Automation and Control Parts Distributors in the UK

What are Automation Distributors?

Automation and control distributors serve as intermediaries between component manufacturers and end-users. They stock, sell, and provide technical support for various automation components, such as PLCs, sensors, and drives.

Distributors have established partnerships with manufacturers and OEMs, enabling them to offer genuine products and after-sales services, including warranties and licensing for specialized equipment.

Not every industrial automation component can be purchased directly from the manufacturer; often, only distributors with authorized partnerships can supply certain parts. This makes them essential in the supply chain for automation systems.

Distributor Business Model

Distributors operate primarily as resellers, offering products and services that simplify business procurement.

Their core business is selling parts, but many also provide additional services like technical support, training, and engineering. Some even offer pre-sales services to assist businesses in specifying the right components for a particular application.

Distributors have dedicated sales teams to handle inquiries and ensure smooth order processing. These roles may vary from traditional sales staff to highly technical personnel, such as engineers, who assist in product selection and system design.

Distributors vs. Systems Integrators

The key distinction between distributors and control systems integrators is their scope of service.

A distributor’s core business is selling components and providing product technical support, while an integrator offers a complete turnkey engineering solution.

For example, if you just need a PLC, you would purchase it from a distributor. However, you would likely work with an SI if you need PLC installed within an enclosure, programmed, and integrated into a plant-wide control system such as DCS.

In recent years, the line between distributors and SIs has become increasingly blurred.

Many distributors now offer system integration services and employ teams of engineers and subject matter experts. Many distributors also have domain-specific expertise, such as motion control and robtics.

Consequently, system integrators often find themselves bidding against distributors.

Leading UK Automation Distributors

The research team at Automation Jobsearch has compiled profiles of the most reputable and well-established distributors in the UK, showcasing their key areas of expertise and OEM partnerships. Below are some of the leading UK industrial automation distributors we have profiled in detail.

• Rowse Automation
• Kempston Controls
• OEM
• SDUK
• Rs-Online
• Farnell
• Parmley Graham
• BXH
• Digikey UK

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Rowse Automation

Established: 2004, Plymouth, UK

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Rowse Automation Company Overview

Founded in 2004 in Plymouth, Rowse Automation has grown from a local distributor to a global supplier, specializing in technical distribution across various industries, including industrial and defence sectors.

Rowse Automation Domains

Rowse Automation Manufacturer Partners

Kempston Controls

(Established: 1940, Rushden, Northants, UK)

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Kempston Controls Overview

Founded in 1940, Kempston Controls started as a specialist distributor of American-manufactured electrical components. Over the years, it has grown into a leading distributor of electrical and mechanical industrial control components.

Centrally located in a 1,850m² facility in Rushden, Northamptonshire, Kempston Controls has become a national leader and is expanding its global presence with operations in Ireland and the UAE.

Kempston Controls has the following in-house engineering teams offering a wide range of domain expertise across the industrial automation field;

• Sensors Team: Experts in sensing products, offering solutions for inductive, capacitive, and ultrasonic sensors.
• Fuse & Control Gear Team: Specialist engineers who support legacy product replacement and component identification.
• Thermal Solutions Team: Provides thermal control system solutions and equipment sourcing for various applications.
• HVAC & Process Control Team: This team offers technical product solutions for installation projects, specializing in sensors, valves, and heating controls.

Kempston Controls Key Domains

Kempston Controls Manufacturer Partners

OEM Automatic

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OEM Automatic Overview

OEM Automatic Ltd is a leading supplier of industrial automation components, representing over 50 top manufacturers. Their clients include machine builders, control panel builders and system integrators.

Operating under the OEM International group, headquartered in Tranas, Sweden, OEM Automatic has a presence in the UK, Norway, and Eastern Europe, along with an office in Shanghai to support customers with production facilities in China.

OEM Automatic in-house Engineering Services has good domain expertise and experience in motion control and vision systems.

OEM Automatic Key Domains

OEM Automatic Manufacturer Partners

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System Devices UK (SDUK)

(Established: 1983, UK)

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SDUK Overview

Since 1983, System Devices UK (SDUK) has been recognized as a trusted provider of industrial automation solutions in the UK. With nearly 30 years of expertise and over 150 years of combined engineering experience, tailored hardware solutions are delivered for a wide range of projects. Products are carefully matched to specific needs, ensuring reliable and proven outcomes.

Quality and legacy support are emphasized as key pillars of the approach, ensuring systems remain future-proof and effective solutions stay relevant over time.

SDUK Key Domains

SDUK Manufacturer Partners

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RS UK & Ireland

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RS UK & Ireland Overview

RS UK and Ireland has over 750,000 in-stock industrial and electronics products from more than 2,500 partner suppliers. With over 100 years of experience, RS is a trusted partner, delivering innovation and efficiency to clients.

RS offers insights and end-to-end solutions for inventory management, integrated supply, safety, purchasing, design, and custom ordering.

RS UK & Ireland Specialties

RS UK & Ireland Manufacturer Partners

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Farnell UK

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Farnell UK Company Overview

Farnell Electronics, part of Farnell Global, is a fast and reliable distributor of automation components and technology for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance, and repair in the UK. From research and design through to prototype and production, access to products and services is available 24/7. With over 80 years of experience, 48 localized websites, and a dedicated team of more than 3,300 employees, all necessary components are provided to build the technology of tomorrow.

Farnell operates under the Farnell brand in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Japan, as Newark in the Americas, and element14 across Asia Pacific. In the UK, products are also sold directly to consumers through the CPC business.

Since 2016, Farnell has been part of Avnet, a global technology distributor, enabling support at every stage of the product life cycle with a unique distribution model and expertise in end-to-end delivery and product design.

Farnell UK Key Domains

Farnell UK Manufacturer Partnerships

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Parmley Graham

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Parmley Graham Company Overview

Parmley Graham is one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of automation, control, and process instrumentation products. Established in 1903, the company has grown into a trusted partner for businesses across various industries.

Recognized as the UK’s largest Value-Added Reseller of Siemens, Parmley Graham offers a wide range of services beyond product supply.

These services include technical support, engineering consultation, and tailored expert solutions to meet customer needs. With ten branches located strategically across the UK, Parmley Graham ensures fast and efficient service, including same-day delivery and online ordering.

The company is known for its industry-leading customer support, available 24/7, and extensive training options to help businesses stay ahead of new technologies. Parmley Graham’s services also cover field maintenance, spare parts supply, and the retrofit and modernization of industrial systems.

The company’s expertise extends into areas such as analytics and AI, as well as industrial cybersecurity. By offering state-of-the-art products from leading manufacturers, Parmley Graham helps clients improve operational efficiency, productivity, and energy efficiency across various sectors.

Parmley Graham Key Domains

Parmley Graham Manufacturer Partners

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BXH 

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BXH Company Overview

(Establish: 1961, Sheffield, South Yorkshire)

BXH is a distributor of bespoke electrical components with over 40 years of experience, providing automation solutions across various industries. The company offers a wide range of products from major industrial automation manufacturers, including Schneider Electric, IMO, Sick Sensor Intelligence, ABB, and more. BXH caters to sectors such as OEMs, oil and gas, and defence.

The product portfolio includes human-machine interfaces, PLCs, smart relays, limit switches, proximity sensors, machine guarding, safety relays, cable management, enclosures, circuit protection, motor control, and enclosed motor starters. BXH also offers technical advice and a comprehensive stock of control and distribution products for electrical, electronic, pneumatic, and electromechanical applications.

BXH is an official industrial automation distributor for Schneider Electric and provides 24-hour delivery of stock items.

BXH Key Domains

BXH Manufacturer Partners

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Digikey UK

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Digikey UK Overview

Digi-Key is a full-service partner specializing in the design and distribution of electronic components. Established in 1972, the company offers the world’s largest selection of in-stock electronic components, serving engineers throughout the design process, from prototype to production.

Digi-Key provides a wide range of design tools and business solutions, ensuring that customers have comprehensive access to products and services through its evolving online platform.

As an authorized distributor, Digi-Key caters to various sectors, including hardware, engineering, and the Internet of Things (IoT), supporting technology and DIY initiatives.

Digikey UK Key Domains

Digikey UK Manufacturer Partnerships