MicroSwitches
Micro Switches Srl is an Italian industrial automation component distributor founded in 1967, headquartered in Castano Primo (Milan), distributing over 1,500 brands and 1.5 million SKUs from manufacturers like Rockwell, Omron, and Schmersal to Italian factory automation customers via direct sales and warehouse fulfillment.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1967
- HeadquartersCastano Primo, Italy
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What MicroSwitches does
Micro Switches Srl is an Italian specialist distributor of industrial electric automation components, headquartered in Castano Primo (Milan) and founded in 1967. The company operates as a multi-brand authorized reseller of safety components, sensors, photocells, fiber optic sensors, and transducers, distributing more than 1,500 brands and over 1.5 million individual products sourced from tier-1 manufacturers including Rockwell Automation, Omron, Schmersal, Pepperl+Fuchs, Wenglor, IFM, Leuze, Baumer, Gefran, and Danfoss. Its catalogue is organized into five core product categories: Safety (safety modules, PLCs, position switches, emergency stops, safety mats, photoelectric safety barriers, limit switches), Sensors (inductive, photoelectric, capacitive, magnetic, ultrasonic, encoders, RFID, vision systems), Photocells (barrier, reflective, polarized, reflex, UV, laser fork), Fiber Optic Sensors, and Transducers (rotary and linear position and speed measurement). Beyond point-product distribution, Micro Switches offers "Integrated Solutions" — custom-built packages aimed at supporting safety and quality across the full project life cycle.
The business model is a traditional B2B industrial distribution model. Micro Switches holds inventory in its own warehouse to support rapid delivery, sells to industrial factory automation customers on one-time transactional terms with favorable commercial conditions, and operates a direct sales force (commercial office plus named sales associates) that conducts in-person problem analysis on customer sites. The go-to-market is sales-led with a multilingual website (Italian, English, French, German), downloadable PDF catalogs, and a free mobile catalog application serving as mid-funnel self-service tools. There is no usage-based, subscription, or recurring pricing component; pricing is not publicly disclosed and is negotiated direct. The customer base is concentrated in the Italian industrial automation segment, with no named enterprise logos or public customer disclosure. The company is privately owned (Micro Switches Srl, an Italian Srl with €50,000 registered capital), operates without disclosed external funding, and reports no parent company or institutional investors.
MicroSwitches firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MicroSwitches
- Legal name
- Micro Switches Srl
- Website
- https://www.microswitches.it/en/
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1967
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Micro Switches Srl is an Italian industrial automation component distributor founded in 1967, headquartered in Castano Primo (Milan), distributing over 1,500 brands and 1.5 million SKUs from manufacturers like Rockwell, Omron, and Schmersal to Italian factory automation customers via direct sales and warehouse fulfillment.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MicroSwitches industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Automation Component Distribution
- NAICS
- Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (33441)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial Control Cabinets & Power Distribution (Panels, Switchgear for Automation) (IMAHAHAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Industrial Control Panels & Enclosures (Panel Building, MCCs, Integration) (IMAGABAJ), Switchgear & Switchboards (HV/MV/LV, GIS/AIS) (IMAGAAAB), Low-Voltage Switchboards & Panelboards (LV distribution panels, MCCs, switchboards) (IMAGAEAA)
Keywords
Where MicroSwitches is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Castano Primo
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
MicroSwitches business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Component Distribution: Distribution of industrial automation electrical components including sensors, safety modules, PLCs, position switches, microswitches, emergency stop switches, safety mats, photoelectric safety barriers, limit switches, transducers, photocells, and fiber optic sensors. Revenue generated through product sales with favorable commercial conditions.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels3 records
MicroSwitches product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Micro Switches Srl is a specialized Italian distributor of industrial electric automation components, founded in 1967 and headquartered in Castano Primo, Milan. The company distributes over 1,500 brands and more than 1.5 million products across safety modules, PLCs, sensors, photocells, fiber optic sensors, transducers, and related automation equipment to industrial customers, while also offering custom Integrated Solutions packages and technical support across the project lifecycle.
Product overview
MicroSwitches is a specialized distributor of industrial electric automation components, founded in 1967. The company distributes over 1,500 brands and more than 1.5 million products. Its core product portfolio centers on five main product categories: Safety (Sicurezza) components including safety modules, PLCs, position switches, emergency stops, and safety barriers; Sensors (Sensori) encompassing inductive, photoelectric, capacitive, magnetic, and ultrasonic sensors plus encoders and industrial vision systems; Photocells (Fotocellule) for various detection applications; Optic Fibers (Fibre ottiche) for limited-space detection; and Transducers (Trasduttori) for position and speed measurement. The company also offers integrated solutions (Soluzioni integrate) as custom-built packages supporting and managing safety and quality throughout the project lifecycle, along with technical support services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Safety Components (Sicurezza) Distribution of safety modules and PLCs, position switches and microswitches, emergency stop switches, safety mats with safety functions, photoelectric safety barriers and limit switches, sensors, command and control technology, and handling equipment for industrial automation customers.
- Industrial Sensors (Sensori) Distribution of industrial automation sensors including inductive, photoelectric, capacitive, magnetic, and ultrasonic sensors, along with rotary encoders, positioning systems, identification systems (RFID, Data Matrix, barcodes), AS interfaces and accessories, and industrial vision systems and sensors.
- Photocells (Fotocellule) Distribution of photocells differentiated by operation type, shape, resolution, and specific applications, including projector/receiver (barrier) type, reflective barrier type, polarized reflective barrier type, reflex (direct reflection) type, colored tag readers, ultraviolet sensors, optic fibers, and laser fork sensors.
- Optic Fiber Sensors (Fibre ottiche) Distribution of fiber optic sensors ideal for limited mounting spaces or detection of very small objects, featuring intelligent combinations of sensors and optical conductors for specific requirements including operative distance, thermal resistance, material resistance, and mounting flexibility.
- Transducers (Trasduttori) Distribution of rotary and linear transducers, position and speed detection systems used in automated equipment to supply control units with information necessary for implementing closed-loop regulations on controlled axes.
- Integrated Solutions (Soluzioni Integrate) Custom-built packages designed to support and manage safety and quality across all stages of the project lifecycle, combining components from the distributed catalog into tailored solutions for industrial automation customers.
Companies that use MicroSwitches
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
MicroSwitches technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
MicroSwitches partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered major.
- WENGLORmajorWENGLOR develops intelligent sensor technologies, safety systems based on image processing with modern communication standards for industries worldwide. Products include optoelectrical and inductive sensors, ultrasound sensors, fluid sensors, image processing systems, barcode scanners, 2D/3D codes and safety technologies. Micro Switches distributes WENGLOR products in Italy.
- SCHMERSALmajorThe Schmersal Group produces products for workplace safety. The Schmersal range of safety commutation systems and solutions for the protection of men and machines is the largest in the world, including various mechanical commutation and non-contact action devices. Micro Switches is an authorized distributor.
- ROCKWELL AUTOMATIONmajorRockwell Automation is the world leader in industrial automation solutions and information management. Brands include Allen-Bradley for continuous and discreet control systems, engine start-up and protection, industrial safety, motion control and services; Rockwell Software for production management software solutions.
- PEPPERL+FUCHSmajorPEPPERL+FUCHS is known worldwide as a pioneer and innovator in explosion protection technology for electrical components and sensors. Micro Switches distributes their complete product range.
- OMRONmajorOMRON Industrial Automation is a major manufacturer of technologically advanced components and systems for industrial automation, providing consultancy services for every type of application. Products include excellent performance solutions for quality automation and tailored solutions for various industries.
- LEUZE ELECTRONICmajorFor nearly 50 years LEUZE has developed, manufactured and marketed standard sensors and innovative high-tech solutions for industrial automation worldwide. Micro Switches distributes their sensor products.
- IFMmajorIFM products include position and process sensors, sensors for movement control and safety technology, industrial image processing and communication products, identification systems and systems for mobile machines. Distributed by Micro Switches.
- GEFRANmajorGEFRAN offers precision devices for measuring process variables including temperature, force, pressure and position. Also provides indication and regulation products: automation platforms, regulators and indicators, static groups and power controllers.
- DANFOSSmajorDANFOSS offers solutions for industrial or commercial refrigeration and air conditioning, products for heating and district heating, and industrial automation for domestic and commercial use.
- BAUMERmajorThe BAUMER Group is one of the world's top manufacturers of sensors, encoders, measurement instruments and components for automatic image processing. Micro Switches distributes their complete product range.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
MicroSwitches competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- RS Components: RS Components (RS Italia) is a multi-brand industrial electronics and automation distributor serving the Italian market with a comparable catalog of components, sensors, and automation products. It is the most direct competitor to Micro Switches in Italian industrial automation distribution.
- Farnell / Element14: Farnell (Element14) is a global distributor of industrial automation and electronic components with a strong Italian presence, offering a comparable breadth of sensors, PLCs, and safety components. Competes directly with Micro Switches in Italian industrial distribution.
- Distrelec: Distrelec is a European industrial automation and electronics distributor serving Italian customers with a catalog of automation components, sensors, and control products. Direct competitor in the Italian industrial distribution market.
Broad incumbents
- Phoenix Contact: Phoenix Contact is a global manufacturer of industrial automation, connection, and interface technology with broad product lines including PLCs, safety, and sensors. As a brand Micro Switches distributes, it represents the broader incumbent category whose direct sales could disintermediate distributors.
- WAGO: WAGO is a global manufacturer of interconnect, automation, and electrical interface products serving industrial customers. Like Phoenix Contact, it operates both as a brand sold through distributors and as a direct supplier, illustrating the broader incumbent competitive context.
- Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric is a global industrial automation and energy management major offering PLCs, sensors, variable speed drives, and safety systems. As a manufacturer whose products Micro Switches distributes, it represents the broader competitive landscape and disintermediation risk.
- Pepperl+Fuchs: Pepperl+Fuchs is a global leader in explosion protection and sensor technology whose complete product range Micro Switches distributes. As a manufacturer-direct competitor, it represents the brand-level competitive alternative to using a distributor.
- Rockwell Automation: Rockwell Automation is the world's largest pure-play industrial automation company (Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Software), whose products Micro Switches distributes. As a major manufacturer, it competes via direct sales and through its own distributor network.
- Omron Electronics: Omron is a major Japanese manufacturer of industrial automation components (PLCs, sensors, safety) that Micro Switches distributes. Provides both brand-level competition and represents the type of large manufacturer whose direct sales strategy could pressure distributor margins.
Emerging players
- Mouser Electronics: Mouser Electronics is a global authorized distributor of semiconductors and electronic components with growing industrial automation presence. While primarily electronics-focused, it competes with Micro Switches for sensor and component procurement at Italian industrial customers.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
MicroSwitches social profiles
Digital presenceMicroSwitches compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
MicroSwitches financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MicroSwitches leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
MicroSwitches funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MicroSwitches 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 MicroSwitches
What does MicroSwitches do?
Micro Switches Srl is a specialized Italian distributor of industrial electric automation components, founded in 1967 and headquartered in Castano Primo, Milan. The company distributes over 1,500 brands and more than 1.5 million products across safety modules, PLCs, sensors, photocells, fiber optic sensors, transducers, and related automation equipment to industrial customers, while also offering custom Integrated Solutions packages and technical support across the project lifecycle.
Is MicroSwitches a public or private company?
MicroSwitches is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was MicroSwitches founded?
MicroSwitches was founded in 1967. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MicroSwitches based?
MicroSwitches is headquartered in Castano Primo, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does MicroSwitches make money?
One revenue line is on record: component Distribution.
Who are MicroSwitches's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are RS Components, Farnell / Element14 and Distrelec. Broad incumbents are Phoenix Contact, WAGO, Schneider Electric, Pepperl+Fuchs, Rockwell Automation and Omron Electronics. Mouser Electronics is listed as an emerging player.
Does MicroSwitches have an API?
No public API is recorded for MicroSwitches.
What industry is MicroSwitches in?
MicroSwitches's product category is Industrial Automation Component Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAHAK, Industrial Control Cabinets & Power Distribution (Panels, Switchgear for Automation), with a secondary code of IMAGABAJ, Industrial Control Panels & Enclosures (Panel Building, MCCs, Integration). Its NAICS code is 335314 and its SIC code is 3823.