midwest engineering

What midwest engineering does

Midwest Integration & Automation is a family-owned industrial automation company headquartered in Wadsworth, Ohio, operating as a UL 508A panel shop, systems integrator, and automation distributor. Founded in 2007 by Bruce Hayes and now employing 100+ people across three Ohio facilities totaling 55,000+ square feet, the company engineers custom control panels, delivers turnkey automation from concept to commissioning (PLC/HMI/VFD programming, motion control, machine retrofits, vision systems), and is an authorized Fanuc robot integrator. Its proprietary EDGE Controller product line — closed-loop controllers, high-thrust (1,000–6,500 lb) and low-thrust (150–1,000 lb) brushless DC servo actuators, laser edge detectors, four-sensor arrays, and hydraulic valve stands — supports web and strip guiding applications in steel and metals converting.

The business makes money through five primary streams: one-time sales of custom UL 508A-certified control panels, professional services for systems integration, hardware sales through distribution of 30+ automation manufacturers (with same-week shipping on most lines), professional services for Fanuc robot integration and support, and hardware sales of the EDGE Controller product family. Revenue is quote-based with engineering scope review and preliminary budget estimates delivered within two business days. Customers are enterprise manufacturers across energy (oil & gas, solar, backup generation), data centers, steel & metals, discrete manufacturing, switch gear, and cooling equipment. Distribution is regional (Ohio-centric) with direct enterprise sales and a stocked distribution channel; the company is an AHTD member maintaining factory-trained support across its line card.

In October 2025, Midwest acquired Comtec Inc., a 50+ year-old Twinsburg, Ohio panel shop and design firm, adding PCB and electronics design, sheetmetal packaging, and CE/FM/TÜV compliance capabilities while extending the addressable market into energy-driven industrial controls and data server infrastructure. The company remains family-owned with no external institutional investment, and second-generation leadership (Dan Hayes as President, Sam Hayes as Senior Electrical Engineer) has assumed operational responsibility alongside founder/CEO Bruce Hayes.

Name

midwest engineering

Legal name

Midwest Integration & Automation

Website

https://midwestengineering.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Midwest Integration & Automation is a family-owned Ohio industrial automation firm providing UL 508A custom control panels, turnkey systems integration, authorized Fanuc robot integration, automation distribution across 30+ manufacturers, and its proprietary EDGE Controller web and strip guiding product line for enterprise manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Systems Integration

NAICS

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

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Factory Automation Cells & Integrated Systems (Assembly, Welding, Painting Lines) (IMAHAHAL), Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH)

Keywords

• Industrial automation systems
• Custom control panels
• Systems integration services
• Robot integration
• Automation distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Wadsworth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. UL 508A Custom Control Panels: Custom engineered control panels designed, built, and certified to UL 508A. Ranges from single one-offs to large-scale production runs with full factory acceptance testing.
2. Systems Integration Services: Turnkey automation from concept to commissioning. Includes PLC/HMI/VFD programming, motion control, robot integration, machine retrofits, vision systems, and remote access.
3. Automation Distribution: Stocked inventory from 30+ top automation manufacturers. Technical support and engineering consultation from spec through installation.
4. Robot Integration & Support: Authorized Fanuc integrator providing robotic PMs, end-of-arm tooling design, turnkey robotic cells, and safety consulting.
5. EDGE Controller Product Line: Proprietary web and strip guiding products including controllers, actuators, sensors, and datasheets for retrofits and new installations.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Midwest Integration & Automation is a UL 508A certified industrial automation company that engineers, builds, and integrates control solutions for manufacturers. It designs and manufactures custom control panels, delivers turnkey systems integration (PLC/HMI/VFD programming, motion control, robot integration, machine retrofits, vision systems, remote access), provides Fanuc-authorized robot integration and support, distributes stocked inventory from 30+ automation manufacturers, and sells its proprietary EDGE Controller product line for web and strip guiding applications.

Product overview

Midwest Integration & Automation is a family-owned industrial automation company offering a portfolio of proprietary products and integrated services. The core proprietary product line is the EDGE Controller family — a closed-loop edge guiding system comprising controllers, HMI setup interfaces, high and low thrust actuators, sensor arrays, laser detectors, and hydraulic valve stands. Complementary services include UL 508A certified custom control panel building, turnkey systems integration (PLC/HMI/VFD/motion control), authorized Fanuc robot integration, and automation distribution from 30+ manufacturer partners. In October 2025, the company expanded through acquisition of Comtec Inc., a 50+ year panel shop and design firm in Twinsburg, OH, bringing additional capabilities in control systems design, electronics/PCB design, and sheetmetal packaging.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EDGE Controller: Proprietary closed-loop edge guiding controller for electro-mechanical and hydraulic web and strip guiding applications, including actuators, sensors, and datasheets.

Products and services

• EDGE Controller Proprietary closed-loop controller for electro-mechanical and hydraulic edge guiding applications, supporting HMI touchscreen setup and connectivity with industrial networks including wireless options.
• EDGE High Thrust Actuator Brushless DC servo actuator with on-board drive, providing 1,000 to 6,500 lbs of thrust with absolute encoder (no homing required).
• EDGE Low Thrust Actuator Compact brushless actuator providing 150 to 1,000 lbs of thrust for lighter edge guiding applications.
• EDGE Sensor Array Four-sensor array enabling center guiding for both wide and narrow strip applications, supporting upgrades to current technology.
• Single-Sided Laser Edge Detector Single-sided laser sensor requiring no backlighting; detects both strip edges and guides to centerline for web/strip applications.
• EDGE Hydraulic Valve Stands Pre-piped and pre-wired valve stands built to specification, featuring compact footprint and field-serviceable design with standardized fittings.
• Custom UL 508A Control Panels Custom engineered control panels designed, built, and certified to UL 508A standards at Midwest's Ohio shops, ranging from single one-off panels to large-scale production runs with full factory acceptance testing, NFPA-79 and NFPA-70 (NEC) compliance, and complete electrical design and procurement services.
• Systems Integration Turnkey automation integration from concept to commissioning including PLC/HMI/VFD programming, motion control, machine retrofits, vision systems, remote access, network topology, and HMI/PLC conversion and programming for industrial manufacturers.
• Robot Integration & Support Authorized Fanuc integrator service providing robotic PMs (scheduled tech visits), end-of-arm tooling design, turnkey robotic cells, rewiring and updating of controls, safety standard upgrades, programming of new and used robots, pathing of new and used robots, safety consulting, and specification of end-of-arm tooling for material handling, palletizing, pick and place, and press tending applications.
• Automation Distribution Stocked inventory distribution from 30+ top automation manufacturers including Fanuc, Wago, Moxa, HMS Networks, Parker Hannifin, Yaskawa, Murrelektronik, Ametek, Temposonics, and Exor, backed by AHTD membership and factory-trained engineering support from spec through installation with same-week shipping on most stocked items.
• Hydraulic to Electro-Mechanical Upgrade Service On-site mechanical engineering service to remove old hydraulic cylinders and install electro-mechanical actuators as an upgrade path for web and strip guiding equipment.
• Comtec Inc. Industrial Controls & Integration Services Acquired Comtec division providing control systems design, PLC/PC/embedded microprocessor programming, electronics and PCB design, sheetmetal packaging design, and UL 508A certified panel manufacturing with CE, Factory Mutual, and TÜV-Rheinland compliance, supporting energy-driven industrial controls and data server infrastructure industries.

Quantifiable outcome

• 55,000+ square feet of manufacturing space across 3 facilities
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, notable and supporting.

• Fanuc AmericacoreTechnology or IntegrationAuthorized Fanuc integrator since 2009 with 25+ years of combined robot integration experience. Midwest programs, installs, and supports new and legacy Fanuc robot cells across major industry segments.
• NASA Glenn Research CenternotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with NASA to identify network infrastructure requirements for NASA Glenn Research Center. Recommended and tested Moxa switches for network upgrades, which achieved highest performance ranking.
• International Space Station (ISS)notableStrategic or Co-development PartnerISS adopted Moxa technology in its External Wireless Communication and Tracking system. Moxa's technology passed rigorous testing for fluctuating temperatures (-100°C to 100°C) and harsh radiation levels.
• MoxacoreTechnology or IntegrationStocked and distributed by Midwest. Moxa provides industrial networking switches with cybersecurity features. Selected by NASA for network upgrades due to performance and future-proof features.
• WagocoreTechnology or IntegrationOne of 30+ automation manufacturers distributed by Midwest. Specializes in spring clamp and fieldbus connection technology.
• HMS NetworkscoreTechnology or IntegrationParent company of Anybus and Ewon brands distributed by Midwest. Provides industrial Ethernet and fieldbus gateway solutions.
• MurrelektronikcoreTechnology or IntegrationOne of 30+ automation manufacturers distributed by Midwest. Provides fieldbus and IO systems for industrial automation.
• AmetekcoreTechnology or IntegrationParent company of Gemco and Catrac brands distributed by Midwest. Provides factory automation components including cable carriers and sensors.
• Parker HannifincoreTechnology or IntegrationOne of 30+ automation manufacturers distributed by Midwest. Provides motion and control technologies including hydraulics and pneumatics.
• YaskawacoreTechnology or IntegrationOne of 30+ automation manufacturers distributed by Midwest. Provides industrial robots and motion control products.
• TemposonicssupportingTechnology or IntegrationOne of 30+ automation manufacturers distributed by Midwest. Provides linear position sensors.
• ExorsupportingTechnology or IntegrationOne of 30+ automation manufacturers distributed by Midwest. Provides industrial HMIs and IoT solutions.
• Association for High Technology Distribution (AHTD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional association membership keeping Midwest ahead of national automation trends and maintaining factory-trained support for 30+ component manufacturers.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Siemens: Global industrial automation incumbent with a comprehensive portfolio spanning PLCs, drives, HMI, SCADA, and integrated drive/motor systems. Competes with Midwest at the high end of integration projects and through its Solution Partner program.
• Rockwell Automation: Largest pure-play industrial automation incumbent offering PLCs, drives, motion control, and a global network of certified integrators. Competes with Midwest indirectly through its partner ecosystem and on direct enterprise accounts.
• Yaskawa America: Industrial robot and motion control manufacturer, one of Midwest's 30+ distribution partners. Overlaps as both a supplier and an indirect competitor in motion control and robotics integration services.

Direct peers

• Hallam-ICS: Control system integration and engineering services firm covering PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, and process automation for manufacturers. Comparable to Midwest in service scope and engineering-led delivery model.
• Genesis Systems: FANUC-authorized robotic systems integrator specializing in robotic welding, material handling, and turnkey robot cells. Comparable to Midwest as a fellow Fanuc Authorized Integrator with shared robot integration and tooling expertise.
• Huffman Engineering: Control system integrator based in Nebraska providing UL 508A panel build, PLC/HMI/SCADA programming, and systems integration services to industrial manufacturers. Closely comparable to Midwest in service mix, scale, and engineering-led mid-market focus.
• Avanceon: Industrial automation and systems integration provider serving process and discrete manufacturing with control panel fabrication, PLC/DCS integration, and aftermarket services. Comparable to Midwest in core service offerings, though Avanceon is significantly larger and internationally focused.
• Tesco Controls: UL 508A panel shop and systems integrator specializing in custom control panels, SCADA integration, and water/wastewater/industrial automation. Highly comparable on panel shop and integration capabilities.
• MAVERICK Technologies: Rockwell Automation-owned system integrator offering industrial automation, control panel fabrication, and MES solutions across the U.S. Comparable to Midwest on integration services and UL-listed panel build, with a broader geographic and platform reach.
• RoviSys: Independent systems integrator offering process automation, control panel fabrication, and information solutions across multiple U.S. offices. Comparable to Midwest in providing turnkey automation, though RoviSys is larger and serves a broader geographic footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 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 midwest engineering