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  • automationdirect main building
    AutomationDirect
    The #1 Value in Automation
  • automationdirect campus 2
    CAMPUS 2
    Fuel Building
  • automationdirect campus 3 building
    CAMPUS 3
    Fit Building
who is automationdirect

About Us

Different in a good way
what automationdirect does

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#1 Value in Automation
why buy from automationdirect

Why Buy From Us?

Our people make the difference

AutomationDirect ...much more than just a ".com"

AutomationDirect is a non-traditional industrial controls company using the best ideas from the consumer world to serve the automation market. Because of that approach, we can deliver quality products to you for much less than traditional suppliers.

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Recognized by the AJC as the top medium size company to work for in the Atlanta area in 2012, 2014, and 2017. AutomationDirect has prioritized creating a company culture that allows employees to take ownership of their jobs and to be rewarded for a job well done.

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Since 1994

Our Company History

AutomationDirect.com, originally founded as PLCDirect in 1994, has quickly grown from its humble beginnings as a PLC company to a well-recognized name in the Industrial Automation Market. As the first industrial controls company to successfully use a direct sales catalog for PLC products, and now with a huge inventory supporting an online superstore, AutomationDirect continues to innovate in the market with both products and sales.

1994
Originally founded as PLCDirect

DirectLOGIC (DL) PLC line is introduced. A good I/O range with low prices versus the traditional suppliers make these an instant hit in the industry. Our company turns a profit in the fourth month of operations, making us a viable alternative in the industrial controls market.

plcdirect
1996
1st Brick PLC under $200

DL105 with 14 built-in I/O is the first brick PLC under $200.

directlogic 105
1999
1st Direct Online Seller

1st Direct ONLINE Seller of PLCs & Industrial Controls

We saw ecommerce as a way to reach more customers and provide a better experience when buying industrial controls. So instead of focusing solely on what was already working (our printed catalog), we launched a fully functional Web store to take advantage of the power of the Internet.

automationdirect 1999
2001
Voted #1 in the Industry

Caught the industry by surprise but not our customers. They've known since day one, we've got their back. Our support is always FREE!
And we've gotten top honors for 15 years straight.

best in service
2002
DL06 PLC update

DL06 PLC supports up to 100 I/O in it's small footprint.

dl06 plc
2007
Our online i-catalog and video library launches.
video library
2008
CLICK series PLC

Our most versatile and expandable brick PLC, starts at $69

click plc
2009
Productivity3000 PLC series

Productivity3000 launches featuring a high-performance CPU and advanced control capabilities.

productivity3000 plc
2010
2-Day Delivery is introduced

"You can't stock enough inventory and have it ship same day as it's ordered?"
Yep, we do. And shipping is FREE on most items if you order is over $49

free shipping
2012
Do-more series CPU introduced

The Do-more series CPU adds speed and greater functionality to the time-tested DL 205 line.

do-more plc
2013
Leadership in Automation Award
leadership award
2014
Best Place to Work Award
best place to work
2015
More PLC Enhancements

Added ethernet capability to the CLICK series PLC. The feature-packed Productivity2000 PLC with enhanced capabilities and a slim, affordable design was introduced.

productivity2000 plc
2017
BRX familiy of PLCs and the Productivity1000 PLC are introduced

Innovative design and value reinterpreted with affordable choices for our customers.

productivity2000 plc
2020
Productivity®Open UL/CE-certified open-source CPU is introduced

MAKER IN - INDUSTRIAL OUT Industrial-Grade CPU (Arduino-Compatible).

productivity2000 plc
2021
Click Plus PLC is introduced

The CLICK PLUS PLC line buils on the simplicity of the original CLICK PLC, providing utmost ease of use with some surprisingly advanced capabilities.

click plus plc
2021
SureFrame™ T-slotted cut-to-length rails are introduced

SureFrame cut-to-length aluminum T-slotted rails make constructing a frame or machine easy and quick. NO CUT CHARGES!

click plus plc
Customer Testimonials

“Love this product, I specify materials for breweries and distilleries and all of the panels I design are exclusively AD. Love the fact that we can get replacements sent to anywhere in the US in 2 days. Tech support has been consistently excellent.”

Murph

Chicago, IL

“Website is easy to navigate. I can always find what I need. Product has always been in stock and received in a timely manner.”

Terri

Clinton Township, MI

“Products are good. Shipping is top notch. However, tech support keeps me coming back. They are patient and look for solutions not just answer questions. Good job!”

William

Seymour, TN

“I have had nothing but excellent service from Automation Direct. The purchases that I have made have worked perfect and arrived quicker than I expected. A+A+A+”

Allen

Nashville, TN

“I was able to design and built a control system in weeks. Your website and technical information that was available allowed me to do this. In addition, the shipping was flawless. Great job.”

Gregory

Cincinnati, OH

“I have come to trust AutomationDirect will provide a quality product and service. Questions before, during, and after the sale are addressed in a professional and courteous manner. Technical Support is great. I do not hesitate in reaching out to them for assistance. There have been occasions when follow-up calls were made, because of the complexity of the situation or my lack of experience with a product.”

George

HOLLAND, MI

“PLC system components that I have purchased from AutomationDirect were easy to configure and have function well in the desired application! Customer support has been excellent.”

Phillip

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL

“The shipping was very quick and you have everything. Will buy there again”

Samuel

QUEBEC, QC

“Automation Direct is now my one stop shop for all pneumatic components. They have the biggest selection of parts, and the shipping is prompt. No more searching the internet for this part and that part. Highly recommended!”

Donald

STUDIO CITY, CA

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