Automation Solutions of WI

What Automation Solutions of WI does

Automation Solutions of WI, Inc. is a privately held industrial automation distributor headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin (also referenced as Mequon, Wisconsin), founded in 1998 by Barb and Rick Futter. The company distributes automation and motion control components — including pneumatics, vacuum systems, electric actuators, sensors, vision systems, motion control, mechatronics, profile systems, and hydraulics — to industrial manufacturers in the U.S. Midwest. It maintains an extensive multi-vendor line card anchored by core partnerships with Festo, IAI, EDCO, Enerpac, Milwaukee Cylinder, and SensoPart, augmented by more than thirty additional supporting manufacturer relationships covering specialist pneumatics, hydraulic valves, grippers, sensors, and motion components.

The firm's most distinctive internally developed offering is the proprietary Pneumatic System Saver, an integrated pneumatic assembly system combining valves, air preparation, and manifolds into leak-free modular units available in MINI, MIDI, and MAXI sizes. Beyond component distribution, the company positions itself as an application-engineering partner, designing mechatronic motion solutions that integrate electro-mechanical, pneumatic, and servopneumatic components — from single actuators with integrated controllers to sophisticated handling systems — and supplying T-slotted aluminum extrusions for workstations, guarding, and enclosures.

Revenue is generated through one-time component and solution sales via a sales-led, territory-based direct sales motion. Sales professionals develop target accounts, prospect continuously, and provide application training and engineering support. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The firm shows operating headcount of 1–10 and is part of the broader Tri-Phase Automation / I-TECH ecosystem through shared website navigation and terms-of-sale documentation, indicating a potential affiliated-services structure. No AI, software, or platform components form part of the offering.

Name

Automation Solutions of WI

Legal name

Automation Solutions of WI, Inc.

Website

https://autosolwi.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Automation Solutions of WI is a privately held Midwest industrial automation distributor, founded in 1998, that sells pneumatics, hydraulics, sensors, vision systems, mechatronics, and proprietary integrated pneumatic assemblies to industrial manufacturers through partnerships with leading component manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Mequon

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Automation Component Distribution: Revenue generated through distribution of automation and motion control components including pneumatics, vacuum systems, electric actuators, sensors, vision systems, motion control, mechatronics, profile systems, and hydraulics. Acts as an innovative distributor providing cost-effective products combined with innovative solutions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels1 record

Core offering

Automation Solutions of WI is an industrial automation distributor that supplies pneumatics, vacuum systems, electric actuators, sensors, vision systems, motion control, mechatronics, T-slotted aluminum profile systems, and hydraulics from leading manufacturers to industrial customers. The company combines engineered application support with a proprietary Pneumatic System Saver design to deliver pre-assembled, leak-free pneumatic systems for manufacturing operations.

Product overview

Automation Solutions of WI is a distributor of industrial automation and motion control components, not a software platform. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of automation products through partnerships with leading manufacturers including Festo, IAI, EDCO, SensoPart, Milwaukee Cylinder, and others. The core offerings include pneumatics (cylinders, valves, air preparation), hydraulics, vacuum technology, sensors and vision systems, mechatronics (smart actuators, motion controllers), and T-slotted aluminum extrusions. A key proprietary offering is the Pneumatic System Saver, an integrated assembly system designed for energy efficiency and leak-free operation. The company provides solutions ranging from individual components to pre-engineered handling systems and custom panel designs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pneumatic System Saver Proprietary integrated pneumatic assembly system that combines valves, air preparation, and manifolds into leak-free, energy-efficient modular units available in MINI, MIDI, and MAXI sizes for industrial customers.
• Pneumatics Distribution of pneumatic components including NFPA and ISO cylinders, rodless cylinders, guided cylinders, specialty cylinders, valve terminals, fittings, tubing, and air preparation components for industrial manufacturers.
• Hydraulics Distribution of hydraulic cylinders, power units, directional control valves, cartridge valves, and system components for heavy-duty fluid power applications in industrial manufacturing.
• Vacuum Technology Air-powered vacuum pumps (single-stage and multi-stage), vacuum cups, vacuum generators, and handling components for material handling applications in manufacturing.
• Sensors & Vision Systems Optical sensors (photoelectric, light barriers, fiber optics), inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, ultrasonic sensors, pressure/vacuum sensors, flow sensors, and VISOR V10/V20 vision sensors for object detection, color sensing, and industrial automation applications.
• Mechatronics & Motion Control Integrated electro-mechanical components combining pneumatic and servopneumatic components for motion control requirements, including smart actuators, ball screw and belt drive actuators, linear motors, single and multi-axis motion controllers, and sophisticated handling systems.
• Electric Actuators Electric linear actuators, servo motors, stepper motors, and integrated motor-actuator systems for industrial automation applications.
• Profile Systems (T-Slotted Aluminum Extrusions) T-slotted aluminum extrusions and modular profile systems in metric and inch sizes for workstations, safety guarding, material handling racks, and industrial enclosures, including fasteners and machining services.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• FestocoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor manufacturing partner offering air preparation components, electro-mechanical components, handling, pneumatic actuators, pneumatic connection technology, positioning systems, sensors, valves, valve terminals, servos and drives. Also offers Festo Fast delivery program.
• EDCOcoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for grippers and accessories, modular automation tooling, rail systems, vacuum cups, vacuum generators, vacuum pads, and vacuum pumps.
• EnerpaccoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for control valves, linear cylinders, power sources, swing cylinders, system components, work-holding components, and work supports.
• Milwaukee CylindercoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for industrial manipulators, hydraulic cylinders, motion control, and power units.
• SensoPartcoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for optical sensors, smart plugs, ultrasonic sensors, vision lighting and lenses, vision sensors and systems.
• IAIcoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for electric and servo actuators, robots including Cartesian, multi-axis, and SCARA robots, grippers, and motion controllers.
• ParcocoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for T-slotted aluminum extrusion in metric and inch sizes, fasteners, ergonomic lifts, machine guarding, and kit and machining services.
• Cool MusclecoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for ball screw actuators, belt drive actuators, electric and servo actuators, motion controllers, servo controllers, servo gearheads, servo motors, and stepper motors.
• PaletticoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for ball screw, belt drive, electric and servo actuators, aluminum profile, linear actuator systems, linear guides, positioning systems, slides, and factory automation.
• ClippardsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for miniature valves, proportional valves, stepper flow controls, pinch valves, and isolation valves.
• Canfield ConnectorsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for conveyor controls, cylinder proximity sensors, DIN solenoid valve connectors, electronic circuits, proportional drivers, round connectors, and timers.
• DamansupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for hydraulic manifolds including cover plates, header blocks, junction blocks, subplates, tapping plates, and valve adapters.
• DeltrolsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for cartridge valves, check valves, flow control valves, needle valves, P.O. check valves, pressure control valves, and hydraulic valves.
• Fabco-AirsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for custom cylinders, cylinder accessories, pneumatic cylinders, and position sensing control.
• MonniersupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for pneumatic filters, regulators, lubricators, pressure relief valves, modular air preparation assemblies, and stainless steel units.
• NasonsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, and pressure and temperature switches and transducers.
• Transducers DirectsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for cables, digital displays, flow and liquid level, pressure and temperature switches, and linear position, melt pressure, pressure and vacuum transducers.
• UCIsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for in-line filters and strainers, pressure gauges, mufflers, thermometers actuated ball valves, manual valves, and relief valves.
• AGI - AutomationsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for grippers, rotary actuators, thrusters, linear slides, mini slides, robot tool changers, and overload devices.
• AignesupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for pneumatic fittings, manual valves, and automatic couplers.
• GAMsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for gear reducers, rack & pinion systems, servo couplings, and linear mounting kits.
• GO SwitchsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for cylinder sensors, high-temperature sensors, position sensing, sub-sea sensors, and wash-down sensors.
• HafnersupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for inline directional control valves with port sizes up to 3/4 inch NPT, optional manifold mount, high flow in compact package, intrinsically safe and explosion proof valves available.
• Renco ControlssupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for pneumatic two-hand no-tie-down controls and electronic two-hand no-tie-down controls.
• Robo-ToolsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for clamp blocks, precision aluminum tubes, level compensators, nipper clamps, robotic end-of-arm tooling, and swivel flange blocks.
• Spartan ScientificsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for air-piloted valves, diaphragm process valves, direct-acting solenoid valves, drain valves, media separated valves, and solenoid operators.
• STXIsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for integrated motors, servo motors, gear motors, wheel-hub gear motors, servo drives, and motion controllers.
• AlphasupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for quick connect couplings, pneumatic fittings, and various valve products including ball, check, and needle valves.
• NGT / DeltrolsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for cartridge valves and P.O. check valves.
• NeugartsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for drive components, servo gearheads, and planetary speed reducers.
• LenzsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for hydraulic filters and hydraulic fittings.
• GERWAHsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for drive components.
• Nachi HydraulicssupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for hydraulic power units with fixed or variable pumps, vertical or horizontal construction, quality filtration, and energy efficient design.
• HTMsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for safety light curtains, proximity switches, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, photoelectric sensors, and optical sensors.
• ASIsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for control systems, linear actuator systems, and modular automation assemblies.
• PCIsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for diagnostics, couplings, pressure gauges, and various valve products including ball, check, directional, and flow control valves.
• Automated VisionsupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for vision systems.
• Pneumatic Cylinder & CouplersupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for NFPA cylinders including aluminum, steel, or stainless steel construction with bore sizes up to 16 inches.
• Pressure ConnectionssupportingTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing partner for hydraulic hose, hydraulic fittings, test points and gauge ports, cushion clamps, and hose crimpers.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• AutomationDirect: AutomationDirect is a large e-commerce distributor of PLCs, pneumatics, sensors, drives and motion control products serving manufacturing customers. It is a direct peer because both companies distribute overlapping industrial automation component portfolios with the same target buyer profile.
• CIMTEC Automation: CIMTEC Automation is an industrial automation distributor and integrator serving the Midwest and East Coast with motion control, pneumatics, vision systems and robotics. Direct peer because it serves the same types of customers with substantially overlapping product lines.
• Power/mation: Power/mation is a Midwest-focused industrial automation distributor representing motion control, pneumatics, vision and robotics manufacturers. Comparable as a regional distributor with overlapping product lines and the same Midwest industrial customer base.
• Tri-Phase Automation: Tri-Phase Automation is a Wisconsin-based industrial automation distributor offering pneumatics, motion control, vision, robotics and related components. It is the most directly comparable peer because it shares branding, group identity, geography, customer base, and product categories with Automation Solutions of WI.
• Motion & Control Enterprises (MCE): Motion & Control Enterprises, formed from Kaman Industrial Technologies, is an industrial automation distributor focused on pneumatics, motion control and fluid power. Direct peer as a similarly structured distribution business carrying many of the same supplier lines.
• AWC Inc: AWC Inc is a Midwest-based industrial automation distributor offering motors, drives, pneumatics, sensors and motion control products. Direct peer because of similar regional distribution model, overlapping product categories, and shared customer base of industrial manufacturers.

Broad incumbents

• McMaster-Carr: McMaster-Carr is a massive industrial supply catalog company selling millions of SKUs including pneumatics, hydraulics, sensors and motion control components. Broad incumbent because it covers the same product categories as part of a vastly wider industrial supply portfolio and competes on price/convenience.
• Wago: Wago is a global manufacturer of automation, interconnect and electrical interface products widely sold into industrial automation accounts. Broad incumbent because it competes in overlapping automation component categories and uses similar distribution and direct channels.
• Allied Electronics (RS Components): Allied Electronics, operating under RS Components, is a broad-line electronics and industrial automation distributor with deep catalogs of pneumatics, sensors, motion control and switching products. Broad incumbent covering overlapping categories at significantly larger scale.
• Festo USA: Festo USA is the US subsidiary of Festo, a global manufacturer of pneumatic and electric automation components and one of Automation Solutions of WI's most important partners. Broad incumbent because Festo sells directly via its own digital and field channels, making it both a critical supplier and a competitor for end-customer wallet share.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

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 Automation Solutions of WI