Applied Automation merges with LC Automation to widen UK reach
What's the deal? Applied AutomationDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has merged with LC AutomationDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a Blackburn-based industrial automation distributor, combining the two companies' product portfolios, technical teams, and sales operations across the UK. Both firms supply automation components — from inverters and sensors to robotics and safety systems — from brands including SiemensDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Mitsubishi ElectricDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, OmronDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and Universal RobotsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
What's the endgame? The combined business promises customers a broader product range, more field sales engineers, and expanded technical support. "In practical terms, this means more products on the shelf, more field sales engineers on the road, and more technical specialists available to help," a company representative said.
What changes? Peter Stott, who led LC Automation as managing director, is stepping down to retire. Financial director Phil Dowell will continue with the business, while operations director Paul Catherall stays on for a handover period.
Why now? The merger follows Applied Automation's acquisition of PalettiDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → in Bolton last year. The company framed both deals as investment in the North of England, pairing local expertise with national reach.
The signal: Consolidation among UK automation distributors reflects a push to offer customers wider ranges and deeper technical support under one roof. Applied Automation says it will announce new supplier and product updates in the coming weeks as it builds out the combined portfolio.
Read more: lcautomation.com
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
