioned tooling, complex punch progressions, length/press timing corrections, and 600+ m/min capability. Integrates with Eclipse production management software for shop floor to office connectivity. For roll forming manufacturers running custom or high-volume lines.
• Pathfinder Folding Machine Controls Graphic controller for folding machines featuring automatic bend sequencing, profile sketching, one-step production mode, automatic springback compensation, and multi-language support. Compatible with FoldGuard laser safety system. For metal fabricators and trim shops.
• XL220 HVAC Controls Controller for rectangular ductwork machines that improves accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. Supports SMACNA-specified stiffened rod punching (1, 2, or 3 holes in up to 3 locations) and offers optional CAD system import. For HVAC duct fabrication manufacturers.
• Standard Console Systems Standardized console packages for XL2 Series controllers including XL2-DC (DC Consolette replacement), XL2-AC, XL2-OL (Stud and Track), and four levels (1-4) supporting open-loop and closed-loop applications with varying cabinet sizes and capabilities up to multi-axis servo system support. For manufacturers standardizing on AMS Controls hardware.
• XL200-SPD Spiral Duct Machine Controls Spiral duct machine control system that adds new functions, improves performance, and increases machine accuracy. Automatically programs finished part lengths and calculates material required. For spiral duct manufacturers.
• Eclipse Classic Production Management Software Production management software for roll forming and metal folding operations that integrates roll forming machinery with manufacturers' MRP/ERP systems. Eliminates manual data entry mistakes, enables order downloading to machines, provides OEE monitoring, coil inventory tracking, and integrates with ERP systems via SQL/ODBC, XML, or ASCII files. For metal forming manufacturers.
• Eclipse Pro Modern web-based production management software building on Eclipse Legacy. Features at-a-glance dashboards, drag-and-drop scheduling, real-time data monitoring, configurable proactive alerts, and drill-down analytics. Web-based and mobile-capable. Available in three tiers: Dashboard (free to Eclipse license holders), Core ($150/month/machine), and Premium Support ($350/month/machine).
• Pathfinder Edge Cloud-based online profile design and management tool for trim shops. Accessed via personalized web address, profiles drawn in the platform appear directly at Pathfinder-controlled folding machines. Eliminates manual data entry at machine, reduces errors, and enables CSRs or sales reps to handle profile creation. Includes an algorithm that warns when a part cannot be made on the specific folding machine. Has a published API for external integration.
• HyperDrive Upgrade Machine upgrade for roll forming lines designed to increase production by up to 105%.
• FoldGuard Safety System Folding machine safety and guarding system developed by Lazer Safe (AMS Controls exclusive provider). Provides optical guarding of clamping operation, clamp speed monitoring, and overrun management with automatic emergency stops. Enables faster machine operation without per-cycle safety stops. Compatible with C-frame folding machines, available as part of Pathfinder controls or standalone.
• Incremental Optical Encoders (N256-N2000, S1000-S2000) Specially designed encoders for precision material tracking in roll forming applications. Available in N256 ($760), N500 ($860), N1000 ($960), N2000 ($1,060), and sealed bearing units S1000 ($1,010) and S2000 ($1,110) for applications with excessive lubrication.
• High-Speed Fiber-Optic Switch (SW-FOP-L) Advanced dual sensor for edge and hole-detect pick-ups with 5 microsecond repeatability. Uses a line of light rather than single point for wider detection range to avoid length errors from angled or shifted holes. Stainless steel jacketed fiber optic cables for industrial environments. Priced at $2,360.
• Printer Interface (6370) Communications gateway allowing XL200 Series controllers to communicate with printers via RS232, RS485, or current loop networking. Available in Print on Part ($1,045) and Bundle Tag ($1,045) variants.
• Solenoid Driver Module / Slammer (5840) Enhances consistency and speed of activating valves and solenoids by firing with a short high-voltage pulse (45/60/75/90 VDC selectable) that drops to 24VDC. Especially useful in open loop flying die applications. Priced at $1,245.
• Bar Code Scanners Industrial bar code scanner system for coil inventory management, employee data entry, and delay reason codes with XL200 Series Controllers. RF wireless models available, rated for dusty factory environments.
• Remote Display 12.1 inch display for remote operation of XL200 controller at shear, press, or end of line locations. Supports unlimited displays on one machine with combined splitters reaching distances over 100 yards. Priced at $2,440.
• Bundle Ticket Printers Self-adhesive tag printer for XL200 Series Controllers. Prints bundle identification labels including order number, bundle number, material, inventory coil, and cut list. Supports local printer integration kits and network printer configurations across multiple industrial printer brands.
• Ink Jet Printers Ink jet printers for printing part numbers, material gauge, job information, and customer names directly on parts. Integrates with XL200 Series Controllers for automatic part marking. Supports CIJ and DOD printers from multiple manufacturers.
• Label Applicators Label printer-applicator for XL200 Series Controller systems. Prints complex labels or high-quality bar coding at up to 60 eight-inch labels per minute supporting line speeds up to 480 feet per minute. Universal mounting allows label application at any angle.
• AMSConnect Remote Support Service Remote connectivity service for XL200 Series Controllers enabling AMS Controls technicians to remotely troubleshoot, diagnose, and program PLC/HMI systems via Web Port Router and secure VPN. First year included with purchase; annual maintenance fee required thereafter.
• Training Services Paid training sessions for Machine Controls, Eclipse Classic & Eclipse Pro, and Pathfinder Folding Machine Controls at $800 per session (free with active Eclipse maintenance agreement). Webinars available at $250 per hour. Bi-annual in-person sessions hosted near St. Louis.
• Repair, SWAP, and Encoder Rebuild Services Repair services at Standard ($125/hour labor, 3-6 week turnaround) and Priority ($175/hour labor, 1-week turnaround) levels, encoder rebuilds at fixed rates ($456-$636 depending on model), and a SWAP program for expedited replacement with refurbished controllers at discounted rates.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 50% scrap reduction in roll forming operations
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration23 records

Feature18 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ASC Machine Tools, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorASC Machine Tools is an equipment provider partner that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products with its roll forming and metal forming machines. Located in Spokane Valley, WA, USA.
• Dallan RollformerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDallan Rollformers is an international equipment provider partner headquartered in Castelfranco Veneto, Italy, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products with its roll forming equipment.
• FormtekcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFormtek is an equipment provider partner based in Cleveland, OH, USA, that bundles AMS Controls products with its metal forming machinery.
• Jouanel IndustriecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJouanel Industrie is a French equipment provider partner (based in Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, France) that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products with its machinery.
• Knudson ManufacturingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKnudson Manufacturing is an equipment provider partner based in Broomfield, CO, USA, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products with its metal forming equipment.
• SAMCO MachinerycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSAMCO Machinery is a Canadian equipment provider partner based in Toronto, ON, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products with its machinery.
• Cidan Machinery Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCidan Machinery Inc. is a US equipment provider partner based in Peach Tree City, GA, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products with its machines.
• Hill EngineeringcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHill Engineering is an equipment provider partner based in Carol Stream, IL, USA, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products.
• HydromekcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHydromek is an equipment provider partner based in Los Angeles, CA, USA, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products with its machinery.
• Custom Roll Form ProductscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCustom Roll Form Products is an equipment provider partner based in St. Louis, MO, USA, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products.
• Form Process EngineeringcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorForm Process Engineering is an equipment provider partner based in Birmingham, AL, USA, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products.
• Formia Smart FlowcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFormia Smart Flow is a Finnish equipment provider partner based in Säynätsalo, Finland, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products.
• Marion ManufacturingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarion Manufacturing is an equipment provider partner based in Marion, KS, USA, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products.
• Sen FungcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSen Fung is a Taiwanese equipment provider partner based in Danshui Town, Taipei County, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products.
• TEKFABcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTEKFAB is an equipment provider partner based in Albany, OR, USA, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products.
• Thalmann Maschinenbau AGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThalmann Maschinenbau AG is a Swiss equipment provider partner based in Frauenfeld, Switzerland, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products with its folding machines.
• Allmac Industries Co.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAllmac Industries Co. is a Chinese equipment provider partner based in Nanjing, China, that recommends or bundles AMS Controls products.
• Waddington Electronics Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWaddington Electronics Inc. is an equipment provider partner based in Cranston, RI, USA, that works with AMS Controls products.
• Lazer SafecoreTechnology or IntegrationAMS Controls is the exclusive provider of the FoldGuard safety system developed by Lazer Safe. FoldGuard provides optical guarding of the clamping operation, automatic monitoring of clamp speed and overrun for folding machines. AMS Controls integrates this third-party safety system with its Pathfinder folding machine controls.
• Bachelor ControlscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBachelor Controls is a third-party integrator partner based in Sabetha, KS, USA, that installs and configures AMS Controls systems for end customers. They function as a value-added integrator.
• C-T-L Control Systems, Inc.coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerC-T-L Control Systems, Inc. is a third-party integrator partner based in Houston, TX, USA, that installs and configures AMS Controls systems for end customers.
• Southern Technical ServicescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSouthern Technical Services is a third-party integrator partner based in Sparks, GA, USA, that installs and configures AMS Controls systems for end customers.
• MR6 Tech Services Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMR6 Tech Services Inc. is a third-party integrator partner based in Gay, GA, USA, that provides integration services for AMS Controls systems.
• ABIS, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationABIS, Inc. is an ERP/business systems integration partner based in Houston, TX, USA. They provide integration between AMS Controls systems and customers' ERP systems for seamless data exchange.
• Wolcott GroupcoreTechnology or IntegrationWolcott Group is an ERP/business systems integration partner based in Medina, OH, USA. They specialize in integrating AMS Controls systems with customers' business systems for data synchronization.
• ApplicadcoreTechnology or IntegrationApplicad is a design software partner based in Jupiter, FL, USA. Their metal roofing estimating software integrates with AMS Controls systems to streamline metal roofing estimating and production workflows.
• MWF by StructSoft SolutionscoreTechnology or IntegrationMWF by StructSoft Solutions is a design software partner based in Dorval, QC, Canada. Their structural software integrates with AMS Controls systems for metal forming design and production workflows.
• Vertex Systems OycoreTechnology or IntegrationVertex Systems Oy is a design software partner based in Tampere, Finland. Their CAD/CAE software integrates with AMS Controls systems for design and manufacturing workflows.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• B&R Industrial Automation (ABB): B&R delivers integrated PLCs, motion controllers, and HMI for machine builders in metals, packaging, and converting. B&R's ACOPOS drive + Automation PC + mapp software stack overlaps directly with AMS Controls' combined controller-and-software offering for OEM metal forming machines.
• Omron Industrial Automation: Omron offers NJ/NX machine controllers, servo systems, and HMI widely used by OEMs in bending, forming, and material handling. Its scalable motion + safety + vision packages compete with AMS Controls' Pathfinder, XL200, and FoldGuard-enabled solutions for folding and roll forming OEMs.
• Pilz: Pilz is a leading safety automation specialist whose safety controllers and guarding systems compete with the FoldGuard offering that AMS Controls bundles exclusively from Lazer Safe. Pilz targets the same press brake and folding machine retrofits that drive Pathfinder sales.
• Beckhoff Automation: Beckhoff supplies PC-based controllers, PLCs, and motion control (EtherCAT, TwinCAT) for machine builders across forming, bending, and packaging applications. Its IPC + servo + I/O platform competes head-to-head with AMS Controls' XL200 controller for integration into roll forming and folding equipment.

Broad incumbents

• Rockwell Automation: Rockwell's Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and FactoryTalk suite are widely used by industrial OEMs and offer an alternative to AMS Controls' integrated machine + production management stack for higher-volume metal forming machinery manufacturers.
• Bosch Rexroth: Bosch Rexroth delivers IndraDrive servo/control platforms and ctrlX automation core for machine builders, including forming and bending applications. Its drives + controls + IoT combination overlaps with AMS Controls' XL200 and Eclipse production management integration proposition.
• Siemens Industrial Automation: Siemens' SIMATIC PLCs, SINAMICS drives, and TIA Portal serve a broad set of machine builders, including those in metals forming. As an established generalist with global support, Siemens competes indirectly with AMS Controls for OEM controller sockets on roll forming and folding lines.
• Mitsubishi Electric Automation: Mitsubishi's MELSEC PLCs, MELSERVO drives, and GOT HMIs are commonly embedded in metalworking and material handling machines. Mitsubishi is an alternative controller vendor offering much of the same functionality AMS Controls provides in its XL controllers.

Emerging players

• Lenze: Lenze focuses on motion control, drives, and controller-based automation for machine builders in forming, conveying, and packaging. Its i500/i700 inverters and PLC-based controller portfolios overlap with AMS Controls' roll forming servo-positioning and length correction capabilities.
• MachineMetrics: MachineMetrics provides a cloud-based production analytics and machine monitoring platform that competes with AMS Controls' Eclipse/Eclipse Pro OEE and downtime tracking. While broader across discrete manufacturing, it is increasingly pitched to metal forming shops seeking analytics without bespoke controllers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AMSControls
• Facebookfacebook.com/AMSControls
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ams-controls

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

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 AMS Controls