Flotronics Automation

What Flotronics Automation does

Flotronics Automation is a privately held industrial automation distributor headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with additional offices in East and West Michigan. Founded around 1985, the company has operated for over 40 years in fluid power and automation component distribution, consolidated in 2023 under a unified brand serving as the sales and marketing arm for all Flotronics divisions, including the Flo-Flex Systems custom pneumatic build unit. Its core technology is not proprietary — it is a multi-vendor authorized distributor for more than 40 manufacturers including ASCO Numatics/Aventics, Schmalz, Tolomatic, Thomson Linear, IAI, ReeR, Modular Solutions, Dorner, Oriental Motor, and Panasonic, spanning pneumatic valves and Fieldbus, electric and pneumatic actuators, FRLs, fittings, vacuum end-of-arm tooling, motors/drives/gearboxes, linear systems, connectivity, sensors, safety components, power supplies, structural aluminum extrusion, guarding, conveyors, enclosures, and application assemblies.

The company generates revenue through four streams: hardware component distribution (hardware sales), custom pneumatic system design and build via Flo-Flex (professional services), mechanical design and integration services combining pneumatics with structural aluminum (professional services), and self-serve e-commerce sales through thepneumaticstore.com with account-based discounted pricing. Go-to-market is hybrid: direct field sales with technical engineering staff targeting enterprise industrial manufacturers, inside sales via phone and quote-request forms serving mid-market buyers, and e-commerce capturing SMB and individual component purchases. Pricing is predominantly quote-based for custom systems and large orders, with catalog pricing surfaced only to registered accounts on the e-commerce platform.

Flotronics serves industrial manufacturers, MRO managers, automation engineers, and automotive and food & beverage processors primarily across Michigan and the broader Midwest region. Its value proposition rests on single-source access to a broad component portfolio, complimentary system sizing and engineering consultation, and integration capability that allows customers to procure custom pneumatic, structural aluminum, and guarding assemblies from a single vendor rather than coordinating multiple suppliers.

Name

Flotronics Automation

Legal name

Flotronics Automation

Website

https://www.flotronicsautomation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Flotronics Automation is a privately held Michigan-based industrial automation distributor that supplies pneumatic, motion control, and structural aluminum components from 40+ manufacturers to industrial manufacturers, MRO managers, and engineers, complemented by custom system design and engineering services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Distribution

NAICS

Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339), Fluid Power Cylinder and Actuator Manufacturing (333995), Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (333613), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Speed Changer, Industrial High-Speed Drive, and Gear Manufacturing (333612)

SIC

Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Wholesale-Machinery, Equipment & Supplies (5080), Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Pneumatic Components (FRLs, Cylinders, Valves) (IMAHAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pneumatic Air Preparation & Distribution (FRL assemblies, manifolds, air headers) (IMAHAGAD), Hoses, Tubing & Fittings (Hydraulic/Pneumatic Lines & Connectors) (IMAHAGAH), Linear Motion & Mechanical Power Transmission (Ball/roller screws, linear guides, bearings, couplings) (IMAHAGAM), Conveying, Feeding & Accumulation Systems (Packaging Lines) (IMAHAOAK), Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG)

Keywords

• Industrial automation distribution
• Pneumatic component supply
• Motion control products
• Fluid power systems
• Custom automation integration

Headquarters

HQ city

Clarkston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Component Distribution: Distribution of industrial automation components including pneumatic valves, actuators, sensors, motors, structural aluminum, and related accessories from multiple manufacturer partners. Revenue generated through product sales at quoted or catalog pricing.
2. Custom Pneumatic Systems: Design and build services for custom pneumatic control systems, FRL panels, valve boards, air logic circuits, and pneumatic enclosures. Includes complimentary system sizing services.
3. Mechanical Design Integration: Mechanical design and integration services combining pneumatic systems with structural aluminum solutions from Modular Solutions, including design, build, and installation services.
4. E-commerce Sales: Online component sales through thepneumaticstore.com with account-based discounted pricing for logged-in customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Flotronics Automation distributes industrial automation components including pneumatic valves, actuators, FRL air preparation, fittings, tubing, vacuum and end-of-arm tooling, motors and drives, linear systems, sensors, safety components, structural aluminum, conveyors, guarding, enclosures, and workstations sourced from 40+ manufacturer partners. The company also designs, builds, and integrates custom pneumatic systems and structural aluminum assemblies through its Flo-Flex Systems division, complemented by an e-commerce storefront (thepneumaticstore.com) for direct parts purchase.

Product overview

Flotronics Automation is an industrial automation component distributor serving Michigan with over 40 years of expertise in pneumatics, motion control, and automation solutions. The company operates as the unified sales and marketing arm for all Flotronics divisions, specializing in control systems and component distribution. The product portfolio consists of a comprehensive range of industrial automation components organized into 17 core product categories (Pneumatic Valves & Fieldbus, Pneumatic & Electric Actuators, Pneumatic FRL & Accessories, Fittings & Tubing, Vacuum & End of Arm Tooling, Motors Drives & Gearboxes, Linear Systems, Connectivity, Sensors, Safety Components, Power Supplies, Structural Aluminum, Guarding, Conveyors, Enclosures, Tables & Workbenches, and Application Assemblies) supplemented by 4 engineering services (Pneumatic Systems, Mechanical Design & Pneumatic Integration, Safety Product Services, and Electric Actuator Services). The company also operates The Pneumatic Store as its e-commerce platform for online parts search and ordering. Products are sourced from 40+ manufacturer partners including Aventics, ASCO Numatics, Schmalz, Tolomatic, Thomson Linear, IAI, ReeR, Modular Solutions, Dorner, Oriental Motor, and many others.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pneumatic Valves & Fieldbus Directional control pneumatic valves and Fieldbus communication components supporting protocols including Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, CANopen, DeviceNet, IO-Link, Profinet, and Profibus, plus programmable electronic proportional valves for closed-loop pneumatic control. Distributed for engineers and manufacturers specifying pneumatic controls.
• Pneumatic & Electric Actuators Electric actuators with control over position, speed, acceleration, deceleration, and torque, plus rodded, rodless, rotary, lift tables, stainless steel body air cylinders, 2/3/6 finger grippers, and NFPA/ISO interchangeable pneumatic cylinders. Sold to engineers and OEMs specifying motion control.
• Pneumatic FRL & Accessories Filter-regulator-lubricator (FRL) units for pneumatic air preparation including filters, regulators, lubricators, lockout valves, reclassifiers, and pressure regulators to improve application efficiency. Sold to maintenance teams and manufacturers.
• Fittings & Tubing Pneumatic fittings and tubing in various materials with different flow rates, noise reduction, and maximum working pressure ratings, including push-in fittings, adjustable flow control valves, pneumatic mufflers, and silencers.
• Vacuum & End of Arm Tooling Vacuum cups, pumps, ejectors, and end-of-arm tooling for pick and place, robotic end effectors, packaging/palletizing, and assembly applications, including magnetic grippers and level compensators.
• Motors, Drives & Gearboxes Servo and stepper controllers, drives, motors, integrated servo motor/drive/controller packages, gear reducers, and precision linear and rotary motion technology for power transmission and tension control systems.
• Linear Systems Linear systems ranging from low-cost slide bearings to full conveyor and controls packages, including ball screws, rail guides, shafting, linear bearing slides, cable carriers, and vertical lifts.
• Connectivity Industrial connectivity products including circular connectors, cables, molded cord sets, solenoid valve connectors, field wire-able connectors, receptacles, distribution boxes, and junction blocks.
• Sensors Pressure and flow sensors, factory automation sensors including fiber, area, laser, and photoelectric sensors, limit switches, presence sensing switches, encoders, and RFID sensors.
• Safety Components Safety light curtains, safety mats, machine guarding, safety door switches and interlocks, safety controllers, and safety sensors including RFID-based safety devices for industrial safety applications.
• Power Supplies SolaHD power supplies, power quality solutions, and backup power systems that convert and protect industrial equipment from power disruptions.
• Structural Aluminum T-Slot aluminum extrusion systems from Modular Solutions with thousands of components including profiles, hardware, connectors, and accessories for machine frames, safety guards, workstations, conveyors, and custom assemblies.
• Guarding Modular aluminum machine guarding with predesigned sections and CAD downloads, plus custom guarding per print, including safety fencing, parameter solutions, and configurable guard wall sections.
• Conveyors Customizable conveyor solutions including flexible chain, live roller, recirculating pallet, flat belt, timing belt, and vacuum top conveyors offered through partnership with Modular Solutions and Dorner.
• Enclosures Custom modular aluminum enclosures for employee safety, machinery protection, light-tight, sound attenuating, particle control, temperature control, and controlled environment applications.
• Tables & Workbenches Ergonomic modular aluminum workstations, height-adjustable and tilting table top workstations, ESD workstations, and benches for optimizing employee productivity.
• Application Assemblies Custom structural assemblies and automated systems including crossover stairs, mezzanines, flow carts, FRL panels, pipe covers, display cases, specialty cabinets, fume hoods, and linear designs.
• Pneumatic Systems Design & Build Service Custom pneumatic system design, build, sizing, and integration services including air logic circuits, valve boards, FRL panels, and pneumatic control enclosures delivered through the Flo-Flex Systems division.
• Mechanical Design & Pneumatic Integration Service Design and build services integrating pneumatic and automation systems with structural aluminum solutions, including solid modeling and complete bills of materials.
• Safety Product Services Safety sensor product selection consultation and parameter fencing design and build services for industrial safety applications.
• Electric Actuator Services Product sizing and programming assistance, plus pneumatic to electric actuator conversion consultation services.
• The Pneumatic Store Online shopping platform for parts search, account-based discounted pricing, CAD downloads, and ordering of industrial automation components distributed by Flotronics Automation.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

42 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• ASCO NumaticscoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for ASCO Numatics pneumatic valves, actuators, rodless cylinders, vacuum products, proportional technology, fittings, tubing, FRLs, flow controls and accessories. ASCO Numatics is a leading manufacturer in the fluid power industry.
• ReeRcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for ReeR safety products including light curtains, safety controllers, safety switches, and safety sensors. Flotronics is an authorized ReeR safety distributor offering numerous light curtains, safety controllers, safety switches and more for small to large-scale applications.
• Modular SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner for structural aluminum T-Slot extrusion systems, machine guarding, conveyors, workbenches, enclosures, and custom assembly solutions. Flotronics offers standard and custom assemblies from Modular Solutions. Partnership includes CAD configurators and free solid model downloads.
• SchmalzcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Schmalz vacuum cups, pumps, grippers, lifters, and clamps used in robotic end effectors and material handling applications.
• AventicscoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Aventics pneumatic valves, actuators, rodless cylinders, vacuum products, proportional technology, fittings, tubing, FRLs, flow controls and accessories.
• TolomaticcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Tolomatic electric and pneumatic actuators, electric motors and drives, power transmission products, and linear motion solutions including gearboxes and ball screw/lead screw assemblies.
• Thomson LinearcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Thomson Linear products including shafting, profile bearings/guides, ball bushing bearings, electric actuators, lead and ball screws.
• IAI - Intelligent ActuatorcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for IAI electric actuators, Cartesian gantries, drives, and motors for precision motion control applications.
• DornercoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Dorner conveyors serving automation, packaging, food processing, and assembly applications.
• Oriental MotorcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Oriental Motor electric motors and drives, electric actuators, and cooling fans.
• Cone DrivecoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Cone Drive gear boxes, gear drives, clutches, harmonic gears, and slewing solutions.
• NexencoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Nexen rod locks, brakes, clutches, and ring drives for power transmission and motion control.
• SolaHDcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for SolaHD power supplies and PLCs providing total power quality solutions for industrial automation.
• Mencom CorporationcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Mencom industrial cables, connectors, junction blocks, and industrial networking products.
• AutonicscoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Autonics sensors, light curtains, and factory automation products.
• PanasoniccoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Panasonic sensors, light curtains, electric motors, laser markers, PLCs and HMIs.
• Freelin-WadecoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Freelin-Wade tubing, coiled tubing, fittings, and tube accessories.
• Coilhose PneumaticscoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Coilhose Pneumatics quick connect couplers, blow guns, coiled hose, and air preparation products.
• PiscocoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Pisco push-in fittings, flow controls, valves, accessories, and vacuum products.
• VMECAcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for VMECA vacuum cups, pumps, grippers, lifters, and level compensators.
• Flo-Flex SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlotronics Automation division providing custom pneumatic control and FRL assemblies, air logic circuits, valve boards, pneumatic control enclosures, and fitting/robotic dressing kits. Flo-Flex has been creating custom pneumatic builds for over 35 years.
• Modular Guarding SolutionscoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Modular Guarding Solutions easy-to-configure guarding sections with free solid models and easy-to-use order guides for machine safety applications.
• ILMEcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for ILME multipole industrial connectors, plugs, and sockets.
• Canfield ConnectorcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Canfield Connector products including connectors, cylinder switches, sensors, timers, drain valves, and custom products.
• HTMcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for HTM sensors, cables/connectors, and light curtains.
• BTMcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for BTM power clamps and grippers, air/oil cylinders, clinching components, presses, and tools.
• Fargo Controls Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Fargo Controls proximity sensors, counters, rate meters, timers, and power supplies.
• RecoracoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Recora safety and presence detection mats, bed and chair sensors, car wash treadles and sensors.
• Enfield TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Enfield proportional pneumatic servo valves and positioning systems.
• WoodwardcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Woodward high precision servo valves.
• DomincoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Domin high precision servo valves.
• AignepcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Aignep universal thread push-in fittings, fittings, flow controls, and pneumatic accessories.
• Anderson FittingscoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Anderson brass pipe, adapter, and compression fittings.
• AirTACcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for AirTAC linear bearing and rail systems, pneumatic actuators, air preparation, and pneumatic accessories.
• AirtrolcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Airtrol miniature air and vacuum switches, regulators, and precision orifices.
• AladcocoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Aladco pneumatic pilot operated check valves, grip clamps, and roller-cam clamps.
• Assured AutomationcoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Assured Automation automated and manual ball valves, process valves, and flow meters.
• Rexroth PneumaticscoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Rexroth Pneumatics products.
• TwinteccoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Twintec quick connect multi-tube connectors.
• Mem-CocoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Mem-Co miniature metal barb and custom fittings.
• RemkecoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Remke cord grips, cables/connectors, and specialty cables.
• Floflex Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized distributor for Floflex Inc. fittings and tubing products.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Festo: Festo is a leading global pneumatics and automation manufacturer and distributor. While larger, it operates a parallel direct-sales channel competing with Flotronics on pneumatic valves, actuators, and Fieldbus components — the exact categories at the core of Flotronics' portfolio.
• AutomationDirect: AutomationDirect is a direct e-commerce distributor of PLCs, pneumatics, sensors, and motion control with an account-based pricing model nearly identical to thepneumaticstore.com. It is the closest pure-play digital competitor to Flotronics' transactional channel.

Emerging players

• Tameson: Tameson is a European online pneumatic components specialist expanding into North America. It competes directly with thepneumaticstore.com on catalog breadth, online pricing transparency, and quick-ship fulfillment of pneumatic fittings, valves, and FRL components.

Broad incumbents

• Parker Hannifin: Parker Hannifin is a global motion and control technologies manufacturer that sells direct and through distribution. Its pneumatic, filtration, and fluid power lines directly overlap with Flotronics' core product categories and represents the upstream principal of many items Flotronics resells.
• McMaster-Carr: McMaster-Carr is the dominant U.S. industrial MRO catalog distributor with an unmatched online assortment of pneumatic, fittings, motion, and structural components. It competes with Flotronics for the same MRO and engineer buyer across overlapping SKU categories.
• Grainger: Grainger is the largest U.S. industrial distribution company, serving MRO and OEM customers with a broad pneumatic and motion control catalog plus national logistics — competing with Flotronics on convenience, scale, and procurement-automation integrations.
• RS Components (RS Americas): RS Components is a global industrial electronics and automation distributor with a strong pneumatic and motion control catalog in North America. It competes with Flotronics on component breadth, technical content, and online configurator tools.
• Applied Industrial Technologies: Applied Industrial Technologies is a major U.S. industrial and fluid power distributor with deep pneumatic, hose, and motion control expertise. It competes head-to-head with Flotronics in fluid power distribution across the Midwest industrial corridor.
• Motion Industries: Motion Industries is a leading U.S. industrial parts distributor (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company) with strong fluid power and automation lines. It competes with Flotronics on pneumatic, bearings, and motion control product distribution to Michigan manufacturers.
• Bosch Rexroth (Pneumatics): Bosch Rexroth is a global pneumatics and factory automation manufacturer with both direct and authorized-distributor channels. Flotronics is an authorized Rexroth Pneumatics distributor, making Rexroth both a key supplier and a competitor when selling direct.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/flotronics-automation-2b87aa122

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 Flotronics Automation