Into Controls?

The controls industry has attracted much attention from electrical distributors over the past couple of years – whether it be industrial controls, lighting controls or building controls.

• Lighting Controls:  As many know, Leviton acquired HAI (Home Automation Inc) which many distributors are familiar with.  Nice pick-up for Leviton to further flesh out it’s product offering and combine lighting controls,  security, energy management and entertainment controls to the residential and light commercial market..  With the inevitable rebound in housing, the continued growth of the renovation market and the sales marketing support that Leviton can provide to the HAI product offering, this is a nice acquisition for Leviton.  While Leviton says it will keep the HAI brand, some feel that this is a mistake as the Leviton brand is much stronger … but, sometimes short-term sacrifices need to be made to get a acquisition done.
• Industrial Control: By industrial control we’re referencing controlling equipment within an industrial plant as well as industrial automation equipment.  We were talking with someone last week who directed us to Plantville, a Siemens gamification initiative.  For those familiar with Farmville, a Zynga game that is played on Facebook, Plantville is similar.  It is a game where players can become a plant manager.  According to a March press release, there are over 21,000 players in 160 countries.  If you are a Siemens distributor, definitely should check it out (or have the youngest person in the company, sales or marketing play it).  May be something to promote to customers (perhaps like a fantasy league and have a contest to see who gets the highest score?)

What are you seeing in the controls markets?