Founded by Ken Doyle in an Elmira, New York garage in 1984, AFI Cybernetics Corporation has grown into a 16,500-square-foot production operation while remaining rooted in the practical, hands-on origins of its early years. The company builds industrial control systems for manufacturers, supporting projects from initial engineering through final testing.
System7Founded by controls engineer and former U.S. Air Force serviceman Mark Elliott in October 1995, West Liberty’s System7 designs, builds, and commissions industrial control systems for OEMs and manufacturers. The company combines systems integration with maintenance, retrofit, and process-improvement support, including projects ranging from small upgrades to facility-wide expansions. System7 is now part of the Corterra Group and emphasizes a personal, hands-on approach backed by 100% U.S. manufacturing.WEST LIBERTY, OH
CIR Industrial Automation, IncSince 1986, Buffalo-based CIR Industrial Automation has built its reputation as a hands-on automation engineering firm serving manufacturers and utilities across Western New York and beyond. Co-founder and president John P. Mackenna remains involved in engineering work after more than 35 years in industrial controls, bringing experience that includes developing an early programmable-logic-controller application at Union Carbide’s Niagara Falls facility. CIR develops turnkey control systems for industrial customers, including factory-floor information systems.BUFFALO, NY
Columbus Controls, IncFounded in 1981 by Gary E. Hanold, Columbus Controls builds custom industrial control panels and fabricated control systems in Columbus, Ohio. The company has grown from a 1,500-square-foot Westerville shop into its own expanded facility, bringing more than four decades in business and over 100 years of combined team experience to applications ranging from data centers to automotive and oil and gas. Columbus Controls is also a UL 508A certified shop, with related expertise in MCC modifications and custom control-panel components.COLUMBUS, OH
Koester CorporationSince its founding in Defiance, Ohio, in 1970, Koester Corporation has grown into a 50-employee manufacturer known for keeping engineering and production work in-house. The company now operates from a 62,400-square-foot facility in Napoleon, where it develops industrial control systems and custom mechanical solutions for manufacturers. Koester’s project managers stay with customers from estimating through shipping, giving each job a consistent point of contact.NAPOLEON, OH