Applied Automation Controls
Applied Automation Controls Inc. is a Syracuse, NY-based authorized distributor (founded 1992, 11–50 employees) of pneumatic and electrical automation components from 40+ manufacturers, including Parker Hannifin, SMC, AirTAC, eWon, and Omron, serving U.S. industrial manufacturers via e-commerce, phone sales, and in-house custom valve-stack fabrication.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersSyracuse, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Applied Automation Controls does
Applied Automation Controls Inc. (AACI), founded in 1992 and headquartered at 1240 Wolf Street, Syracuse, NY, is a private authorized distributor of pneumatic and electrical automation components. The company carries catalogs from over 40 manufacturers including Parker Hannifin, SMC, AirTAC, eWon, Omron, Schmersal, Pepperl+Fuchs, Red Lion, Murr Elektronik, IAI America, Optex FA, Controllino, and ROSS Controls. Its product surface spans PLC modules, network gateways (eWon Cosy+ and Flexy industrial routers with Talk2m VPN), pneumatic cylinders and slides, valve manifolds, compressed air preparation units, miniature circuit breakers, speed controllers, and industrial sensors, supplemented by eWon i4SCADA software licenses and the i4connected cloud platform sold alongside hardware. The company also operates an Applied Automation Surplus storefront distributing aftermarket and discontinued inventory. Beyond catalog distribution, AACI provides in-house fabrication of customized Parker pneumatic valve stacks and pneumatic sub-assemblies, distinguishing it from pure resellers.
The business model is straightforward industrial distribution. Revenue is generated through unit-priced hardware sales transacted via a self-service e-commerce storefront at appliedautomation.com, supplemented by phone sales (315-453-5670) and live chat-based quoting; most product prices are publicly listed from under $10 (e.g., pneumatic slides around $19) to over $1,000 (e.g., network gateways at $1,105), with select enterprise products requiring a "Quick Quote." Logistics include 24-hour shipping on in-stock items and capability for international delivery, though the primary geographic footprint is domestic United States. The GTM motion leans heavily on channel partnerships with manufacturer brands and bottom-of-funnel e-commerce/SEO capture rather than outbound sales or marketing campaigns.
AACI serves industrial manufacturers across multiple verticals: technology manufacturing, packaging machinery, and liquid dispensing, with vertical-specific use cases in pneumatic and electrical control sourcing, custom valve-stack sub-assembly fabrication, and time-critical parts delivery. Operational customer service is positioned as a differentiator, with a self-reported 5-minute average chat response time and a 5-star reputation rating. Headcount is reported at 11–50 employees; the company has no disclosed funding, no M&A activity, no parent company, no subsidiaries, no patents or trademarks, and no published management team bios. Ownership appears to be founder- or family-controlled, operating independently since 1992.
Applied Automation Controls firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Applied Automation Controls
- Legal name
- Applied Automation Controls Inc.
- Website
- https://appliedautomation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Applied Automation Controls Inc. is a Syracuse, NY-based authorized distributor (founded 1992, 11–50 employees) of pneumatic and electrical automation components from 40+ manufacturers, including Parker Hannifin, SMC, AirTAC, eWon, and Omron, serving U.S. industrial manufacturers via e-commerce, phone sales, and in-house custom valve-stack fabrication.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Applied Automation Controls industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Automation Components Distribution
- SIC
- Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Wholesale-Electronic Parts & Equipment, Nec (5065)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pneumatic Components (FRLs, Cylinders, Valves) (IMAHAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders) (IMAHAHAG), Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK), Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG)
Keywords
Where Applied Automation Controls is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Syracuse
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Applied Automation Controls business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Product Sales: Revenue generated through direct sales of industrial automation components including pneumatic and electrical controls, PLC modules, network gateways, sensors, and related parts from authorized manufacturer brands. Sales occur through e-commerce website, phone orders, and chat-based quoting system.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard retail pricing for individual components |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels1 record
Applied Automation Controls product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Applied Automation Controls is an authorized distributor of pneumatic and electrical automation components from 40+ industry-leading manufacturers, including Parker Hannifin, SMC, Omron, eWon, AirTAC, and Schmersal. The company sells PLC modules, network gateways, pneumatic cylinders, sensors, valves, and related parts through its e-commerce site, phone, and live chat, with most items shipping within 24 hours. It also provides value-added in-house fabrication of customized Parker pneumatic valve stacks and pneumatic sub-assemblies.
Product overview
Applied Automation Controls is an authorized distributor specializing in pneumatic and electrical automation components from industry-leading brands. The product portfolio includes PLC modules, network gateways (eWon Cosy+ and Flexy industrial routers for secure VPN remote access via Talk2m cloud), pneumatic cylinders and slides (AirTAC, SMC, Parker Hannifin), compressed air preparation units, valve manifolds, sensors (Omron proximity sensors, Optex FA sensors), and industrial connectivity modules. The company also offers i4SCADA software licenses and i4connected cloud platform for industrial visualization and data management. Additional products include miniature circuit breakers, speed controllers, and surplus automation components. They provide value-added services including customized Parker pneumatic valve stack fabrication and pneumatic sub-assembly building.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- PLC Modules
- Network Gateways Industrial network gateway devices including eWon Cosy+ and Flexy routers that provide secure VPN remote access between machines, PLCs, HMIs, and remote engineers via the Talk2m cloud service for SCADA applications.
- Pneumatic Cylinders Pneumatic cylinder actuators including SMC double rod cylinders and AirTAC precision pneumatic slides for linear motion in industrial automation applications, sold to manufacturers and machine builders.
- Compressed Air Preparation Units Air preparation equipment for pneumatic systems including filters, regulators, and lubricators (FRLs), sold to industrial manufacturers building or maintaining pneumatic systems.
- Valve Manifolds Pneumatic valve manifold assemblies for multi-valve control in industrial automation applications, distributed from multiple manufacturers.
- Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) Compact circuit protection devices for electrical control circuits, sold to manufacturers and panel builders.
- Industrial Sensors Industrial proximity, photoelectric, and detection sensors distributed from multiple manufacturers including Omron E2A-series M18 proximity sensors and Optex FA C2DP-series sensors, for industrial detection applications.
- i4SCADA Software Licenses eWon i4SCADA software suite including Runtime Standard, Runtime Ultimate, Messenger, Scheduler, Cluster, and OPC Server licenses for industrial visualization, SCADA, and data management applications.
- Talk2m Cloud Service eWon Talk2m industrial cloud service providing secure VPN connectivity between machines and remote engineers for industrial remote access applications, sold as a subscription to manufacturers and integrators.
- i4connected Cloud Platform eWon i4connected cloud platform for enterprise IIoT hosting with tag-based licensing for data connectivity, visualization, and IIoT deployment.
- Custom Pneumatic Sub-Assembly Fabrication Custom fabrication service in which Applied Automation Controls' in-house team builds customized Parker pneumatic valve stacks and other pneumatic sub-assemblies to customer specifications, sold to industrial manufacturers requiring tailored solutions.
- Surplus Automation Components Surplus automation components including genuine 3M Brushlon brush materials for conveyor and material handling applications, sold at surplus pricing through the e-commerce storefront.
Companies that use Applied Automation Controls
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Applied Automation Controls technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Applied Automation Controls partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- AirTACcoreAirTAC is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. AirTAC specializes in pneumatic components including precision pneumatic slide cylinders, sensors, and fittings.
- SchmersalcoreSchmersal is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. Schmersal produces safety switches, sensors, and automation components.
- Parker HannifincoreParker Hannifin is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. Parker Hannifin is a global leader in motion and control technologies, specializing in pneumatic and hydraulic components.
- eWoncoreeWon is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. eWon specializes in industrial connectivity solutions including network gateways, industrial routers, and remote access products for SCADA applications.
- SMCcoreSMC is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. SMC is a global leader in pneumatic automation components including valves, cylinders, and fittings.
- OmroncoreOmron is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. Omron provides industrial automation solutions including proximity sensors, PLCs, and safety components.
- Murr ElektronikminorMurr Elektronik is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. Murr Elektronik produces electronic components for automation applications.
- Red LionminorRed Lion is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. Red Lion provides industrial automation and networking products including process meters and communication devices.
- ROSS ControlsminorROSS Controls is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. ROSS Controls specializes in pneumatic valves and controls.
- Pepperl + FuchsminorPepperl + Fuchs is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. Pepperl + Fuchs produces industrial sensors and explosion protection equipment.
- PanasonicminorPanasonic is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. Panasonic provides industrial automation products.
- ClippardminorClippard is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. Clippard specializes in pneumatic valves and miniature pneumatic components.
- ControllinominorControllino is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. Controllino produces Arduino-compatible industrial PLCs.
- IAI AmericaminorIAI America is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. IAI America specializes in electric actuators and robots.
- Optex FAminorOptex FA is an authorized manufacturer brand distributed by Applied Automation Controls. Optex FA produces sensors and photoelectric sensors for industrial applications.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Applied Automation Controls competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- AutomationDirect: Direct competitor: online catalog-based distributor selling PLCs, pneumatic components, sensors, drives, and motion control products direct to industrial buyers. Closest comparable to AACI by product mix, channel (e-commerce-first), and customer base.
- Galco Industrial Electronics: Industrial automation distributor specializing in surplus and new automation and motion control products from manufacturers like Parker, Allen-Bradley, and SMC. Similar distributor-with-value-add model serving industrial customers.
- AWC, Inc. Distributor of process and factory automation products (pneumatic, motion, controls) for industrial OEM and MRO customers. Comparable channel structure and product breadth to AACI.
Broad incumbents
- McMaster-Carr: Large industrial MRO and production supply distributor with an extremely broad catalog that includes pneumatic, electrical, and automation components. Competitor at the buyer-procurement layer, especially for smaller industrial accounts.
- Digi-Key Electronics: High-volume electronic components distributor with a growing automation and industrial-control portfolio. Competes with AACI on PLC modules, sensors, and connectivity SKUs at the design-engineer level.
- Mouser Electronics: Global authorized semiconductor and electronic components distributor with broad automation and control-instrument lines. Comparable buyer profile (OEM design engineers) and e-commerce model to AACI.
- Allied Electronics & Automation (RS Group): Broader-line industrial automation and electronic components distributor (now under RS Group). Overlaps with AACI across PLCs, sensors, pneumatics, and connectivity but serves a much larger customer base with deeper SKU coverage.
- W.W. Grainger: Massive industrial MRO and production distributor with deep catalogs across pneumatics, electrical controls, motors, and safety. Represents the largest scale competitor in industrial distribution where AACI competes for buyer spend.
- element14 / Newark: Broad-line electronic components and industrial automation distributor serving design engineers and buyers. Overlaps with AACI on PLCs, sensors, and industrial connectivity products.
- RS Components: Global electronics and industrial automation distributor serving design engineers and industrial buyers. Direct overlap with AACI's PLC, sensor, and pneumatic lines at a global scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Applied Automation Controls social profiles
Digital presenceApplied Automation Controls financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Applied Automation Controls leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Applied Automation Controls funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Applied Automation Controls 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 Applied Automation Controls
What does Applied Automation Controls do?
Applied Automation Controls is an authorized distributor of pneumatic and electrical automation components from 40+ industry-leading manufacturers, including Parker Hannifin, SMC, Omron, eWon, AirTAC, and Schmersal. The company sells PLC modules, network gateways, pneumatic cylinders, sensors, valves, and related parts through its e-commerce site, phone, and live chat, with most items shipping within 24 hours. It also provides value-added in-house fabrication of customized Parker pneumatic valve stacks and pneumatic sub-assemblies.
Is Applied Automation Controls a public or private company?
Applied Automation Controls is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Applied Automation Controls founded?
Applied Automation Controls was founded in 1992. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Applied Automation Controls based?
Applied Automation Controls is headquartered in Syracuse, United States, in the North America region.
How does Applied Automation Controls make money?
One revenue line is on record: product Sales.
Who are Applied Automation Controls's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are AutomationDirect, Galco Industrial Electronics and AWC, Inc.. Broad incumbents are McMaster-Carr, Digi-Key Electronics, Mouser Electronics, Allied Electronics & Automation (RS Group), W.W. Grainger, element14 / Newark and RS Components.
Does Applied Automation Controls have an API?
No public API is recorded for Applied Automation Controls.
What industry is Applied Automation Controls in?
Applied Automation Controls's product category is Industrial Automation Components Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAGAC, Pneumatic Components (FRLs, Cylinders, Valves), with a secondary code of IMAHAHAG, Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders). Its SIC code is 5084.