Marshall Wolf Automation
Marshall Wolf Automation is an independent, women-owned industrial controls distributor founded in 1984, headquartered in Algonquin, IL, selling VFDs, motors, sensors, safety devices, and enclosures from 60+ manufacturers to OEMs, plant operators, and resellers across the contiguous United States via an ERP-integrated e-commerce storefront and in-house technical sales.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersAlgonquin, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Marshall Wolf Automation does
Marshall Wolf Automation, Inc. is an independent, family- and women-owned industrial controls distributor incorporated in Illinois and headquartered at 210 Dowdle Street, Suite 1, Algonquin, IL. Founded in 1984 by Hans and Kathy Wolf as a rep firm (originally Marshall Wolf Associates) and shifted to distribution in 1987, the company has operated continuously for 40+ years serving industrial buyers across the contiguous United States under the Wolf Automation brand.
The company's core offering is a broad catalog of industrial automation and control components spanning 60+ product categories — VFDs, motors, sensors, PLCs and smart relays, contactors/starters, soft starters, safety switches and devices, thermal management, enclosures, stack lights, circuit breakers, HMIs, communication and networking equipment, temperature and process controllers, cable and connectors, power supplies, transformers, terminal blocks, timers/counters, motion control, gearboxes, pressure sensors, disconnect switches, EV-related components, and engineered drive panels — sourced as an authorized stocking distributor from 60+ manufacturers including WEG, Lenze, Invertek, Benshaw, Hitachi Drives, Fuji Electric, LS Electric, Autonics, Pepperl+Fuchs, Euchner, and Baumer. The commercial platform is a BigCommerce storefront (wolfautomation.com) fully integrated with the company's ERP, exposing real-time pricing and inventory, online product configurators for engineered-to-order VFDs/motor starters/enclosures, and a Pack Perks loyalty program.
Revenue is generated through B2B hardware sales both via self-serve e-commerce and via an in-house technical sales team accessible by phone, email, and live chat during business hours. Pricing is publicly listed per unit on the website and explicitly includes manufacturer tariff surcharges; ancillary monetization levers include Net 30 trade credit (Resolve), free UPS Ground shipping on orders over $350, and flat-rate freight tiers for shipments over 100 lbs. The customer base is segmented into industrial end users/plant operations, OEMs incorporating controls into their equipment, and resellers/distributors purchasing for their own downstream customers. The company is WBENC- and WOSB-certified, registered on SAM.gov for federal contracting, and a member of A3 and AHTD industry associations. No external investment has been disclosed; ownership remains with the Wolf family following the 2018 passing of founder Hans Wolf.
Marshall Wolf Automation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Marshall Wolf Automation
- Legal name
- Marshall Wolf Automation, Inc.
- Website
- https://wolfautomation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Marshall Wolf Automation is an independent, women-owned industrial controls distributor founded in 1984, headquartered in Algonquin, IL, selling VFDs, motors, sensors, safety devices, and enclosures from 60+ manufacturers to OEMs, plant operators, and resellers across the contiguous United States via an ERP-integrated e-commerce storefront and in-house technical sales.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Marshall Wolf Automation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Controls Distribution
- SIC
- Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)
- akta.pro primary industry
- B2B/EDI & Supply Chain Process Automation Platforms (HDAEAHAK)
Keywords
Where Marshall Wolf Automation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Algonquin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Marshall Wolf Automation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Industrial Controls Product Sales: Revenue is generated through the sale of industrial automation and controls products including VFDs, motors, sensors, contactors, enclosures, safety devices, and other automation components. Products are sold via e-commerce (wolfautomation.com) and assisted sales. Pricing is publicly listed online with online pricing including tariff surcharges implemented by manufacturers.
- Net 30 Terms / Trade Credit: The company offers Net 30 payment terms powered by Resolve, allowing qualified B2B customers to purchase on credit. This supports larger transactions and repeat purchasing from commercial buyers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard per-unit product pricing (publicly listed) |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Net 30 commercial terms for qualified buyers |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Marshall Wolf Automation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Marshall Wolf Automation is an authorized stocking distributor of industrial controls and automation components, selling VFDs, motors, sensors, PLCs, contactors, soft starters, safety devices, enclosures, HMIs, circuit breakers, power supplies, and other automation products from 60+ manufacturers. Products are sold primarily through an ERP-integrated e-commerce storefront at wolfautomation.com and supported by an in-house technical sales team available via phone, email, and live chat. Engineered-to-order products such as enclosures, VFDs, motor starters, and contactors can be self-specified through online configurators.
Product overview
Marshall Wolf Automation is an independent, women-owned industrial controls distributor established in 1984, serving as an authorized stocking distributor for products from over 50 manufacturers including WEG, Lenze, Invertek, Benshaw, Hitachi, Fuji Electric, LS Electric, Autonics, Carlo Gavazzi, IDEC, Weintek, Baumer, Pepperl+Fuchs, and Euchner. The company operates an e-commerce platform offering a comprehensive portfolio of industrial automation and controls products organized across multiple categories including AC Drives/VFDs, Motors, Sensors (photoelectric, proximity, ultrasonic, specialty), PLCs and Smart Relays, Contactors/Starters/Overload Relays, Soft Starters, Safety Switches and Safety Devices, Thermal Management Solutions (filterfans, cooling units), Enclosures, Stack Lights and Beacons, Circuit Breakers, HMIs, Communication & Networking Equipment, Temperature & Process Controllers, Cable Products (control/VFD cable), Cable Glands & Connectors, Power Supplies, Transformers, Terminal Blocks, Timers & Counters, Motion Control, Gearboxes & Gearmotors, Pressure Sensors & Transducers, and Disconnect Switches. The product offering also includes Engineered Drive Panels, EV Products, and Overstock/Clearance items. The company integrates its ERP system with its e-commerce platform to provide real-time inventory and pricing to customers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) Variable frequency drives that regulate motor speed, available in various horsepower ratings, voltage configurations, and enclosure types including NEMA 4X for harsh environments. Distributed for OEMs and industrial end users.
- Motors Electric motors for industrial applications powering equipment from robotics to pumps, available in various configurations from manufacturers including TECO Westinghouse.
- Sensors (Photoelectric, Proximity, Ultrasonic, Specialty) Industrial sensors that gather information and feed data back into control systems, available from manufacturers such as Autonics, Pepperl+Fuchs, Baumer, and Leuze.
- PLCs and Smart Relays Programmable logic controllers and smart relays for industrial automation control and sequencing.
- Contactors, Starters, Overload Relays Motor control devices that provide switching and overload protection to regulate motors, distributed from manufacturers including LS Electric and WEG.
- Soft Starters Motor starting devices that ease startup with controlled voltage reduction to protect motors and connected equipment, including Benshaw CSXi series soft starters and pump panels.
- Safety Switches Safety interlock switches, magnetic sensors, and RFID devices designed to keep users safe and minimize risk, distributed from manufacturers such as Euchner.
- Safety Devices Safety controllers, relays, and rated switches including light curtains and safety-rated limit switches.
- Thermal Management Solutions Products that protect sensitive electronics in harsh environments, including filterfans, cooling units, enclosure fans, and heat exchangers.
- Enclosures Electrical enclosures in materials including stainless steel and carbon steel, rated to NEMA and IP standards, with online configurator support.
- Stack Lights and Beacons Visual and audible alert devices including LED stack lights, beacons, and warning lights for industrial status indication.
- Circuit Breakers Overload protection devices including MCBs, MCCBs, and manual motor protectors in various ratings and configurations from manufacturers such as LS Electric and WEG.
- HMI (Human Machine Interface) Operator interface panels and displays for industrial automation visualization and control, including Weintek FT2J HMI+PLC combination units.
- Communication and Networking Equipment Industrial networking equipment including Ethernet switches, bus couplers, Modbus gateways, I/O modules, and data loggers.
- Temperature and Process Controllers Controllers for monitoring and controlling temperature and process variables in industrial applications, from manufacturers including Autonics and Fuji Electric.
- Cable Products Control tray cable and VFD/drive cable for industrial applications, with options for various AWG sizes and shielding configurations.
- Cable Glands and Connectors Cable glands, cord grips, panel interface connectors, and RJ45 pass-throughs for secure cable entry into enclosures, from manufacturers including Pepperl+Fuchs.
- Power Supplies Industrial power supplies providing stable DC voltage for control systems and electronic equipment.
- Transformers Industrial transformers for voltage conversion and power distribution in electrical systems, from manufacturers including Hammond Power.
- Terminal Blocks Electrical terminal blocks for wire connections including feed-through, mini, and other configurations for DIN rail mounting.
- Timers and Counters Industrial timers and counters for sequencing and timing control in automation applications.
- Motion Control Motion control products including encoders and speed controllers for precise movement control.
- Gearboxes and Gearmotors Power transmission equipment including gearboxes and gearmotors for industrial machinery, from manufacturers such as Bonfiglioli.
- Pressure Sensors and Transducers Devices for measuring and transmitting pressure readings in industrial process applications.
- Disconnect Switches Safety disconnect switches for isolating electrical equipment during maintenance.
- EV Products Products for electric vehicle charging systems including DC energy meters and EV-related components.
- Engineered Drive Panels Custom-engineered drive panels combining VFDs with associated components for complete motor control solutions.
- Overstock and Clearance Discounted overstock and clearance items including discontinued products at reduced prices.
Companies that use Marshall Wolf Automation
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Marshall Wolf Automation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Marshall Wolf Automation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- WEGcoreWEG is a featured manufacturer on Marshall Wolf Automation's website, offering products including VFDs (CFW11, CFW320), circuit breakers, contactors, motors, and overload relays. Marshall Wolf Automation is an authorized distributor for WEG products, maintaining stock and offering online purchasing.
- InvertekcoreInvertek is a featured manufacturer offering variable frequency drives including the OPTIDRIVE E3 series. Featured prominently on the website with new product releases and overstock items.
- LenzecoreLenze is a featured manufacturer offering automation and drive technology products through Marshall Wolf Automation's distribution channel.
- BenshawcoreBenshaw is a featured manufacturer offering soft starters, pump panels, and motor control solutions. Featured on the website with products like CSXi series soft starters and pump panel solutions.
- Hitachi DrivescoreHitachi is a featured manufacturer offering variable frequency drives and industrial automation products distributed by Marshall Wolf Automation.
- Pepperl+FuchscorePepperl+Fuchs is a featured manufacturer offering sensors, encoders, and industrial connectivity products. Marshall Wolf Automation distributes their full product line including cable glands, connectors, and IO-Link products.
- Fuji ElectriccoreFuji Electric is a featured manufacturer offering FRENIC series VFDs, temperature controllers, and power supply products. Featured on the website with products like FRN0020C2S-2U micro drive.
- NovuscoreNovus is a featured manufacturer offering data loggers, signal conditioners, temperature controllers, and communication/networking products for industrial automation.
- LS ElectriccoreLS Electric is a featured manufacturer offering circuit breakers, contactors, motor starters, and overload relays. Products include BK series miniature circuit breakers and IEC contactors.
- TECO (Teco Westinghouse)coreTECO Westinghouse is a featured manufacturer offering motors, drives, and motor control products distributed by Marshall Wolf Automation.
- EuchnercoreEuchner is a featured manufacturer offering safety switches, sensors, and industrial safety solutions. Distributed through Marshall Wolf Automation's product catalog.
- BaumercoreBaumer is a featured manufacturer offering sensors, encoders, and measurement solutions for industrial automation applications.
- Weintek USAcoreWeintek USA is a featured manufacturer offering HMI (Human Machine Interface) panels, touchscreens, and remote I/O modules. Featured products include FT2J series HMI+PLC combination units.
- AutonicscoreAutonics is a featured manufacturer offering sensors, controllers, timers, counters, temperature controllers, and motion control products. One of the larger brand presences with extensive product listings.
- A3 Association for Advancing AutomationminorMarshall Wolf Automation is a member of the A3 Association for Advancing Automation, an industry trade organization covering robotics, machine vision, motion control, and motors.
- AHTD (Association for High Technology Distribution)minorMarshall Wolf Automation is a member of the Association for High Technology Distribution, an industry trade organization for high-tech industrial distributors.
- WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council)minorMarshall Wolf Automation has been certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), recognizing it as a legitimate women-owned business enterprise. The company also holds WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) certification.
- Resolve (Net 30 Terms Provider)coreResolve provides Net 30 commercial payment terms for qualified customers purchasing from Marshall Wolf Automation, enabling B2B trade credit and net payment terms through an integrated checkout experience.
- SAM.gov (Federal Contractor Registry)minorMarshall Wolf Automation is a registered federal contractor on SAM.gov, allowing the company to bid on and supply products for government contracts.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Marshall Wolf Automation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- W.W. Grainger: Largest U.S. industrial distribution incumbent with a broad MRO and operations catalog that includes motors, VFDs, sensors, contactors and enclosures. Competes with Marshall Wolf for plant-floor buyer spend at much greater scale, with national distribution centers and enterprise contracting.
- WESCO International: Global broad-line electrical, communications and utility distribution platform with adjacent industrial-automation offerings. Competes indirectly through electrical contractors and industrial buyers seeking one-stop electrical and controls sourcing at much larger scale.
Direct peers
- McMaster-Carr: Industrial MRO and operations supplier with a renowned e-commerce catalog covering electrical controls, enclosures, sensors and motion control among many other categories. Comparable high-quality digital experience and broad product breadth, though heavier MRO skew versus Marshall Wolf's OEM/automation focus.
- Digi-Key Electronics: Authorized multi-brand electronic components distributor with a strong e-commerce platform, real-time inventory, and broad manufacturer portfolio. Comparable authorized-distribution model and digital procurement experience, though with heavier electronic-component (vs. industrial-control) weighting.
- Mouser Electronics: Authorized broad-line electronic components distributor with an industry-leading e-commerce platform and deep manufacturer relationships. Similar authorized-distribution business model with a different mix (more semiconductors, less industrial control) but the same digital-first B2B procurement motion.
- Galco Industrial Electronics: Independent authorized distributor of industrial automation and electronic controls, including VFDs, motor controls, sensors and circuit protection. Closely comparable independent-distributor model competing for the same mid-market OEM and plant-floor buyer segment.
- AutomationDirect: Direct competitor running a B2B e-commerce platform for industrial automation components including VFDs, PLCs, sensors, motor controls and enclosures. Closest business-model analog to Marshall Wolf, though at significantly larger scale and with a more captive private-label product line.
- Sager Electronics: Authorized distributor of electromechanical, power, thermal management and interconnect products serving industrial and OEM customers. Highly comparable catalog mix, including enclosures, sensors, power supplies and circuit protection.
- Allied Electronics & Automation: Multi-brand industrial automation and electronic components distributor serving OEMs and industrial buyers with a comparable authorized-distributor model. Catalog overlap and customer-segment overlap make it a direct peer despite a larger parent (RS Group).
- RS Components (RS America): Global multi-brand industrial automation and electronics distributor with strong e-commerce catalog and a similar authorized-distributor model across VFDs, PLCs, sensors, contactors and enclosures. Direct channel competitor for OEM and industrial buyer wallet share.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Marshall Wolf Automation social profiles
Digital presenceMarshall Wolf Automation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Marshall Wolf Automation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Marshall Wolf Automation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Marshall Wolf 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 Marshall Wolf Automation
What does Marshall Wolf Automation do?
Marshall Wolf Automation is an authorized stocking distributor of industrial controls and automation components, selling VFDs, motors, sensors, PLCs, contactors, soft starters, safety devices, enclosures, HMIs, circuit breakers, power supplies, and other automation products from 60+ manufacturers. Products are sold primarily through an ERP-integrated e-commerce storefront at wolfautomation.com and supported by an in-house technical sales team available via phone, email, and live chat. Engineered-to-order products such as enclosures, VFDs, motor starters, and contactors can be self-specified through online configurators.
Is Marshall Wolf Automation a public or private company?
Marshall Wolf Automation is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Marshall Wolf Automation founded?
Marshall Wolf Automation was founded in 1984. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Marshall Wolf Automation based?
Marshall Wolf Automation is headquartered in Algonquin, United States, in the North America region.
How does Marshall Wolf Automation make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Industrial Controls Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are net 30 Terms / Trade Credit.
Who are Marshall Wolf Automation's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are W.W. Grainger and WESCO International. Direct peers are McMaster-Carr, Digi-Key Electronics, Mouser Electronics, Galco Industrial Electronics, AutomationDirect, Sager Electronics, Allied Electronics & Automation and RS Components (RS America).
Does Marshall Wolf Automation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Marshall Wolf Automation.
What industry is Marshall Wolf Automation in?
Marshall Wolf Automation's product category is Industrial Controls Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAEAHAK, B2B/EDI & Supply Chain Process Automation Platforms. Its SIC code is 5084.