Our Company History: The Evolution of Apex Industrial Automation
Celebrating Decades of Innovation and Expansion at Apex Industrial Automation.
A Journey of Growth, Commitment, and Diversification
Welcome to the history of Apex Industrial Automation—your comprehensive solution for all your industrial needs.
From our humble origins as a small power transmission distributor in 1953 to our current role as an industry leader in Illinois, our story is one of relentless commitment to customer service, innovation, and excellence. Led by visionary President Ryan Watts, we’ve consistently expanded our horizons, acquiring critical players in the industry to diversify our offerings and expand our service suite portfolio.
Step through our rich history below and discover how each strategic acquisition has been a building block in our ever-evolving mission to be a one-stop shop for our diverse customer base. From exclusive distributorships to repair services to custom control panel fabrication, each chapter in our journey shows we’ve been steadfast in adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of the industries we serve.
Our Company History
Click through the years to read Apex Industrial Automation’s history.
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Founded in 1953
Apex Power Equipment
Apex began as a power transmission distributor, setting industry benchmarks in Illinois. With exclusive distributorships and authorizations from top-tier brands like Dodge, Falk, Lovejoy, and Martin, we established a robust network and lasting customer relationships. Step into our history and discover the roots that made us who we are today.
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Rebranded in 2006
Apex Industrial Automation
Under the new leadership of Ryan Watts, Apex Power Equipment underwent a rebranding to become Apex Industrial Automation. Our unique relationship with Dodge and other elite brands inspired the transition. The change signaled a commitment to amplify the strong foundation laid in 1953 into a diverse, customer-centric enterprise that now stands as a beacon in the industrial sector.
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Acquired in 2007
Peoria Bearing
The acquisition of Peoria Bearing expanded our product range, adding prestigious brands like Browning, Link-Belt, and SEW. It propelled us into the realm of Industrial Part Distribution. We also inherited customers that remain with Apex Industrial Automation to this day. This strategic move further solidified our role as a one-stop shop for customer needs across multiple industrial sectors.
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Acquired in 2009
Industrial Motor Service
By integrating Industrial Motor Service into our operations, we diversified our services, adding motor, pump, and gearbox repairs. Their stellar reputation amplified our service quality, creating synergies that enhanced options for their existing customer base and adding Electric Motor Repair services to Apex’s service portfolio.
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Acquired in 2012
Jay's Electric
Apex broadened its reach by acquiring Jay's Electric, expanding our service area across Illinois. This old-school EASA shop augmented our technical prowess with experienced service technicians, complementing our previous acquisition.
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Acquired in 2013
Control Headquarters
The inclusion of Control Headquarters allowed us to design and fabricate custom control panels for industrial companies, broadening our electrical and fabrication solutions. The acquisition demonstrated our adaptability and commitment to becoming a comprehensive, single-source supplier. As we continue to evolve, this acquisition underscores our commitment to strategic growth to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers.
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Acquired in 2018
IESCO Incorporated
Ryan Watts led the acquisition of IESCO Incorporated, a large motor repair company known for its quality. Their great reputation in motor repair, coupled with SIEMENS servo motor lab capabilities, enabled Apex to address more complex industrial issues and reinforce our repair services for existing customers.
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Acquired in 2021
Rainbow Electric
Our latest addition, Rainbow Electric, solidified our role as a growth company for motor suppliers. As a typical EASA shop, this acquisition aligned us closely with respected industry standards. Selected to establish Apex as the go-to growth company for motor suppliers, Rainbow Electric was a seamless fit.
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Opening a New Location in 2023
Apex's new Bensenville Location
Apex Industrial Automation proudly chose Bensenville, Illinois, for our UL-Certified Custom Panel Fabrication Shop to enhance our panel design services. This strategic location allows us to provide our customers with superior custom control panels, certified to the highest safety standards, including UL 508A and UL 698A NRBX for hazardous locations. As a Rockwell Automation Solution Provider, our Bensenville facility reinforces our commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, supported by our 24/7 emergency services and comprehensive systems support.
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Mission Statement
We commit to providing customers with exceptional industrial expertise and unwavering support. Service is our product.
Celebrating Our Culture
At Apex, we understand that the well-being of our team is directly linked to our professional aptitude — it’s our personal touch that truly sets us apart. Our culture fuels our passion and inspires us to surpass expectations in delivering industrial solutions.
Apex's Core Values
Celebrating 70 years of service, Apex Industrial Automation continues to tailor our approach to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.
These five core values have been the compass guiding our remarkable journey:
Customer Committed
Our customers’ needs lead the way in every decision we make, reflecting our commitment to service excellence.
Accountable
We stand firm in our accountability to our customers, our team, and the Apex legacy, fostering a culture of trust and reliability.
Enthusiastic, Energetic, Tenacious & Competitive
Our team embodies enthusiasm and a tenacious spirit, approaching each day with energy and a winning attitude that propels us ahead of the competition and enriches our interactions with customers and colleagues.
Innovative
Innovation is in our DNA; we maintain an open-door approach to progress, always searching for better processes, new opportunities for success, and superior ways to serve our customers and support our team.
Embody Team Mentality
We understand the power of networked skillsets, consistently prioritizing teamwork to achieve our objectives and deliver exceptional service to our customers.
Your Industry, Our Expertise
At Apex Industrial Automation, our reach extends across many markets, each with its own distinct challenges and requirements.
Apex strives to provide tailored solutions that address the specific needs of our customers, no matter their industry. We bring decades of experience to the table, ensuring that every sector we touch—from the precision of manufacturing to the demanding safety requirements of food & beverage markets—benefits from our deep understanding and commitment to service excellence.
We aim to help every customer achieve peak operational efficiency and remain at the forefront of their field.
A Message from Our President, Ryan Watts
Since becoming President of Apex Industrial Automation in April 2006, my goal has been establishing an industry-leading distribution and service organization. Our evolution from a local supplier to a single-source solution provider has been driven by continuous innovation, setting new standards along the way.
We were the first in our sector to launch real-time Asset Manager software and mobile apps for iPhone and Android. Today, we’re leveraging emerging AI trends to refine our business processes further, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve. Our commitment is to bring these benefits directly to our customers.
Apex is your dedicated partner in success. We invest in our team, providing them with the latest training and tools to offer you reliable advice and support. Our promise is a customer-centric approach that we uphold 24/7.
As a Supplier
Apex goes beyond traditional supplier roles. We supply top-tier mechanical and electrical components, working with leading manufacturers and associations to ensure you receive the best OEM-quality parts. We excel in product interchange and retrofitting, finding solutions when others can’t. If a part is unavailable globally, we’ll source an interchangeable one to keep your operations running. If your old machinery needs an update, we can retrofit it with parts that meet or exceed original specs, making your systems as good as, or better than, new.
As a Control Panel Design Engineering Firm
We pride ourselves on being trusted advisors in control panel design and engineering. As a UL-508A, UL-698A, and NNNY Certified Control Panel shop, we create custom solutions that are safe, compliant, and tailored to your needs. We focus on innovation and efficiency, whether upgrading existing systems or designing new controls. Partner with Apex for cutting-edge design and engineering that advances your industrial systems.
As an Industrial Repair and Maintenance Shop
Apex is your defense against downtime, offering expert repairs and maintenance services for a wide range of industrial equipment. Our EASA-accredited and UL-certified technicians specialize in repairing electric motors, industrial pumps, gearboxes, control panels, and more. We understand the cost of downtime, so we offer 24/7 support all year. Our proactive maintenance approach prevents problems before they occur, minimizing future unplanned downtime.
Reach out today to discuss how Apex Industrial Automation can streamline your operations and maximize your ROI. Call us at 1-866-924-2808 or email us at support@apexindustrialautomation.com.
Here’s to a future built on innovation, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to your success.
Ryan Watts
President
Ryan Watts
President & Owner