#USA #Webster #industrial systems #Classic Automation #Automation Parts

Classic Automation: 23 Years of Industrial Support

Classic Automation, a Webster, NY-based company, has reached an impressive milestone, celebrating 23 years in business as a supplier of industrial automation parts. Founded in 2003 by Fritz Ruebeck, the company was established to cater to the ongoing needs for support of ABB systems, even beyond their anticipated usage period. This proactive approach has allowed Classic Automation to specialize in maintaining legacy automation equipment, providing a practical alternative to unnecessary upgrades.

The philosophy behind Classic Automation is clear: "Obsolete parts shouldn't be a death sentence for a production line." The company understands that production lines require immediate access to essential parts to prevent costly downtimes. Its dedicated team focuses not just on finding parts but also on refurbishing legacy systems to keep operations running smoothly.

Growth from Humble Beginnings

Starting from a home office, Classic Automation has grown significantly over the past two decades. It opened its first dedicated facility, a 12,000-square-foot space in Rochester, NY, in late 2006. Since then, it has expanded multiple times, culminating in the establishment of its current 53,000-square-foot facility in Webster, NY, in 2019. This growth reflects the increasing demand for services addressing the challenges faced by legacy systems.

Over the years, the company has introduced various innovations, including live online pricing and a self-serve quote builder, becoming one of the early adopters in the industrial B2B sector. Classic Automation has also built a reputation within the industry, being recognized as one of Rochester's Top 100 Companies five times for its substantial contribution to local economic development.

Value Proposition and Competitive Edge

Classic Automation stocks over one million parts, encompassing new, refurbished, and repaired components. This extensive inventory allows the company to provide practical and cost-effective solutions for its customers, as refurbished units generally cost 30-50% less than new OEM replacements. Such savings empower customers to operate competitively without the need to overhaul their facilities entirely.

Every repair is conducted in-house, supported by a robust two-year warranty, which assures clients of its commitment to quality. The company’s affiliation with notable organizations such as the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) and registration with the U.S. System for Award Management underscore its credibility and industry standing.

Innovative Solutions

In 2022, Classic Automation launched Panelicity®, a proprietary half-DIN process panel controller designed to facilitate the transition from older systems like Siemens Moore 352/353 and ABB Micro MOD 30ML. This innovative solution demonstrates Classic Automation's commitment to supporting advancements while respecting the investments its customers have made in their legacy systems. Moreover, as the company progressed, it established a dedicated development department to broaden its offerings and explore new product lines.

Celebrating the Milestone

As part of its 23rd-anniversary celebration, Classic Automation released a brand video that highlights its mission of supporting legacy industrial systems. The video elaborates on how the company mitigates the risks associated with sudden obsolescence, showcasing its certified in-house repairs, rapid shipping services, and extensive inventory. Interested viewers can find the video on the company’s YouTube channel.

Conclusion

With a firm foundation built on reliability and a deep understanding of the industrial automation landscape, Classic Automation is well-positioned to continue serving its clients for many more years. By blending traditional principles with innovative solutions, the company proves that legacy systems can operate efficiently, preserving existing investments while embracing necessary advancements.