Aparatos Eléctricos Automáticos

What Aparatos Eléctricos Automáticos does

Aparatos Eléctricos Automáticos (AEA) is an Argentine industrial automation distributor and light manufacturer founded in 1962 and headquartered at Asunción 2135, Buenos Aires. The company sells a portfolio of more than 2,000 SKUs spanning PLCs, sensors, motor controls, power quality equipment, and IIoT connectivity hardware sourced from international technology partners including Unitronics (Israel), Baumer (Switzerland), TR Electronic (Germany), LS Electric (South Korea), Idec (Japan), Biduk, Rievtech, ENTES, IXON, Kakon, and Nietz. AEA also manufactures its own brand of watertight junction boxes locally in Argentina, providing a small domestic production footprint alongside its distribution business.

AEA's go-to-market is B2B hardware sales through three channels: a network of 50+ authorized distributors across Argentina, direct sales from its Buenos Aires office, and a self-serve online catalog at catalogo.aea.com.ar. Pricing is quote-based with no published list prices, and the company estimates 15+ strategic alliances underpin its supplier portfolio. The primary customer segments are industrial manufacturers integrating automation into production lines and distributor/reseller buyers who carry AEA's portfolio downstream. The company supports these customers with downloadable technical documentation, compliance certificates (CE, ROHS, FCC, cULus, REACH on partner products), on-site training, on-demand YouTube courses, an active blog, and the NotiAEA newsletter.

The business model is fundamentally a distribution-led hardware reseller with limited local manufacturing. AEA is privately held, has not disclosed any external funding rounds, and shows no M&A activity. Revenue is not publicly disclosed; the headcount band of 11-50 employees is consistent with a small-to-mid-sized Argentine industrial distributor. Forward activity signals (active hiring, distributor recruitment, ongoing content publishing, IIoT portfolio additions) suggest steady, organic expansion rather than rapid scaling.

Name

Aparatos Eléctricos Automáticos

Legal name

AEA - Aparatos Eléctricos Automáticos SACIF

Website

https://aea.com.ar

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Aparatos Eléctricos Automáticos is an Argentine industrial automation distributor founded in 1962 that sells 2,000+ PLCs, sensors, motor controls, and IIoT connectivity products from international partners to industrial manufacturers and resellers across Argentina via 50+ authorized distributors and a self-serve online catalog.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Components

NAICS

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Wholesale-Electronic Parts & Equipment, Nec (5065)

akta.pro primary industry

Process Control & Automation Electronics Manufacturing Services (PLCs, I/O, DCS/SCADA hardware) (IMAGAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Motor Drive & Motion Control Electronics Manufacturing Services (VFDs, servo drives, controllers) (IMAGAGAJ), Industrial Power & Energy Electronics Manufacturing Services (UPS, converters, inverters, chargers) (IMAGAGAI), Embedded & HMI Electronics Manufacturing (Industrial PCs, HMIs, Panel PCs) (IMAGAGAD)

Keywords

• Industrial automation components
• Programmable logic controllers
• Industrial sensors
• Motor control equipment
• Power quality monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Buenos Aires

HQ country

Argentina

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Industrial Automation Product Sales: AEA generates revenue through the sale of industrial automation components and systems, including PLCs, sensors, motor control devices, power quality equipment, and connectivity hardware. Products are sold through its own catalog, a network of 50+ distributors, and direct sales. Revenue is primarily one-time hardware sales with potential for repeat purchases as industrial clients restock and expand automation installations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Aparatos Eléctricos Automáticos (AEA SACIF) manufactures and distributes industrial automation components in Argentina, including PLCs/OPLCs, industrial sensors, motor control devices (contactors, soft starters, VFDs), power quality equipment, command and signaling components, industrial routers, and its own-brand watertight junction boxes. The company combines local Argentine production under the AEA brand with exclusive distribution of international technology from partners in Japan, Israel, Switzerland, Germany, and South Korea, serving industrial manufacturers through a network of 50+ authorized distributors, direct sales, and a self-serve online catalog offering 2,000+ products.

Product overview

AEA SACIF is an Argentine industrial automation company established in 1962 that distributes and supports a comprehensive portfolio of automation products from strategic international partners, complemented by their own manufactured junction boxes. The product offering centers on programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and operator interfaces (OPLCs) from Unitronics and Rievtech, including the Jazz, Vision, M90/91, Samba, and UniStream series; industrial sensors from Biduk including inductive, infrared, and proximity sensors; industrial routers and IIoT connectivity solutions from IXON; power quality monitoring equipment from ENTES including network analyzers, power factor correction systems, and protection relays; command and signaling equipment; motor control devices including contactors, thermal relays, and motor protection; and soft starters and variable frequency drives. AEA also manufactures their own brand of watertight junction boxes for button stations. The company maintains over 2000 products across multiple product categories with 15+ strategic partnerships spanning Japan, Israel, Switzerland, Germany, and Korea.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• OPLC Jazz Series All-in-one Programmable Logic Controller with built-in HMI operator panel from Unitronics, combining PLC control and human-machine interface in a compact unit for industrial automation applications.
• OPLC Vision Series Advanced all-in-one PLC+HMI controllers from Unitronics with larger displays, more I/O options, and enhanced communication capabilities for complex automation projects.
• OPLC M90/M91 Series Unitronics PLC series with integrated HMI functionality for mid-range automation applications, offering various I/O configurations and expansion options.
• OPLC Samba Series Unitronics all-in-one controllers featuring built-in HMI panels with touchscreen displays for automation solutions requiring visual operator interface.
• OPLC UniStream Series Modular all-in-one PLC+HMI controllers from Unitronics offering flexible configuration with local and remote expansion options, built-in and modular variants for scalable automation systems.
• Micro PLC Series Compact programmable logic controllers from Unitronics and Rievtech for space-constrained automation applications, available with relay or transistor outputs and various communication ports.
• PLC PR Series Rievtech programmable logic controllers including PR-12, PR-14, PR-18, and PR-24 models with digital and analog I/O options, RS485 communication, LCD displays, and real-time clock functionality.
• HMI Displays (RTP/RTS) Human-machine interface panels from Rievtech including RTP-1043 and RTS-6156 models providing visual operator control for industrial automation systems.
• PLC Expansions and Accessories Expansion modules for PLC systems including digital I/O extensions, analog input/output modules, PT100 temperature measurement modules, RS485 communication ports, and programming cables.
• IXrouter3 Industrial Routers IXON industrial routers (IX2400, IX2405, IX2410, IX2415) providing Ethernet, 4G-Global, and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring, IIoT applications, and secure industrial network infrastructure.
• Router Antennas IXON antenna accessories including LTE antennas (magnetic mount and low-profile IP67 variants) and Wi-Fi antennas for industrial router installations.
• Industrial Sensors Portfolio (Biduk, Baumer, TR Electronic) Biduk and Baumer industrial sensors including inductive sensors (D8, D12, D18, D30 cylindrical and rectangular types), infrared sensors, proximity sensors, and AlphaProx precision analog sensors with various NPN/PNP and NA/NC output configurations.
• Network Analyzers and Power Quality Products ENTES power quality monitoring equipment including MPR-14, MPR-45S-96, MPR-47S-96, and MPR-47SE-96 network analyzers for measuring and analyzing electrical network parameters.
• Power Factor Correction Equipment ENTES automatic power factor correction systems including RG-6T (6-step), RG-8BS-96 (8-step), and RG-12T (12-step) varimetric relays for reactive power compensation.
• Multimeters and Current Transformers ENTES measurement equipment including EMM-04 and EMM-04CS multimeters and ENT series current transformers (30, 40, 60, 80) for power monitoring applications.
• Voltage and Phase Relays ENTES protection relays including GKRC series voltage relays (monofasic, three-phase with neutral) and PF series phase relays for electrical system protection.
• Junction Boxes for Button Stations AEA-brand watertight junction boxes for button stations made from ABS plastic and polyester with fiberglass, available in blind and pre-perforated versions for various button/selector configurations.
• Command and Signaling Equipment Industrial control components including pushbuttons, selectors, illuminated buttons, foot pedals, buzzer columns, pilot lights, and micro switches for machine control and signaling.
• Contactors and Motor Protection Power control devices including contactors, mini contactors, modular contactors, thermal relays, motor circuit breakers, and motor protection relays for industrial motor control applications.
• Soft Starters and Variable Frequency Drives Motor starting and speed control equipment including soft starters for reduced voltage starting and VFDs for variable speed motor control applications.

Named customers9 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• UnitronicscoreTechnology or IntegrationUnitronics is an international manufacturer of PLCs, OPLCs, and HMI products. AEA serves as the authorized distributor for Unitronics products in Argentina, offering the full lineup including Jazz, Vision, Samba, M90/M91, and UniStream series through its catalog.
• BaumercoreTechnology or IntegrationBaumer is a Swiss manufacturer of industrial sensors. AEA distributes Baumer products in Argentina, including AlphaProx inductive sensors showcased on the company's blog as a flagship brand.
• TR ElectroniccoreTechnology or IntegrationTR Electronic (Germany) is a manufacturer of industrial automation sensors and encoders. AEA distributes TR Electronic products in the Argentine market through its catalog.
• LS ElectriccoreTechnology or IntegrationLS Electric (South Korea) is a manufacturer of industrial automation equipment including PLCs and motor controls. AEA distributes LS Electric products in Argentina.
• IdeccoreTechnology or IntegrationIdec (Japan) is a manufacturer of industrial automation and control components. AEA distributes Idec products including switches, relays, and sensors in the Argentine market.
• BidukcoreTechnology or IntegrationBiduk is a manufacturer of industrial sensors (inductive, infrared, photoelectric). AEA distributes Biduk products in Argentina, cataloging 134 Biduk SKUs including sensors with various specifications.
• RievtechcoreTechnology or IntegrationRievtech is a manufacturer of PLCs, micro PLCs, and HMI products. AEA distributes Rievtech products in Argentina, offering the PR series PLCs and RTP/RTS HMI screens through its catalog.
• ENTEScoreTechnology or IntegrationENTES (Turkey) is a manufacturer of power quality and measurement equipment including network analyzers, power factor correctors, multimeters, and current transformers. AEA distributes ENTES products in Argentina, cataloging 28 ENTES products.
• IXONcoreTechnology or IntegrationIXON (Belgium) is a manufacturer of industrial routers for connectivity and IIoT applications. AEA distributes IXON products in Argentina, including the IXrouter3 series (Ethernet, 4G, Wi-Fi models) and antennas.
• KakoncoreTechnology or IntegrationKakon is a manufacturer of industrial automation components. AEA distributes Kakon products in Argentina as part of its portfolio of international automation brands.
• NietzcoreTechnology or IntegrationNietz is a manufacturer of industrial automation components. AEA distributes Nietz products in the Argentine market.
• Japan (National Technology Partners)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEA maintains exclusive strategic alliances with technology manufacturers from Japan (e.g., Idec), representing one of its key international technology sourcing regions. Products sourced from Japan cover command and signaling, control, and safety components.
• Israel (National Technology Partners)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEA maintains exclusive strategic alliances with technology manufacturers from Israel (e.g., Unitronics), representing one of its key international technology sourcing regions. Products sourced from Israel include PLCs and OPLCs for industrial automation.
• Switzerland (National Technology Partners)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEA maintains exclusive strategic alliances with technology manufacturers from Switzerland (e.g., Baumer), representing one of its key international technology sourcing regions. Products sourced from Switzerland include precision industrial sensors.
• Germany (National Technology Partners)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEA maintains exclusive strategic alliances with technology manufacturers from Germany (e.g., TR Electronic), representing one of its key international technology sourcing regions. Products sourced from Germany include sensors and encoders.
• South Korea (National Technology Partners)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEA maintains exclusive strategic alliances with technology manufacturers from South Korea (e.g., LS Electric), representing one of its key international technology sourcing regions. Products sourced from South Korea include PLCs and motor control equipment.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• ABB: Swiss-Swedish automation and electrification major selling PLCs, drives, motors, and instrumentation into Argentina. Competes across AEA's full industrial automation stack with deeper engineering resources.
• Siemens: Global industrial automation giant with direct presence in Argentina across PLCs, drives, sensors, and industrial software. Competes with AEA on breadth of portfolio and brand, though AEA targets mid-market customers with bundled partner-brand offerings.
• Rockwell Automation: US-based industrial automation leader offering Allen-Bradley PLCs, drives, and software. Has a direct Argentine channel and competes with AEA for mid-to-large industrial customers.
• Festo: German pneumatics, automation, and process control supplier with Argentine operations. Overlaps with AEA in sensors, controllers, and industrial automation components for factory automation.
• Schneider Electric: Multinational automation and power management supplier with strong Argentine operations. Overlaps directly with AEA's motor control, power quality, and PLC offerings via its Modicon and TeSys lines.
• Phoenix Contact: German manufacturer of industrial connectivity, controllers, and automation components with established LATAM distribution. Overlaps with AEA's connectivity and control portfolio, particularly in PLC-adjacent I/O and interface products.
• Mitsubishi Electric: Japanese automation and electrical equipment major selling PLCs, HMIs, drives, and low-voltage components globally. Competes directly with AEA's PLC and motor control lines in Argentina's industrial market.

Regional players

• WEG: Brazilian industrial conglomerate with significant automation, motor control, and power quality offerings and strong LATAM reach. Competes with AEA in Argentine motor control and automation markets from a regional manufacturing base.

Direct peers

• Unitronics: Israeli manufacturer of PLCs, OPLCs, and HMIs. AEA is its exclusive Argentine distributor, but Unitronics sells directly in other markets — making it a partner that could shift to direct distribution and become a head-to-head competitor in Argentina.
• Sonepar: Global electrical equipment and automation products distributor with LATAM operations. Competes with AEA at the distribution layer, serving industrial customers through multi-brand catalogs with similar partner-brand portfolios.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCajjcgaD67C2N9UNQVJqWLw
• Xx.com/marketingaea
• Facebookfacebook.com/AEA.Ingenieria.en.Automatizacion
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aparatoselectricosautomaticos

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Aparatos Eléctricos Automáticos