A Journey from a Humble Start to an Industrial Powerhouse
Back in 2003, Fritz Ruebeck was tinkering away in a home office, jotting down the blueprints of what would become a haven for companies clinging to legacy systems—a business model revolved around refurbishing rather than pushing unnecessary upgrades. Now, a hefty 23 years later, Classic Automation stands tall in Webster, NY, operating from a sprawling 53,000-square-foot facility, shining as a beacon for those looking to extend the life of their trusted industrial tools.
Two Decades of Resourcefulness
Understanding their Market
When Classic Automation kicked things off, it zeroed in on supporting ABB systems beyond their supposed expire-by dates, and boy, did they capitalize on that need! As they plugged away, they soon embraced Siemens Simatic S5 and S7 with open arms, wrapping them securely under their repair wing.
"Obsolete parts shouldn't be a death sentence for a production line. Even with planned downtime, we see the need to have these products on hand to prevent costly emergencies," the company vows.
Milestones Worth Noting
- 2003: Foundation laid with a focus on ABB systems.
- Late 2006: Made roomier digs in a 12,000-square-foot facility in Rochester, NY.
- 2007–2008: Spruced up the B2B landscape with live online pricing and a self-serve quote builder.
- 2009: Proudly wore the Rochester Top 100 badge five times.
- 2012–2013: Uprooted to a 41,000-square-foot spot in Xerox Industrial Park.
- 2019: Added another warehouse to expand to 53,000 square feet.
- 2022: Unveiled Panelicity®, carving a path for product migration for Siemens and ABB systems.
- 2024: Rolled out a dedicated development department to keep the innovation wheel turning.
The Competitive Edge
Let's face it, folks—manufacturers clamor for modernization, oftentimes at staggering costs. But Classic Automation isn't having it—at least not if your current setup's still got some life. Refurbished parts? They go for a nifty 30% to 50% less than spanking new ones—think about those margin wins!
The magic lies in offering in-house repairs paired with a comforting 2-year warranty. This bit of forethought keeps gears grinding and wallets not entirely shattered.
More Than Just Parts
The company's status isn't just measured in its square footage or parts—no sir! They're named members of the notable Association for Advancing Automation, present in SAM.gov, and take pride in their Better Business Bureau accreditation. They're woven into the fabric of industry circles, like the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
Celebrating Steadfastness
Marking their 23rd anniversary, Classic Automation rolled out a brand new video to strut their stuff. It paints a stark picture of the risks old systems face amidst a tide of forced modernization and shows how living in the gap between upgrades can be a savvy move. The story doesn't end with their one-million-part inventory; oh no, it celebrates their commitment to same-day shipping and certified repairs. Available on their YouTube, the video brings their brand ethos alive: preserving functioning systems from the brink.
For many, technology's rapid march signals axing the old for fresh new faces. Yet Classic Automation thrives on a different wavelength—because every now and then, old reliable is exactly what we need to keep those gears turning.
