AWC
AWC, Inc. is a privately held industrial automation distributor and manufacturer's representative founded in 1965, selling factory automation, process control, and pneumatic products from 20+ OEM partners (Siemens, Festo, Honeywell, Rittal, Phoenix Contact, and others) to manufacturing and process industry customers across the US Gulf Coast, supported by 400+ certified technical specialists, 24/7 support, integration labs, and e-commerce ordering.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1965
- HeadquartersPelham, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AWC does
AWC, Inc. is a privately held industrial automation distributor and manufacturer's representative founded in 1965 and headquartered in Pelham, Alabama. The company sells, integrates, and supports a broad portfolio of factory automation and process control products sourced from more than twenty technology partners, organized into two principal solution lines: Factory & OEM Solutions (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motor controls, sensors, enclosures, industrial networking, power, terminal blocks, conduit, and pneumatics) and Process Solutions (instrumentation, instrument valves, process valves, pressure relief, and flow control). Core OEM partners include Siemens (a Core partner across Siemens S7-1200, S7-1500, ET200SP, S7-300, and S7-400 lines), Rittal, Phoenix Contact, Festo, Banner Engineering, Turck, Eaton, Honeywell, Wika, Brooks Instrument, Farris, Valmet (Neles), IMI Critical, Asco, Drager, and Continental Disc Corporation.
AWC monetizes through a hardware distribution model combined with a layer of value-added services. Revenue is generated primarily via product resale (with quote-based pricing, volume discounts, and an e-commerce storefront at ww2.awc-inc.com offering custom catalogs, BOM import, and account-managed ordering) and secondarily via applications engineering, in-house testing and integration labs, 24/7 technical support, Digital Transformation Labs workforce training, Safe-on-Site safety certification programs, and a continuously updated Tech Resources content library. Customer segments are organized horizontally across industrial end-markets — Manufacturing, Metal Fabrication, Aerospace, and Food & Beverage — with documented activity targeting North Texas manufacturers responding to labor shortages.
The company employs 400+ automation and control systems specialists (firmographic range 251–500 total headcount) operating from local support centers across the US Gulf Coast region, including staffed offices in Houston, Dallas, Orlando, and Oklahoma. Sales are led by direct field teams with vendor-certified specialists (including multiple Siemens Certified Technology Specialists and SITRAIN instructors) addressing an enterprise and mid-market industrial buyer base. Bob Wenyon is CEO & President; the management team is otherwise comprised of functional specialists rather than disclosed C-suite executives beyond Health, Safety & Environmental leadership.
AWC firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AWC
- Legal name
- AWC, Inc.
- Website
- https://awc-inc.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1965
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- AWC, Inc. is a privately held industrial automation distributor and manufacturer's representative founded in 1965, selling factory automation, process control, and pneumatic products from 20+ OEM partners (Siemens, Festo, Honeywell, Rittal, Phoenix Contact, and others) to manufacturing and process industry customers across the US Gulf Coast, supported by 400+ certified technical specialists, 24/7 support, integration labs, and e-commerce ordering.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AWC industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Automation Distribution
- NAICS
- Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK), Industrial Automation Software (SCADA, HMI, MES, Historian) (IMAHAHAJ), PLC, HMI & SCADA Automation (EDAOAHAD)
Keywords
Where AWC is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pelham
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
AWC business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Product Distribution: Sale of automation and control products including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, enclosures, motor controls, VFDs, power supplies, circuit protection, pneumatic systems, instrumentation, and process valves through distribution
- Technical Services: Applications engineering, testing and integration lab services, and 24/7 technical support
- Training Services: Technical workforce development training through training centers
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | — | Product pricing varies by category with volume discounts available |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
AWC product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AWC distributes and provides applications engineering for industrial automation and control equipment including programmable logic controllers, operator interfaces, sensors, motor controls and variable frequency drives, pneumatic systems, enclosures, and process instrumentation from technology partners such as Siemens, Festo, Rittal, Phoenix Contact, Banner Engineering, Honeywell, and Wika. The company complements product distribution with 24/7 technical support, in-house testing and integration labs, and workforce training through Digital Transformation Labs serving manufacturing and process industry customers.
Product overview
AWC is a distributor and manufacturer's representative for industrial automation and control equipment, offering a comprehensive portfolio of automation components organized into Factory & OEM Solutions and Process Solutions categories. The core product portfolio includes Programmable Logic Controllers (Siemens S7 series), Operator Interfaces (HMI), Industrial Networks (Ethernet, Profibus, wireless), Circuit Protection, Motor Controls and VFDs, Power Supply and UPS systems, Terminal Blocks and Wiring Devices, Sensors (photoelectric, proximity, pressure, temperature, vision), Enclosures (wallmount, freestanding, climate control), Conduit and Fittings, Instrumentation (level, temperature, pressure, flow measurement), Instrument Valves and Fittings, Process Valves, Pressure Management (PRVs), and extensive Pneumatic Systems (actuators, valves, tubing from Festo). The company provides technology products from partner manufacturers including Siemens, Rittal, Phoenix Contact, Festo, Banner, Turck, Honeywell, and others. Beyond product distribution, AWC offers Digital Transformation Labs for training, Safe-on-Site Certification programs, and a Tech Resources Library.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) Industrial PLCs including Siemens S7-1200, S7-1500, ET200SP, S7-300, and S7-400 series, plus associated software and memory cards, for factory and OEM automation customers.
- Operator Interfaces (HMI) Human-machine interface terminals, software, memory cards, and accessories for operator control and monitoring of industrial automation systems.
- Industrial Networks Industrial networking equipment including Ethernet, Profibus, gateways and media converters, wireless devices, and remote access solutions (e.g., Tosibox) for factory connectivity.
- Circuit Protection Circuit breakers, fuses, and electrical disconnect switches used to safeguard industrial equipment and control cabinets.
- Motor Controls and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) Motor starters, soft starters, variable speed drives, pilot devices, relays, and signal columns for industrial motor management.
- Power Supply and UPS DC power supplies, DIN rail mount AC power outlets, surge protectors, and control power transformers for industrial electrical systems.
- Terminal Blocks and Wiring Devices Terminal blocks, wire and terminal block marking, DIN rail, wire duct, cordsets and connectors, signal conditioners, ferrules, and associated tools.
- Sensors Industrial sensor portfolio including area sensors, code readers, displacement sensors, fiber sensors, level sensors, limit switches, photoelectric sensors, position sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and vision systems (primarily Banner Engineering).
- Enclosures Wallmount enclosures, junction boxes, modular freestanding enclosures, enclosure cooling, lights, climate control, and support arm systems (primarily Rittal).
- Conduit and Fittings Electrical conduit and fitting products including condulets/unilets, cast boxes, channel/strut, elbows, couplings, nipples, EMT fittings, flex fittings, outlet boxes, and rigid conduit fittings.
- Instrumentation Process instrumentation for measuring level, temperature, pressure, and flow in industrial process applications.
- Instrument Valves and Fittings Instrument manifolds, instrument valves, pipe fittings, and tube fittings for process control applications.
- Process Valves Industrial process valves for controlling fluid flow in manufacturing and process applications (Valmet/Neles, IMI Critical, Asco, Drager portfolios).
- Pressure Management (PRVs) Pressure relief valves, rupture discs, tank protection vents, and pressure management equipment for overpressure protection in industrial systems (Farris, Continental Disc, Groth).
- Pneumatic Systems Complete pneumatic system components including air preparation, filters, fittings, manifolds, mufflers, pressure gauges, tubing, valves (electric, manual, mechanical, pneumatic actuation), actuators (cylinders, grippers, linear, rotary, stopper, bellows, clamps), vacuum suction cups, and pressure regulators (primarily Festo).
- Digital Transformation Labs Experience-based workforce training service featuring real-world learning facilities with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, industrial networking, cybersecurity, instrumentation, valves, actuators, positioners, pneumatic manifolds, and air preparation systems, plus a proprietary Harsh Reality Controller that induces common technical issues for training.
- Safe-on-Site Certification Safety certification program covering OSHA Process Safety Management, Incident Reporting, Fall Protection, Confined Space Awareness, Control of Hazardous Energy (LOTO), Job Safety Analysis, and Universal Infection Precautions.
Companies that use AWC
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
AWC technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
AWC partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- SiemenscoreTechnology partner for Factory & OEM Solutions providing PLCs (S7-1200, S7-1500, ET200SP, S7-300, S7-400), HMIs, and industrial automation technology. AWC has certified specialists including Siemens Technology Specialists.
- RittalcoreTechnology partner for enclosures and climate control solutions. Rittal North America conducts climate inspections in manufacturing facilities evaluating cooling unit efficiency.
- Phoenix ContactcoreTechnology partner for industrial networks, terminal blocks, and surge protection devices.
- FestocoreTechnology partner for pneumatic systems including valves, cylinders, actuators, grippers, air preparation, and tubing. AWC provides Festo Essentials products with shorter delivery times.
- Banner EngineeringcoreTechnology partner for sensors including area sensors, code readers, displacement sensors, fiber sensors, level sensors, limit switches, photoelectric sensors, position sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and vision systems.
- TurckcoreTechnology partner for industrial automation and control products.
- EatoncoreTechnology partner for power quality and power distribution solutions.
- Appleton (Emerson)coreTechnology partner for industrial electrical products.
- Item AmericacoreTechnology partner for industrial framing systems and solutions.
- HoneywellcoreProcess Solutions Partner for instrumentation and process control solutions.
- WikacoreProcess Solutions Partner for pressure and temperature measurement instrumentation.
- Brooks InstrumentcoreProcess Solutions Partner for flow measurement instrumentation.
- FarriscoreProcess Solutions Partner for pressure relief valves.
- Valmet (Neles)coreProcess Solutions Partner for process valves.
- IMI CriticalcoreProcess Solutions Partner for critical process control solutions.
- AscocoreProcess Solutions Partner for solenoid valves and flow control.
- DragercoreProcess Solutions Partner for safety and instrumentation products.
- OleumtechcoreProcess Solutions Partner for industrial instrumentation.
- GrothcoreProcess Solutions Partner for tank protection and vents.
- Continental Disc CorporationcoreProcess Solutions Partner for rupture discs and pressure relief.
- TosiboxcoreTechnology partner for remote access and industrial network security solutions.
- OnRobotminorAWC presented at OnRobot's 'Build Your Automation Roadmap' event in Dallas, targeting North Texas manufacturers with automation integration strategies.
- FANUC AmericaminorFeatured participant at OnRobot event, providing robot demonstrations targeting manufacturing labor shortages.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
AWC competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- AutomationDirect: Direct-to-customer online retailer of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and pneumatics. Competes head-to-head on price and convenience for the same product categories AWC distributes, though without AWC's local specialist and integration services overlay.
- ADI Global Distribution: Low-voltage security, AV, and industrial automation products distributor serving integrators and contractors. Overlaps with AWC in industrial control products, enclosures, and integration-oriented customers.
- Allied Electronics & Automation (RS Group): Industrial automation and electronics distributor with a comparable multi-brand catalog of PLCs, sensors, controls, and enclosures, serving industrial customers across North America. Closest catalog-style peer to AWC's Factory/OEM Solutions business.
- Newark Electronics (element14): Industrial and electronic components distributor offering PLCs, sensors, enclosures, and automation products from multiple major brands, with a strong catalog/e-commerce motion. Comparable to AWC's distribution and online ordering business but with broader geographic reach.
- McNaughton-McKay Electric Company: Industrial automation and electrical distributor representing Siemens and complementary lines, with strong applications engineering, panel shop services, and training. Operates with similar specialist-led field sales and is one of the most direct competitors in AWC's Gulf Coast and broader US Southeast footprint.
Broad incumbents
- WESCO International: Large multi-billion-dollar industrial distribution conglomerate with electrical, communications, and utility portfolios that include automation and control products. Competes on breadth, scale, and global logistics rather than specialist depth in a single region.
- Graybar Electric Company: Large US-focused electrical, communications, and industrial products distributor supplying factories, contractors, and utilities. Overlaps with AWC on motor controls, wiring devices, and industrial automation products, but at significantly larger scale and broader category coverage.
- Rexel Holdings: Global electrical and industrial automation distribution group serving contractors, industrial OEMs, and utilities. Competes with AWC's product distribution and energy solutions offerings but operates a much larger, multi-country footprint.
- Kaman Distribution Group: Industrial distribution platform (now part of Motion Industries) focused on bearings, power transmission, fluid power, and automation products. Comparable on motion control and fluid power categories where AWC's Festo pneumatics business sits.
Regional players
- IBT Industrial Solutions: Mid-size regional industrial distributor focused on bearings, power transmission, fluid power, and automation products in the central US. Closely comparable business model to AWC but serving different geographic territories, providing a benchmark for regional industrial rep economics.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
AWC social profiles
Digital presenceAWC financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AWC leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
AWC funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AWC 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 AWC
What does AWC do?
AWC distributes and provides applications engineering for industrial automation and control equipment including programmable logic controllers, operator interfaces, sensors, motor controls and variable frequency drives, pneumatic systems, enclosures, and process instrumentation from technology partners such as Siemens, Festo, Rittal, Phoenix Contact, Banner Engineering, Honeywell, and Wika. The company complements product distribution with 24/7 technical support, in-house testing and integration labs, and workforce training through Digital Transformation Labs serving manufacturing and process industry customers.
Is AWC a public or private company?
AWC is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was AWC founded?
AWC was founded in 1965. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is AWC based?
AWC is headquartered in Pelham, United States, in the North America region.
How does AWC make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Product Distribution is the primary driver. The others are technical Services and training Services.
Who are AWC's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are AutomationDirect, ADI Global Distribution, Allied Electronics & Automation (RS Group), Newark Electronics (element14) and McNaughton-McKay Electric Company. Broad incumbents are WESCO International, Graybar Electric Company, Rexel Holdings and Kaman Distribution Group. IBT Industrial Solutions is listed as a regional player.
Does AWC have an API?
No public API is recorded for AWC.
What industry is AWC in?
AWC's product category is Industrial Automation Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAHAH, Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers), with a secondary code of IMAGABAK, Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits). Its NAICS code is 334513 and its SIC code is 5084.