As manufacturing increasingly embraces digital transformation, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) play a vital role in improving productivity and efficiency. With over 50 years of industrial automation under their belt, PLCs remain the go-to choice for a variety of applications, and their technology continues to evolve. If your plant is considering a new PLC implementation, many brands will offer robust hardware and software solutions to support your automation needs.
In ABI Research’s recent Industrial Automation: PLC Hardware and Software rankings, the top 11 PLC companies were evaluated based on their solution capabilities. To help you navigate the options and choose the best PLC partner, we’ve highlighted the 10 most promising brands from this report. By the end of this post, you’ll better understand which manufacturer is best suited to meet your specific requirements.
What are the most popular plc brands today?
Many PLC brands are on the market today, so which will be the optimal choice for your business? Below are some popular PLC brands such as Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Mitsubishi Electric, Schneider Electric, KEYENCE, OMRON, ABB, Bosch Rexroth, B&R, Panasonic
Siemens
Siemens is a world leader in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), renowned for its high-quality products, advanced technology, and strong support. Headquartered in Munich, Siemens is well-known for its innovation and robust implementation, serving a large and experienced customer base in the field of industrial automation.
Siemens’s products, particularly the SIMATIC controllers, are famous for their reliability, creativity, and seamless integration with other automation systems.
This brand has a comprehensive support team and warranty policy, product prices range from approximately 34,825 MYR
Rockwell Automation/ Allen Bradley
Allen-Bradley, a key division of Rockwell Automation, is a trusted name in the PLC industry, offering a wide range of scalable, robust, and flexible solutions. Known for its user-friendly programming interface and reliable performance, Allen-Bradley PLCs are widely used across various industries.
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation is globally recognized and serves customers in over 100 countries with extensive experience in deploying PLCs in sectors such as automotive, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.
Allen-Bradley has a comprehensive support team and warranty policy, product prices range from approximately 2.655 to 35.408 MYR
Mitsubishi Electric
Founded in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric has a long history of innovation in electronics, automation, and motor vehicles. Today, the Tokyo-based company plays a key role in industrial automation with its technologically advanced and reliable Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Mitsubishi Electric’s MELSEC PLC series is renowned for its exceptional speed, robust networking capabilities, and user-friendly programming interface, making it a top choice for both small and large-scale automation applications.
Whether you are looking for high-speed, safety-focused, or compact solutions, Mitsubishi Electric offers a comprehensive range of PLCs designed to meet a wide range of industrial needs.
Costs range from approximately 3,540 MYR
Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric, known for its mission to be a trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency, offers cutting-edge solutions in electrification, automation, and digitization across smart industries, resilient infrastructure, and intelligent buildings.
Schneider Electric’s extensive product line, including solutions for small automated machines to advanced machine automation, is widely available through popular distributors in the US, ensuring easy procurement for customers.
Schneider Electric has a comprehensive support team and warranty policy, product prices range from approximately 53.112 MYR
KEYENCE
KEYENCE is a provider of factory automation. Renowned globally for its advanced sensors, measuring systems, laser markers, microscopes, and machine vision systems. As a pioneer in the field, KEYENCE is committed to developing innovative and reliable Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and other automation products tailored to meet the diverse needs of manufacturing industries.
The cost of products from KEYENCE will range from approximately 3.540 MYR
OMRON
OMRON is a global automation company that provides a wide range of solutions in the fields of industrial automation, social systems, and healthcare.
With a presence in over 130 countries, OMRON is renowned for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence. These Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are acclaimed for their advanced motion control capabilities and seamless integration with other automation components.
OMRON has a comprehensive support team and warranty policy, product prices range from approximately 3.640 MYR
ABB
ABB is at the forefront of electrification and automation, driving a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. With more than 140 years of experience and a global workforce of 105,000, ABB excels at integrating engineering know-how with advanced software to optimize production, motion, energy, and operations.
ABB has a comprehensive support team and warranty policy, product prices range from approximately 12.746 MYR
Bosch Rexroth
Bosch Rexroth, this is another PLC manufacturing brand from Germany. It is often referred to as the “smartphone of automation” due to its innovative and flexible solutions. The ctrlX core controller and ctrlX PLC app provide extensive application support, allowing manufacturers to quickly design and deploy automation solutions in their facilities..
Bosch Rexroth has a comprehensive support team and warranty policy, product prices range from approximately 35.408 MYR
B&R
B&R Industrial Automation GmbH, a leading Austrian company in automation and process control technology, was founded in 1979 by Erwin Bernecker and Josef Rainer. The company offers a wide range of scalable solutions as well as individual components, covering both machine and equipment manufacturing and the broader field of factory and process automation.
B&R’s innovative product range and expertise have made the company a key player in the automation industry. The prices of PLCs from this brand range from approximately 17.704 MYR
Panasonic
Panasonic Holdings Corporation is a leading Japanese multinational electronics company headquartered in Kadoma, Osaka. Established in 1918, with a legacy of being the world’s largest maker of consumer electronics in the late 20th century, Panasonic now offers a diverse portfolio that includes rechargeable batteries, automotive and avionic systems, and industrial solutions.
Bosch Rexroth has a comprehensive support team and warranty policy, product prices range from approximately 3.540 MYR
Where can you buy PLCs?
Many suppliers can provide PLCs for your business, among which you may consider PLCs from Flextech – FlexTech Industrial Supplies Sdn Bhd. With the mission to simplify tasks, Flextech is a factory automation company in Malaysia that offers comprehensive industrial solutions for the entire team of engineers, from application chain, design, R&D, manufacturing, programming, and installation, to commissioning, providing local support, better after-sales service, and quality control.
Flextech specialize in providing solutions for PLCs, robotics, weighing, and general engineering. Their products are used in industries such as Automotive, Construction (HVAC), Cement, Chemicals, Food and Beverage (F&B), Feed Mills, Bottling Plants, Palm Oil Mills, OEM, Solar Panel Manufacturers, and the Oil & Gas sector.
