FPE Automation
FPE Automation is a privately-held, 60+ year Midwest stocking distributor of industrial automation components representing 60+ premier brands, serving Illinois, greater St. Louis, and Quad Cities manufacturers with field sales, application engineering, and value-added integration via its Handshake Solutions subsidiary.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1963
- HeadquartersElk Grove Village, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What FPE Automation does
FPE Automation, Inc. (legal entity Fluid Power Engineering Co. Inc.) is a privately-held, full-service stocking distributor of industrial automation components founded in 1963 and headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, with a regional office and authorized Universal Robots training center in Sunset Hills, Missouri. The company serves industrial manufacturers across Illinois, the greater St. Louis region, and the Quad Cities (Illinois/Iowa) area, operating as an authorized distributor for over 60 premier brands including MAC Valves, Universal Robots (Platinum tier), SICK Sensor Technologies, Tolomatic, PHD Inc., Kawasaki Robotics, EPSON Robots, Piab, and Mobile Industrial Robots. Its core product portfolio spans pneumatic components, machine vision systems, motion control and robotic systems, and machine control and safety equipment, supported by an e-commerce storefront (shop.fpeautomation.com) and a field sales engineering team providing application sizing, specification support, and consultative sales.
The company's differentiator is its value-added integration subsidiary, Handshake Solutions, which designs and assembles custom robotic, vision, and material-handling solutions, including the proprietary DepalPro robotic depalletizing system launched in 2025 with built-in vision and AI. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware distribution margins on component sales, supplemented by professional services revenue from design, assembly, and integration engagements. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; invoices are issued on 30-day terms. The company maintains a multi-channel go-to-market combining field sales engineers, inside sales, hands-on technology showcases (including an annual Tech Showcase at Joe's Live in Rosemont), training seminars, trade show participation, and a content-driven marketing program featuring the FPE Insider newsletter and a regular blog.
FPE Automation remains independent and management-owned, with no disclosed external funding or private equity backing across six decades of operation. The company has been recognized as MAC Valves Distributor of the Year four times (including 2022 and 2023), received Piab's Diamond Award and Tolomatic Distributor of the Year in 2023, and was named a Universal Robots Platinum partner. Customers include a mix of enterprise and SMB manufacturers such as CertainTeed, Automation International, Plastic Designs, Advanced AG Concepts, and confidential enterprise accounts including a tier-1 automotive supplier, a global tire manufacturer, and a plasma processing facility.
FPE Automation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FPE Automation
- Legal name
- Fluid Power Engineering Co. Inc.
- Website
- https://fpeautomation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1963
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- FPE Automation is a privately-held, 60+ year Midwest stocking distributor of industrial automation components representing 60+ premier brands, serving Illinois, greater St. Louis, and Quad Cities manufacturers with field sales, application engineering, and value-added integration via its Handshake Solutions subsidiary.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FPE Automation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Automation Distribution
- NAICS
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)
- SIC
- Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG)
Keywords
Where FPE Automation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Elk Grove Village
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
FPE Automation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Component Distribution: FPE Automation generates revenue primarily through distribution of industrial automation components including pneumatic products, valves, actuators, motion control, machine vision, sensors, and safety equipment from their portfolio of premier supplier lines.
- Design and Assembly Services: Value-added services including custom design, assembly, and integration of automation solutions through their Handshake Solutions team, providing engineering expertise for robotic implementations, vision systems, and complete automation solutions.
- Product Line Distribution Rights: As a regional authorized distributor for major automation brands including MAC Valves, Universal Robots, SICK, Tolomatic, PHD Inc., Kawasaki, EPSON, and others, FPE earns margins on product sales through distributor agreements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Monthly | Standard product pricing based on manufacturer list pricing with quotes provided upon request |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
FPE Automation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FPE Automation is a regional Midwest stocking distributor of premier industrial automation components, representing 60+ manufacturer lines across pneumatics, motion/robotic, machine vision, and control/safety categories. The company adds value through its Handshake Solutions division, which provides design, assembly, and integration services including custom robotic, vision, and end-of-line automation solutions such as the proprietary DepalPro robotic depalletizing system.
Product overview
FPE Automation is a full-service, award-winning stocking distributor of industrial automation components, serving the Midwest since 1963. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio organized around four core product categories: Pneumatic Products (valves, cylinders, actuators, air preparation, vacuum, fittings), Machine Vision & Sensing (cameras, lighting, barcode readers, sensors from SICK, Zebra, Teledyne Dalsa), Motion/Robotic Systems (collaborative robots from Universal Robots and Epson, industrial robots from Kawasaki, grippers from PHD and OnRobot), and Machine Control & Safety (PLCs, HMIs, safety equipment). The company differentiates through its Handshake Solutions value-added integration services for robotic and vision implementations, including their proprietary DepalPro robotic depalletizing system. Key technology partners include Universal Robots (platinum distributor), MAC Valves (Distributor of the Year multiple times), Piab (Diamond Award winner), and recent additions SICK Sensor Technologies and B&R Industrial Automation as premier partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Handshake Solutions: FPE Automation's value-added robotic integration and automation solutions division offering assistance with robotic implementations, vision systems, pick and place, palletizing, welding, machining, and other automation applications.
Products and services
- Handshake Solutions Integration Services Value-added integration and consulting services for manufacturers implementing automation, including application sizing, specification support, robotic integration, vision system implementation, palletizing, bin picking, CNC machine tending, welding, machining, and custom turnkey solutions.
- DepalPro Robotic Depalletizing System Proprietary robotic depalletizing system with built-in vision and AI for end-of-line operations; identifies, picks, and places both mixed and uniform loads, reducing manual handling while boosting throughput. Built on a Universal Robots UR20 arm, SICK Safety Scanner, Piab KSL gripper, and an 80/20 pedestal and frame.
- Universal Robots Authorized CORE Training Two-day certified CORE training program for Universal Robots collaborative robots delivered at FPE Automation's authorized Training & Technology Center in Sunset Hills, Missouri, plus additional technical training seminars.
- Industrial Automation Component Distribution Authorized regional stocking distribution of premier industrial automation components spanning pneumatic products, valves, actuators, motion control, machine vision, sensors, safety equipment, robotics, and machine control from 60+ manufacturer lines including MAC Valves, Universal Robots, SICK, Tolomatic, PHD Inc., Kawasaki, EPSON, Piab, Bimba, Teledyne Dalsa, Zebra, Apera AI, Mech-Mind, MiR, B&R Industrial Automation, and others.
- Design and Assembly Services Custom design, assembly, and integration services for automation solutions, providing engineering expertise for robotic implementations, vision systems, and complete turnkey automation solutions for manufacturing customers.
Quantifiable outcome
- MAC Valves demonstrated to provide superior quality, performance, and innovation compared to competitors in real-world application testing
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use FPE Automation
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
FPE Automation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability5 records
Feature2 records
FPE Automation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- B&R Industrial AutomationcoreFPE Automation welcomed B&R Industrial Automation as a new Premier Partner in June 2025. B&R is known for innovative motion control, machine automation, and integrated safety technologies, strengthening FPE's ability to deliver high-performance, future-ready solutions.
- Universal Robots (DepalPro Integration)coreFPE Automation's DepalPro robotic depalletizing system features a Universal Robots UR20 robotic arm, demonstrating deep integration partnership. FPE is a certified Universal Robots Platinum distributor and authorized training center.
- SICK Sensor TechnologiescoreFPE Automation announced SICK as their latest partner in industrial automation in November 2024. SICK provides sensor solutions including proximity sensors, vision systems, barcode scanners, safety scanners, and measurement sensors for manufacturing, logistics, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, packaging, and mobile equipment applications.
- PiabcoreFPE Automation won Piab's Diamond Award (their top award) in 2023 and serves as an authorized distributor. Piab provides vacuum grippers including the Kenos KCS used in FPE's DepalPro system.
- MAC Valves Inc.coreLong-standing partnership with MAC Valves spanning over 60 years since FPE's founding. FPE has won MAC Distributor of the Year multiple times (unprecedented fourth win in 2022, and again in 2023).
- TolomaticcoreFPE Automation was awarded Tolomatic Distributor of the Year for record-breaking performance. Represents Tolomatic's electric actuators and motion control products.
- Kawasaki RoboticscoreFPE Automation received multiple awards at Kawasaki's Drive 2023 partner conference. Represents Kawasaki industrial robots including the RS050 series.
- Universal RobotscoreFPE Automation maintains Platinum partner status with Universal Robots and is an authorized training provider offering CORE training programs. Represents collaborative robots including UR3, UR5, UR20.
- Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR)coreFPE Automation received MiR's Excellent Partner award for autonomous mobile robot implementations. Represents MiR's fleet of autonomous mobile robots.
- PHD Inc.coreFPE Automation is a preferred PHD Inc. partner. Multiple FPE team members have received PHD Top Performer awards for innovative custom solutions using PHD grippers, cylinders, and material handling products.
- EPSON RobotscoreFPE Automation has represented EPSON Robots and published case studies featuring EPSON SCARA and 6-axis robots in customer applications.
- perma Lubrication SystemssecondaryFPE Automation promotes perma automatic lubrication systems for industrial applications, highlighting ROI benefits through reduced maintenance costs and extended equipment life.
- IMEC (Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center)secondaryFPE Automation partners with IMEC for complex automation projects where customers may need Certified Systems Integrator support. IMEC is an independent, not-for-profit organization supporting manufacturing excellence.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
FPE Automation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Van Meter Inc. Iowa-based employee-owned industrial automation and electrical distributor serving the Midwest with similar pneumatic, motion control, and robotics lines plus value-added services. Highly comparable regional model and customer base to FPE.
- Kendall Electric: Midwest-focused industrial electrical and automation distributor with field sales engineers and integration services. Comparable stocking-distributor-plus-integration model to FPE's Handshake Solutions.
- Kaman Automation: North American industrial automation distributor and engineered solutions provider. Overlaps with FPE in pneumatics, motion control, sensors, and robotic integration across discrete manufacturing customers.
- AWC: Automation distribution and engineering services firm representing motion control, robotics, and pneumatic lines. Closely mirrors FPE's distributor-plus-integration positioning in industrial automation.
- C&E Sales: Midwest industrial automation distributor carrying pneumatics, motion, and robotic lines with field application engineers. Directly comparable regional distributor model to FPE.
- Axis New England: Northeast-focused automation distributor and systems integrator with strong pneumatic and motion control portfolios. Comparable in stocking-distributor-plus-integration model to FPE.
Regional players
- Heason Technologies: UK-based motion control and automation distributor with engineering integration services. Mirrors FPE's stocking-plus-integration model but serves a different geography.
Broad incumbents
- WESCO International: Global broadline electrical, communications, and utility distribution giant with a substantial automation portfolio. Competes with FPE for larger Midwest enterprise accounts and could absorb regional share through consolidation.
- Rexel: Global electrical and industrial distributor with significant automation offerings. Represents a major scaled competitor to FPE in pneumatics, motor controls, and industrial automation across North America.
Emerging players
- AutomationDirect: Direct-to-customer e-commerce automation components retailer competing on price with broadline pneumatic, sensor, and motion SKUs. Pressures FPE's transactional hardware margins, particularly in lower-end accounts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
FPE Automation social profiles
Digital presenceFPE Automation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FPE Automation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
FPE Automation subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
FPE Automation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FPE 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 FPE Automation
What does FPE Automation do?
FPE Automation is a regional Midwest stocking distributor of premier industrial automation components, representing 60+ manufacturer lines across pneumatics, motion/robotic, machine vision, and control/safety categories. The company adds value through its Handshake Solutions division, which provides design, assembly, and integration services including custom robotic, vision, and end-of-line automation solutions such as the proprietary DepalPro robotic depalletizing system.
Is FPE Automation a public or private company?
FPE Automation is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was FPE Automation founded?
FPE Automation was founded in 1963. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is FPE Automation based?
FPE Automation is headquartered in Elk Grove Village, United States, in the North America region.
How does FPE Automation make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Component Distribution is the primary driver. The others are design and Assembly Services and product Line Distribution Rights.
Who are FPE Automation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Van Meter Inc., Kendall Electric, Kaman Automation, AWC, C&E Sales and Axis New England. Heason Technologies is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are WESCO International and Rexel. AutomationDirect is listed as an emerging player.
Does FPE Automation have an API?
No public API is recorded for FPE Automation.
What industry is FPE Automation in?
FPE Automation's product category is Industrial Automation Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGABAG, Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers). Its NAICS code is 3345 and its SIC code is 3590.