Is AMPS a distributor or a system integrator?
We are both. Small, independent distributors can no longer sustain their businesses selling only components. You can purchase automation components inexpensively from any number of sources so we must add real, tangible value to the product if we expect you to buy from us.
AMPS Industrial Controls does this by offering control system design and electrical panel construction services to our offering of automation & control components. We have been doing this since 1992 and our unique business model has been very successful. We design our systems using the comprehensive lines of control products that we carry. We’re the distributor for these components so we understand them thoroughly and can integrate them efficiently and effectively into your control system.
The word "Industrial" is in your name. Do you work outside the industrial marketplace?
Yes. Harold French brought many years of industrial experience with him when he started AMPS in 1992. Since then, though, we have diversified into many sectors of the economy. In fact, today the heavily industrial customers make up a minority portion of our business. We currently work with companies in all of the following industries:
- Heavy industrial
- Light industrial
- Commercial
- Medical
- Portable equipment
- Government
- Military
Do you work with customers outside of Toledo, Ohio?
Yes, we work with companies all over the United States and Canada. In fact, we have shipped control systems to Europe and South America, as well. Most of our largest customers are outside our home state of Ohio and our growth over the last five years is primarily outside of Toledo.
We have salesmen, engineers and field service technicians who travel to service these customers. Of course, an amazing amount of communication and work can be done via telephone and internet, also, which makes it easy for us to work with customers outside our geographical area.
Can you list companies you have worked with?
Sure, although most of the names you would recognize are our customer’s customers. We work primarily with OEM machine builders so the high profile end customers typically purchase our products through our customers. This is a list of some recognizable agencies and companies we’ve worked with, though:
- Bombardier Recreational Products
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Cities of Bowling Green and Rossford, Ohio
- City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Del Monte Corporation
- Disney Environmental Services
- Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Inc.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Fresh Express (Chiquita)
- General Motors
- Honda Motor Co.
- Honeywell
- International Paper
- Johnson Controls
- Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
- Packaging Corporation of America
- Smurfit-Stone
- Swisher International, Inc.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
How many panels or systems do I need to order before AMPS is a cost-effective option?
We design and build panels and control systems for OEMs of all sizes. Of course, there are discounts for high volume projects but we’ll probably save you money regardless of your volume.
Do you build one-of-a-kind panels?
Yes. We have designed and built many custom, non-OEM systems over the years. We have a very good reputation in the Toledo area for designing reliable end-user control systems.
Can you program my Allen-Bradley system?
We will design control systems and build electrical control panels using customer-specified components when necessary. Customers see the greatest benefit and cost savings when they let us choose the products that are best suited for their application, though. This saves them money on components, engineering and programming. Oftentimes there are very good reasons for using a product like Allen-Bradley so we will work within your specs.
How can I get my panel UL listed?
AMPS is a UL508A panel shop. If your panel is designed to UL specifications, we can build it and list it under the UL508A category. It’s not enough to have it built here, though. Your panel must meet the design requirements and be built by a UL-listed facility.
We can help you through every step of this process.
Do your panels and control systems have any other international certifications?
Almost every component we sell is UL listed, CE certified, CSA certified and RoHS compliant. We have also helped customers through the process of getting their machines UL listed, CE certified and CSA certified.
Let us know what you need and we are likely to be able to help you meet the standards you seek.
How can I open an account with AMPS?
We encourage all customers planning to place ongoing orders with us to open up an account. Upon receipt of three credit references we will establish a line of credit appropriate for your situation. Our terms are NET 30.
We also accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
|
