ABB electronic motor starters are ideal for machinery that you need to start, stop and reverse on the regular. LED Controls is a UK-based Official ABB distributor, ABB Value Provider and trusted supplier of the ABB HF range, shipping electronic motor starters to...
Automation
Industrial Automation Products for Machine Builders and Panel Builders
Industrial automation products from LED Controls Ltd cover the control layer of a machine or process: programmable logic controllers (PLCs), HMI touch panels, all-in-one HMI & PLC units, remote and expansion I/O, programmable logic relays and gateways and network modules. We stock ABB AC500, Unitronics Vision and UniStream, Wago, IMO, Lovato and Finder, with the cables, batteries and expansion modules to complete each installation.
Use the filters to narrow the range by brand, then compare I/O counts, communications and supply voltage side by side. Our technical team can help you match a controller to an existing installation or specify a replacement for a discontinued part.
Industrial Automation Products for Machine Builders and Panel Builders
Industrial automation products from LED Controls Ltd cover the control layer of a machine or process: programmable logic controllers (PLCs), HMI touch panels, all-in-one HMI & PLC units, remote and expansion I/O, programmable logic relays and gateways and network modules. We stock ABB AC500, Unitronics Vision and UniStream, Wago, IMO, Lovato and Finder, with the cables, batteries and expansion modules to complete each installation.
PLC
Programmable logic controllers are the brains of automated machinery, running the control program that reads sensors and drives actuators. LED Controls Ltd supplies PLCs from Unitronics, ABB (AC500 and AC500-eCo), Wago, IMO and Lovato – from compact controllers with onboard I/O to modular CPUs with Ethernet, Modbus, PROFINET and EtherCAT.
An all-in-one HMI and PLC combines the controller, touch-screen operator interface and onboard I/O in a single panel-mount unit, cutting wiring, panel space and programming time on smaller machines. LED…
Shop All In One HMI & PLC →Automation accessories are the parts that keep a PLC or HMI installation running: expansion and communication modules, programming and interface cables, backup batteries, terminal bases, demo cases and replacement components…
Shop Automation Accessories →Edge controllers sit between the machine and the cloud, running control logic locally while logging data and pushing it to SCADA, MES or IoT platforms. This range is being built…
Shop Edge Controller →An HMI touch panel gives operators a clear, configurable window onto the machine – alarms, setpoints, recipes and trends – and connects to the PLC over Ethernet or serial. LED…
Shop HMI - Touch Panels →I/O systems extend a controller with the digital and analogue inputs and outputs a machine actually needs – thermocouple and RTD inputs, relay and transistor outputs, high-speed counters and fieldbus-coupled…
Shop I/O Systems →A programmable logic relay – often called a smart relay – replaces a handful of timers, counters and control relays with one compact, DIN-rail unit programmed in ladder or function-block…
Shop Logic Relay →Industrial networking products connect control equipment to each other and to the outside world: Ethernet, 4G and Wi-Fi gateways, data loggers, serial-to-Ethernet converters, fieldbus couplers and antennas. We stock Lovato…
Shop Remote & Network →Automation software covers the programming tools, runtime licences, supervision packages and support hours that go with the hardware – including Lovato Synergy energy-management licences and ATL controller software support. Licence…
Shop Software →Choosing the Right Automation Controller
The right controller depends on how much I/O you need, how the operator will interact with the machine and how the system talks to drives, sensors and higher-level systems. Understanding where a PLC, an all-in-one HMI + PLC and a programmable logic relay each fit will help you specify the most cost-effective control layer.
A programmable logic controller runs the machine program, reads sensors and drives actuators. Modular CPUs scale to hundreds of I/O points with Ethernet, Modbus, PROFINET and EtherCAT.
- Machine control
- Process control
- Packaging lines
- Material handling
- Building services
An all-in-one HMI + PLC puts the controller and touch screen in one panel-mount unit, cutting wiring, panel space and programming time on compact machines.
- OEM machinery
- Small panels
- Retrofit upgrades
- Standalone equipment
- Test rigs
A programmable logic relay replaces a handful of timers, counters and relays with a single low-cost unit that is programmed from the front panel or a laptop.
- Pump control
- Lighting sequences
- Door and gate control
- Simple interlocks
- HVAC timing
| Feature | PLC | All-in-One HMI & PLC | Logic Relay |
|---|---|---|---|
| I/O Capacity | Expandable to hundreds | Built-in + expansion | Typically 6–24 points |
| Operator Interface | Separate HMI | Integrated touch screen | Small display / none |
| Networking | Ethernet, PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus | Ethernet, Modbus, CANopen | Ethernet on some models |
| Programming | IEC 61131-3 software | Single integrated software | Front panel or PC |
| Typical Applications | Machines, process lines | Compact OEM machines | Pumps, lighting, timers |
Automation Products by Application
From a single machine to a whole production line, explore common automation applications and the products we recommend for each.
Control layer for OEM machinery: a PLC or all-in-one HMI + PLC with local I/O and fieldbus links to drives and safety.
Panel builders need controllers, remote I/O, network switches and the accessories that connect them cleanly on the DIN rail.
Give operators clear status, alarms and recipe control with a touch-screen HMI networked to the machine controller.
Put I/O next to the sensors and valves and bring it back on one Ethernet cable to cut wiring and commissioning time.
Level, pressure and duty/standby control with a compact controller or logic relay, with remote monitoring where needed.
Gateways, switches and modems link machines to SCADA, cloud dashboards and maintenance systems.
Trusted Automation Manufacturers
We supply automation controllers, HMIs and I/O from manufacturers trusted by machine builders and system integrators across the UK.
Unitronics combines PLC and HMI in one unit with the UniStream and Vision ranges, backed by free programming software and straightforward licensing.
Explore Unitronics Products →ABB AC500 and AC500-eCo PLCs offer a scalable, modular platform with strong integration to ABB drives and motion products.
Explore ABB Products →Wago I/O systems and PFC controllers provide compact, fieldbus-independent remote I/O with the reliability of CAGE CLAMP connection technology.
Explore Wago Products →Lovato programmable relays, gateways and data loggers give panel builders a cost-effective route to control and remote monitoring.
Explore Lovato Electric Products →Looking for Another Manufacturer?
In addition to Unitronics, ABB, Wago and Lovato Electric, we supply products from over 40 leading industrial automation manufacturers, helping engineers source everything they need from one trusted supplier.
View All ManufacturersFrequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often about PLCs, HMIs and I/O. If you need help with a specific application, our technical team is happy to talk it through.
What is the difference between a PLC and a programmable logic relay?
When should I choose an all-in-one HMI + PLC?
Which industrial networks do your controllers support?
Can I add I/O to an existing controller?
Do you supply the programming software?
Which automation brands does LED Controls supply?
Do you offer trade accounts?
Do you provide technical support after purchase?
Why Businesses Choose LED Controls
From single replacement components to complete automation solutions, businesses across the UK trust LED Controls for expert advice, leading brands and dependable customer service. Our experienced team supports customers throughout every stage of their project, from specification through to delivery.
As an ABB Value Provider and Danfoss Authorised Partner, we supply genuine products backed by manufacturer expertise and support.
Our knowledgeable team can assist with product selection, application advice and identifying the most suitable automation solution for your project.
Thousands of automation products are available for fast dispatch, helping minimise downtime and keep your projects moving.
We support OEMs, panel builders, machine manufacturers, system integrators and maintenance engineers across a wide range of industrial sectors.
Need Help Specifying Your Automation System?
Whether you are choosing a PLC, an HMI, remote I/O or the network that ties them together, our experienced technical team is here to help you find the right products for your application.
● latest blog
Factory Automation
Insights
Looking for a Better Danfoss Drives Supplier? Try LED Controls
LED Controls is an official Danfoss Drives Authorised Partner. We’ve been recommending and distributing Danfoss drives for years. Already buying from another Danfoss Drives supplier? Send us your next requirement and see how we compare.
Why Buy Factory Automation Equipment from a Specialist Distributor like LED Controls?
LED Controls is a UK-based specialist distributor bringing all your factory automation and industrial control distribution needs together under one roof.







