Cimtec Automation
Cimtec Automation is a value-added distributor and systems integrator of industrial automation products, serving Southeastern US manufacturers through authorized distribution of tier-1 brands including ABB, Emerson, Universal Robots, SICK, and Epson, complemented by engineered solutions, training, and legacy PLC migration services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersCharlotte, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Cimtec Automation does
Cimtec Automation is a value-added distributor (VAR) and systems integrator of industrial automation products, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company distributes and integrates automation hardware from tier-1 manufacturers including ABB, Emerson, SICK, Universal Robots, Epson, Kawasaki, Cognex, FESTO, LMI Technologies, Teledyne DALSA, Nidec Control Techniques, and Pro-Face. Its portfolio spans programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial sensors, safety systems, motion controllers, machine vision systems, 3D inspection, collaborative and industrial robots, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). Cimtec holds the unique designation as the only GE-Emerson Authorized Support Center globally, providing exclusive migration and support services for legacy Rx3i, Series 90-30, and VersaMax PLC systems. The company operates as part of Flow Control Group, a North American conglomerate with 1,200+ employees spanning automation and flow control.
Beyond product distribution, Cimtec delivers engineered solutions including machine vision implementation, robotic machine tending and palletizing, remote monitoring systems, and legacy PLC migration services. Complementary service offerings include electronic repair and remanufacturing (via partner Qualitrol International), automation risk assessments, process analysis and review (PAR), and certified training workshops covering PLC programming, robot operation, vision systems, and SCADA software. The company has developed at least one proprietary product, the STACK-O non-contact laser triangulation measurement device for food industry stack height inspection. Cimtec maintains over $10 million in inventory, has cumulatively delivered more than 100,000 control systems, and supports 200,000+ partner-repaired parts.
Cimtec's business model combines hardware distribution margins, professional services revenue from engineering, training, and repair work, and solution integration fees. Pricing is quote-based for products and engineered solutions; training courses range from $699 to $3,100 per attendee. The company serves industrial manufacturers through three offices (Charlotte NC, Greenville SC, Richmond VA) across five Southeastern US states (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia). Customer verticals span automotive manufacturing, education (technical colleges), pharmaceutical, medical device, food processing, energy, retail, and general fabrication. Distribution is primarily regional and consultative, leveraging OEM authorizations and channel partnerships as the core go-to-market motion.
Cimtec Automation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cimtec Automation
- Legal name
- CIMTEC Automation
- Website
- https://cimtecautomation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Cimtec Automation is a value-added distributor and systems integrator of industrial automation products, serving Southeastern US manufacturers through authorized distribution of tier-1 brands including ABB, Emerson, Universal Robots, SICK, and Epson, complemented by engineered solutions, training, and legacy PLC migration services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cimtec Automation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Automation Distribution and Integration
- NAICS
- Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (3353), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Factory Automation Cells & Integrated Systems (Assembly, Welding, Painting Lines) (IMAHAHAL), Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAM), Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG)
Keywords
Where Cimtec Automation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Charlotte
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Cimtec Automation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Automation Product Distribution: Revenue from distributing automation products from major manufacturers including ABB, Emerson, SICK, Universal Robots, Epson, Kawasaki, and others. Products include PLCs, sensors, robotics, vision systems, HMIs, and drives.
- Engineered Solutions: Custom automation system design and implementation including machine vision, machine tending, palletizing, remote monitoring, and PLC migrations
- Training & Workshops: Instructor-led and hands-on training classes for PLC programming, robot operation, vision systems, and software. Classes offered in Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, and other locations.
- Electronic Repairs & Migrations: Repair services for industrial electronic equipment through partner Qualitrol International, including PLCs, drives, HMIs, robots, and vision systems. Also provides PLC migration and conversion services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | LMI-Gocator G2 Profile Sensor Fundamentals - 1-day training |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | MiR Programming - 2-day training |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | UR Core Training - 2-day training |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Epson Core SPEL + Language Programming - 3-day training |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Emerson Controller Maintenance - Logic Developer PLC - 3-day training |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Emerson Controller Programming - Logic Developer PLC - 4-day training |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Cimtec Automation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cimtec Automation is a value-added distributor and systems integrator that distributes industrial automation products from leading manufacturers (ABB, Emerson, Universal Robots, SICK, Epson, Kawasaki, Cognex) and designs/implements custom engineered automation solutions including machine vision, robotic machine tending, palletizing, legacy PLC migration, and remote monitoring for industrial manufacturers in the Southeastern US. The company also offers manufacturer-certified training, electronic repair services, and risk assessment programs.
Product overview
Cimtec Automation is a value-added distributor and systems integrator of industrial automation products, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Charlotte, NC. The company operates as a comprehensive automation solutions provider with over $10 million in inventory and has successfully delivered over 100,000 control systems. Their product portfolio centers on distributing and integrating complementary automation hardware from manufacturer partners including: SICK sensors (industrial, registration, safety, vision), Universal Robots and Epson/Kawasaki collaborative and industrial robots, Emerson PACSystems PLCs and Movicon SCADA software, Nidec Control Techniques drives and motors, Pro-Face HMIs, LMI/Teledyne DALSA machine vision systems, and various peripheral components (Advanced Illumination lighting, OnRobot/Robotiq grippers, FESTO pneumatics). Beyond product distribution, Cimtec delivers engineered solutions encompassing machine vision implementation, robotic machine tending/palletizing, remote monitoring systems, legacy PLC migrations, and professional services including risk assessments, process analysis reviews, and manufacturer-certified training workshops.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Stack-O: A non-contact measuring device for determining the height of a stack of cookies or crackers, built from food grade T304 stainless steel using laser triangulation technology.
Products and services
- SICK Industrial Sensors Comprehensive portfolio of industrial sensors including registration, distance, photoelectric, LiDAR, radar, capacitive, magnetic proximity, safety, temperature, and traffic sensors for factory automation, logistics, and process control.
- Universal Robots Collaborative robot (cobot) lineup including UR3e, UR5e, UR10e, UR16e, UR20, and UR30 models for machine tending, palletizing, and assembly applications.
- Epson Robots SCARA and 6-axis robot family including T3 All-in-One Series, Controllers, and Vision systems for precision automation applications.
- Kawasaki Robots Industrial robot lineup including general purpose, medical/pharmaceutical, palletizing, explosion proof painting, arc welding, sealing, and pick-and-place robots.
- Emerson PACSystems PLCs Programmable automation controllers including CPL410, Rackless CPUs, RSTi-EP, and Rx3i PAC systems along with RSTi and VersaMax I/O modules for industrial control.
- Emerson Movicon SCADA SCADA software platform providing centralized supervisory monitoring and control of industrial production processes.
- Nidec Control Techniques Drives AC and DC drives, servo drives, servo motors, AC motors, and integration software for motion control and power conversion.
- Pro-Face HMI Human-machine interface products including flat panel monitors, HMI displays, HMI plus control units, industrial PCs, and Blue Open Studio HMI software.
- LMI Technologies 3D Sensors 3D laser profile sensors, 3D snapshot sensors, and Gocator Smart Vision Accelerators for dimensional measurement and quality inspection.
- Teledyne DALSA Vision Smart cameras, vision sensors, multicamera vision systems, vision software, and Astrocyte deep learning software for industrial inspection.
- ABB Drives and Controls Industrial drives and control systems for automation applications, including ACS180 machinery drives, distributed in NC, SC, and VA.
- FESTO Pneumatics Pneumatic automation components and systems for industrial manufacturing applications.
- SICK ID Solutions and Vision Barcode scanners (fixed mount and mobile handheld), machine vision systems, image-based code readers, RFID systems, and safety camera sensors for identification and tracking.
- SICK Safety Solutions Safety sensors and systems including safety distance sensors, multibeam scanners, safety radar sensors, safety controllers, safety relays, and safe motion monitoring for workplace safety compliance.
- Machine Vision Solutions Custom machine vision implementation services including gauging and measurement, robot guidance, barcode/text reading and verification, and defect detection using area/line scan cameras, IR thermal imaging, laser line profilers, structured light, stereo, and confocal technologies.
- Legacy GE PLC Migrations PLC system conversion and migration services from legacy GE systems (90-30, 90-70) to modern Emerson PACSystems (Rx3i, VersaMax) with program conversion and on-site installation support.
- Remote Monitoring Solutions Edge-to-cloud factory monitoring solutions using preconfigured IPC, I/O, and software platforms for real-time data collection, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance.
- STACK-O Non-contact laser triangulation device for measuring cookie and cracker stack heights with 1/100th inch accuracy, built from food-grade T304 stainless steel for quality control in baking industry.
- Machine Tending and Palletizing Solutions Collaborative robot solutions for automating machine tending and palletizing operations using cobots for improved consistency, productivity, and ROI.
- Electronic Repairs and Remanufacturing Industrial electronic equipment repair services covering PLCs, drives, motor controllers, encoders, HMIs, industrial PCs, barcode readers, robotic systems, vision systems, and sensors, with over 200,000 parts repaired through partner network.
- Automation Risk Assessment Factory risk assessment program evaluating automation systems and spare parts inventory to optimize performance and minimize downtime, with potential buyback of obsolete parts.
- PLC Migration Consulting Seven-step methodology consulting for successful PLC migration from legacy systems to modern technology, with thousands of successful conversions completed.
- Process Analysis and Review (PAR) Comprehensive manufacturing facility assessment including discovery process, review period, and detailed process improvement plan with roadmap for implementation.
- Training and Workshops Factory automation training programs covering PLCs (Emerson, GE), robots (Epson, Universal Robots, MiR), vision systems (Cognex, LMI Gocator), and software (Movicon.NExT, Proficy) with hands-on lab sessions.
Quantifiable outcome
- Successfully delivered 100,000+ control systems
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Cimtec Automation
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Cimtec Automation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Cimtec Automation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- ABBcoreAuthorized distributor of ABB Drives and Controls in NC, SC, and VA. Offers ACS180 machinery drives and related automation products.
- Emerson AutomationcoreAuthorized distributor of Emerson PLCs, I/O, industrial computers, displays, and Movicon SCADA software. Provides programming and maintenance training.
- Universal RobotscoreAuthorized distributor of Universal Robots collaborative robots including UR3e, UR5e, UR10e, UR16e, UR20, and UR30 models.
- SICKcoreComprehensive distributor of SICK industrial sensors, safety solutions, ID solutions/vision, and measurement/detection products.
- Epson RobotscoreAuthorized distributor of Epson SCARA robots (T3 series) and 6-axis robots with controllers and vision systems.
- Kawasaki RobotscoreDistributor of Kawasaki general purpose robots, medical/pharmaceutical robots, palletizing, arc welding, sealing, and painting robots.
- CognexcoreDistributor of Cognex vision systems including In-Sight series, DataMan barcode readers, and vision software solutions.
- FESTOcoreNew partnership to provide FESTO products for automation applications including pneumatics and motion control.
- Qualitrol InternationalcoreRepair service partner with over 30 years experience. The only GE-Emerson Authorized Support Center in the world. Repairs PLCs, drives, HMIs, robots, and vision systems.
- Flow Control GroupflagshipCimtec is part of Flow Control Group spanning North America with 1,200+ employees. Provides global support for enterprise-wide installations.
- TAG SolutionscorePart of Cimtec's parent Flow Control Group. Provides pre-engineered solutions including remote monitoring, STACK-O measurement devices, and cobot solutions.
- LMI TechnologiescoreDistributor of LMI Gocator 3D laser profile sensors, snapshot sensors, and smart vision accelerators.
- Teledyne DALSAcoreDistributor of Teledyne DALSA smart cameras, vision sensors, multicamera vision systems, vision software, and Astrocyte deep learning software.
- Nidec Control TechniquescoreDistributor of Nidec Control Techniques AC/DC drives, servo drives, servo motors, AC motors, and integration software.
- Pro-FacecoreDistributor of Pro-Face HMIs, flat panel monitors, industrial PCs, and Blue Open Studio HMI software.
- Advanced IlluminationminorDistributor of Advanced Illumination lighting products including barlights, backlights, diffuse lights, coaxial lights, and spot lights.
- OnRobotminorDistributor of OnRobot collaborative robot grippers and accessories.
- FlexibowlminorDistributor of Flexibowl feeding systems for bulk part feeding in automation applications.
- CCS AmericaminorDistributor of CCS America industrial lighting products.
- HornerminorDistributor of Horner industrial controllers and I/O products.
- RobotiqminorDistributor of Robotiq collaborative robot accessories and grippers.
- PanasonicminorDistributor of Panasonic automation products.
- WeidmullerminorDistributor of Weidmuller automation components.
- CAPTRONminorDistributor of CAPTRON sensors and HMI components.
- Computer DynamicsminorDistributor of Computer Dynamics automation products.
- Visual ComponentsminorDistributor of Visual Components simulation software for automation planning.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Cimtec Automation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Applied Industrial Technologies: Large U.S. value-added distributor of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, and automation products with integrated service and engineered solutions. Highly comparable to Cimtec as a multi-brand industrial automation VAR with technical support and engineered systems.
- Motion Industries: Wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company distributing industrial bearings, power transmission, electrical, automation, and material handling products across North America. Closely comparable business model — multi-brand industrial distribution with automation solutions.
- AutomationDirect: Direct e-commerce distributor of PLCs, drives, motors, sensors, and HMI products targeting industrial customers. Competes with Cimtec on standardized automation SKUs but lacks Cimtec's deep engineered-solutions and regional consultative layer.
- Kaman Industrial Technologies: Distributor of automation, motion control, bearings, power transmission, and material handling products with engineered solutions. Highly comparable VAR model with similar mix of product distribution plus integration services.
Broad incumbents
- WESCO International: Fortune 500 distributor of electrical, communications, and utility products with a growing automation portfolio (including via the Anixter merger). Broader and larger than Cimtec but competes in many of the same electrical and industrial categories.
- Rexel: Global electrical and automation distributor with significant U.S. footprint through Rexel USA. Competes with Cimtec in distribution of controls, drives, and automation components to industrial customers.
- Graybar: Employee-owned U.S. distributor of electrical, communications, and data networking products with automation offerings. Larger and broader than Cimtec but overlaps in industrial electrical and control distribution.
- Rockwell Automation: Largest U.S.-based industrial automation OEM operating a PartnerNetwork of authorized distributors and system integrators. Overlaps with Cimtec via the broader ecosystem but competes as a manufacturer rather than a distributor.
Emerging players
- Avanceon: Systems integrator and value-added partner for Rockwell, Siemens, and Emerson automation platforms. Comparable to Cimtec's engineered-solutions and PLC migration services but primarily serves the Middle East and Asia rather than the U.S. Southeast.
Regional players
- MAVERICK Technologies: U.S. industrial automation systems integrator and Emerson-related partner providing control systems, MES, and migration services. Directly comparable engineering/services profile, though broader geographic coverage.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Cimtec Automation social profiles
Digital presenceCimtec Automation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cimtec Automation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Cimtec Automation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cimtec 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 Cimtec Automation
What does Cimtec Automation do?
Cimtec Automation is a value-added distributor and systems integrator that distributes industrial automation products from leading manufacturers (ABB, Emerson, Universal Robots, SICK, Epson, Kawasaki, Cognex) and designs/implements custom engineered automation solutions including machine vision, robotic machine tending, palletizing, legacy PLC migration, and remote monitoring for industrial manufacturers in the Southeastern US. The company also offers manufacturer-certified training, electronic repair services, and risk assessment programs.
Is Cimtec Automation a public or private company?
Cimtec Automation is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Cimtec Automation founded?
Cimtec Automation was founded in 1987. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Cimtec Automation based?
Cimtec Automation is headquartered in Charlotte, United States, in the North America region.
How does Cimtec Automation make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Automation Product Distribution is the primary driver. The others are engineered Solutions, training & Workshops and electronic Repairs & Migrations.
Who are Cimtec Automation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Applied Industrial Technologies, Motion Industries, AutomationDirect and Kaman Industrial Technologies. Broad incumbents are WESCO International, Rexel, Graybar and Rockwell Automation. Avanceon is listed as an emerging player. MAVERICK Technologies is listed as a regional player.
Does Cimtec Automation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cimtec Automation.
What industry is Cimtec Automation in?
Cimtec Automation's product category is Industrial Automation Distribution and Integration. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGABAK, Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits), with a secondary code of IMAHAHAL, Factory Automation Cells & Integrated Systems (Assembly, Welding, Painting Lines). Its NAICS code is 3353 and its SIC code is 5084.