AllenBradley

Allen-Bradley is an American brand of industrial automation equipment, now part of Rockwell Automation. The brand covers a broad range of products used in manufacturing and process industries, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor controllers and drives, human-machine interface (HMI) devices, sensors, safety components, and related software.

Allen-Bradley was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1903 by Lynde Bradley and Dr. Stanton Allen. It began as a manufacturer of electrical control equipment and gradually expanded into modular control systems and automation technologies. Over the decades it grew to become a leading supplier of industrial controls, contributing to the standardization of automation practices worldwide.

In the late 20th century, Allen-Bradley introduced and advanced several PLC families, such as PLC-5, SLC 500, and MicroLogix, along with PanelView HMIs and PowerFlex motor drives. The company also offered software for configuring, programming, and maintaining its automation systems, helping to integrate control architecture across facilities.

In 1985, Allen-Bradley was acquired by Rockwell International, and its operations were integrated into Rockwell Automation. Today, the Allen-Bradley name remains a widely recognized brand within Rockwell Automation, with AB-branded products and solutions deployed globally. The brand continues to be associated with industrial reliability and compatibility within Rockwell’s software ecosystems, including Studio 5000 and related design and programming tools.