Which PLC Brands Dominate Industrial Automation in 2025

You see these names a lot in factories: Siemens, Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley), Mitsubishi Electric, Schneider Electric, and Omron. These are considered the best PLC brands in 2025. Siemens has 22% of the market and sells units in over 80 countries. Rockwell is particularly popular in North America and Europe. These best PLC brands are trusted for their advanced technology, reliability, and excellent support. Choosing the right PLC brand is crucial for your factory's success. Look at the table below to compare Siemens and Rockwell in terms of sales and market reach.

Brand	Market Share (%)	Units Sold (millions)	Regions Covered
Siemens	22%	6.2	80+ countries
Rockwell	18%	5.1	North America, Europe

Key Takeaways

• Siemens is the top company with 30% of the market. It is known for its smart technology and flexible automation.

• Rockwell Automation is easy to use and does very well in North America. It works great for robots and hard jobs.

• Mitsubishi Electric has small and cheap PLCs. These are good for packaging and machines.

• Schneider Electric makes PLCs that work well with other systems. Their products are ready for IoT and fit energy and building projects.

• Omron makes small and simple PLCs. These are good for fast setups and robots.

Best PLC Brands Overview

Siemens

Siemens is seen in many factories around the world. This brand has the biggest market share at 30%. It is one of the top PLC brands you can pick. Siemens is known for strong and flexible modules. These modules work with many protocols. This helps when you need to automate big projects. Siemens always tries to make new technology. Here are some cool new things from Siemens:

1. The new SIMATIC S7-1500 PLCs use AI and edge computing. This helps them make decisions faster.

2. The TIA Portal V19 makes engineering work easier. It also supports OPC UA and MQTT.

3. Siemens made its Industrial Edge Portfolio bigger. Now, you can process data right away and do better predictive maintenance.

4. Siemens cares about the environment. It offers energy-saving solutions and helps you see the full life of your equipment.

Tip: Siemens is a good choice if you want a PLC that can grow with your company and handle tough jobs.

Here is a table that shows how Siemens compares to other PLC brands by market share:

PLC Brand	Market Share (%)
Siemens	30
Rockwell Automation	22
Schneider Electric	18
Mitsubishi Electric	12
Omron	8
ABB	5
Keyence	3
Others	2

Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley)

Rockwell Automation is famous for its Allen-Bradley PLCs. It is very popular in North America and Europe. The hardware and software are easy to use. This makes setting up and running things simple. Rockwell Automation works well with its own tools. This means less downtime and better use of machines. The company has about 26,000 workers. It is in more than 100 countries. This makes Rockwell Automation a top PLC brand for many businesses.

• You can run tasks all the time for real-time work.

• You can set up tasks to happen at certain times.

• You can start tasks when something outside changes.

Note: If you want a PLC that is flexible and dependable, Rockwell Automation is a great pick for your control systems.

Mitsubishi Electric

Mitsubishi Electric is another well-known PLC brand. You see its PLCs in car factories, electronics, food plants, and green energy. These industries help Mitsubishi grow as more places use automation. The company’s modules are small and work well. This makes them good for making things on a line. Mitsubishi just launched the FX5S PLC in the iQ-F Series. This new controller gives you strong performance for less money.

Tip: Mitsubishi Electric is a smart choice if you want a fast and reliable PLC that does not cost too much.

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is special because its modules are flexible. You can use them with many kinds of industrial networks. This helps you meet different automation needs. Schneider Electric works with many industries. It has solutions for energy, buildings, and factories. The brand is good at connecting systems. This makes it easy to link your equipment.

Brand	Strengths
Siemens	Strong, flexible modules with lots of protocol support for big automation.
Rockwell Automation	Works smoothly with Allen-Bradley PLCs and industrial Ethernet.
Schneider Electric	Flexible modules that work with many industrial networks.
Mitsubishi Electric	Small, reliable modules for making things on a line.
Omron	Easy to use and quick to set up in many automation jobs.

Callout: Schneider Electric is a good choice if you want a PLC that is easy to connect and can change with your needs.

Omron

Omron is a leader in small solutions for factories. Its PLCs are easy to use. This means your team does not need much training. Omron PLCs are good at collecting and studying data. This helps you make better choices. The brand makes products that last, even in hard places. Omron is quick to follow new trends, like robotics and small smart PLCs.

• Better data handling and smarter choices.

• Simple programming and changing programs.

• Very reliable in tough places.

• Quick to set up for new business needs.

Omron focuses on modular and micro/nano PLCs. These are becoming more popular. The company is very good at robotics and special uses. This gives you an advantage in unique automation projects.

Evidence Description	Source Link
The modular and micro/nano PLC markets are growing fast, showing Omron’s focus.	Accio
Omron is skilled in small, smart PLCs for robots and special jobs.	Accio

Tip: Omron is a top pick if you want a PLC that is easy to use and quick to set up.

Why These Top PLC Brands Lead

Market Presence

You can find the best PLC brands almost everywhere. They are in factories, power plants, and hospitals. Siemens, Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi Electric, Rockwell Automation, and Omron have offices in many countries. This helps them reach customers quickly and learn what people need. These companies do more than just automation. They also work in energy, healthcare, robotics, and trains. That is why you see their products in so many places.

Here’s a quick look at where these popular PLC brands have headquarters:

Country	Headquarters Count
America	Multiple
Germany	Multiple
Japan	Multiple
France	1
Switzerland	1
Austria	1
Taiwan	1
China	1
Israel	1
Republic of Korea	1

These top PLC brands are now very big companies. They work in many areas, so you can trust them for almost any job.

Innovation & Technology

People want the newest technology in their control systems. Siemens makes new products like the S7-1200 G2. It works with older models, so you save money. Siemens also made the S7-200 SMART V3.0. It keeps programming easy. Schneider Electric and Mitsubishi Electric add smart features to their PLCs. Omron cares about safety and easy use. Allen-Bradley, from Rockwell Automation, gives flexible choices for big projects.

Here are some cool innovations from these brands:

• Siemens made three new products for China. This makes upgrades easier and cheaper.

• Inovance Technology now gives a longer warranty for its IO modules. This shows better quality.

• Schneider Electric’s PLCs connect well with other devices. This makes your setup simple.

Reliability & Support

You want machines that work all the time. Siemens has many models and worldwide support. If something breaks, you get help fast. Rockwell Automation has a strong team in North America. Mitsubishi Electric gives you good prices and strong PLCs. Schneider Electric connects everything and saves energy. Omron makes safe and easy-to-use products.

Check out how these brands support you:

Brand	Key Features
Siemens	Advanced tools, many models, worldwide support
Rockwell Automation	Easy programming, lots of partners
Mitsubishi Electric	Good price, strong performance, small size
Schneider Electric	IoT ready, eco-friendly, works with many systems
Omron	Safety first, simple controls, smart sensors

You get fast service, spare parts, and expert help. This keeps your automation running with less downtime.

Popular PLC Brands Features

Siemens: Advanced Technology

Siemens is known for using new technology. These smart features help your factory work better. Siemens brings out new ideas every year. Here are some things that make Siemens stand out:

Technology	Description
Industrial AI	You can use large language models right in your factory.
Digital Twin Technology	You see a digital copy of your machines for better control.
Mixed-Reality Headset	Siemens and Sony give you a cool design tool with NX Software.
Foundation Model for AI	It reads engineering diagrams and helps you fix problems faster.
Virtual PLCs	Audi uses these in its assembly line, run from a data center, and they are safe to use.

Tip: Siemens gives you tools to work smarter and safer.

Rockwell: User-Friendly Design

Rockwell makes control systems simple to use. You do not need to be an expert to use their software. Many people like Rockwell because it saves time and helps avoid mistakes. Here are some things you get:

Feature	Description
Seamless Integration	The desktop app runs Git commands for you, so you do not need to learn them.
Visual Clarity	You can see changes in Studio 5000 files, so updates are easy to spot.
Collaborative Code Reviews	Your team can comment on code, both text and pictures.
Effortless Merging	Changes are merged automatically, so you make fewer errors.
Enhanced Understanding	The simple interface helps you check and understand PLC code.

Note: Rockwell’s design helps teams work together and finish projects on time.

Mitsubishi: Reliable Performance

Mitsubishi PLCs are strong and last a long time. They work well in tough places. You can trust them for jobs that need to run for years. Here is why Mitsubishi is a good pick:

• Mitsubishi PLCs work in hard places, like data centers with liquid cooling.

• They last a long time, so you do not need to buy new ones often.

• The company gives good support, so you get help when you need it.

Tip: Mitsubishi keeps your machines running well, even in hard times.

Schneider: Integration Capabilities

Schneider Electric helps you connect different systems easily. You can upgrade your factory without stopping work. Schneider’s PLCs save you time and money. Here is how Schneider helps you:

• You can connect new PLCs to your old DCS systems.

• Schneider upgrades your network and helps you make changes easily.

• You get features like backup and online changes, so you have less downtime.

Callout: Schneider Electric lets you grow your control systems without big problems.

Omron: Compact Solutions

Omron is good when you need small and flexible PLCs. You can choose the best model for your job. Omron makes it easy to set up and add more parts. Here is what you get:

Feature	Description
Scalability	The CP Family has models like CP2E, CP1L, and CP1H for different jobs.
Ease of Use	All models use the same instructions and software.
Advanced Functionalities	You get easy I/O expansion, fast communication, and ready-to-use blocks.

Tip: Omron helps you build small automation systems quickly and easily.

Industrial Automation Applications

Siemens: Versatile Industries

Siemens is used in many places. You see it in factories and water plants. It also works in energy sites. Siemens gives smart solutions for different jobs. If you need to move products, Siemens S7-1200 helps you do it safely. In water plants, Siemens keeps pumps and filters working well. This helps you follow quality rules. Solar panels and wind turbines use Siemens for control. You get more energy and connect with smart grids. Car factories trust Siemens for careful work. Electronics makers use Siemens for good assembly and high quality.

Application	Description
Material Handling Systems	Siemens S7-1200 controls conveyors and AGVs. It checks loads to make things safer and faster.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants	Siemens manages pumps and filters. It watches water quality all the time.
Renewable Energy Systems	Siemens controls solar panels and wind turbines. It helps get more energy and links with smart grids.
Automotive Components Manufacturing	Siemens controls machines and assembly. It makes sure parts are made right and fast.
Electronic Device Assembly Lines	Siemens helps with careful assembly. It keeps quality high for electronics.

Tip: Siemens works well in many industries. It gives you strong and flexible performance.

Rockwell: Automotive & Food

Rockwell helps car factories and food plants. You get faster work and safer places. In car factories, Rockwell uses robots and AI. This makes things run better and saves time. In food plants, Rockwell helps you track every ingredient. You control how things are made and waste less. You meet safety rules with better checks.

• You can see where every ingredient comes from.

• You change orders when you need to.

• You check quality to follow safety rules.

Note: Rockwell helps you automate jobs and keep products safe.

Mitsubishi: Packaging & Machinery

Mitsubishi helps packaging lines work well. You control filling machines for the right amount. Sealing machines use Mitsubishi to set heat and pressure. Labeling machines work with vision systems for perfect labels. Mitsubishi keeps all machines working together. This stops slowdowns. You can change settings for new packages quickly. Mitsubishi collects data to help you make things better.

Application Type	Role of Mitsubishi PLCs
Filling Machines	Mitsubishi controls how much liquid goes in each container. This makes sure you do not waste.
Sealing Machines	Mitsubishi sets the heat and pressure for seals. It changes for different packages.
Labeling Machines	Mitsubishi works with vision systems. It puts labels in the right place and finds mistakes fast.
Production Line Sync	Mitsubishi keeps all machines working together. This helps products move smoothly.
Flexibility in Design	Mitsubishi can be changed for new package sizes. This saves time and money.
Data Collection	Mitsubishi collects data about how things are made. This helps you improve your process.

Schneider: Energy & Infrastructure

Schneider helps with energy and big projects. You get systems that follow IEC 61499 rules. Schneider lets you see important data fast. You can test how things work before you start. Schneider connects your machines with computers. EcoStruxure Plant uses open networks. You see plant data in your office.

• Flexible automation with IEC 61499

• Quick access to data

• Test operations before starting

• Connect machines and computers

• Easy flow of information

Callout: Schneider gives you smart tools for energy and big projects.

Omron: Robotics & Assembly

Omron is great for robots and assembly lines. You set up robots for moving and building things. Omron uses smart sensors and easy programming. You get good results in small spaces. Omron helps you automate jobs and change fast.

• Robots for building and moving things

• Quick setup and easy changes

• Works well in tough places

Tip: Omron gives you small and smart solutions for new automation jobs.

Top PLC Brands Comparison

Feature Summary

It is important to choose the right PLC brand. Each brand has special things that help in different ways. The table below shows how the top brands compare:

PLC Brand	Key Features	Strengths	Ideal Applications
Siemens	High processing speeds, safety functions, self-diagnostics	Reliable, innovative, flexible	Complex industrial operations
Rockwell	User-friendly interface, scalable, motion control	Easy to use, strong support	Robotics, complex processes
Schneider	Seamless integration, IoT-ready, cybersecurity	Secure, sustainable, adaptable	Energy, infrastructure, IoT
Mitsubishi	Compact design, fast response, cost-effective	Durable, affordable, efficient	Packaging, machinery, assembly
Omron	Modular, quick setup, smart sensors	Simple, flexible, robust	Robotics, small automation jobs

Tip: Look at this table to find the best PLC for your needs. This helps you save time and avoid problems later.

Application Suitability

Not all PLCs work for every job. You should see what each brand does best. Siemens is good for big factories with lots of machines. Rockwell is great for robots and hard tasks. Schneider works well in energy and big building projects. Mitsubishi is best for packaging and fast machines. Omron is good for small jobs and quick setups.

• Siemens: Great for big and complicated jobs

• Rockwell: Best for robots and advanced work

• Schneider: Good for energy, buildings, and IoT

• Mitsubishi: Works well for packaging and fast lines

• Omron: Best for small and flexible jobs

Regional Support

You need help when things break. Siemens and Schneider have strong teams in Europe and Asia. Rockwell gives great help in North America. Mitsubishi and Omron support Japan and other Asian places. If your company is in many countries, pick a brand with offices close by. Local help means faster repairs and less waiting.

Note: Always check if your PLC brand has teams near you. Fast help keeps your machines working well.

Choosing the Best PLC Brand

Assessing Needs

Picking the right PLC brand starts with knowing what you need. Every factory or plant is different. You should look at these steps:

1. Think about how complex your control program is. Do you need simple on/off tasks or advanced logic?

2. Count how many inputs and outputs you need. Some jobs need lots of sensors and switches.

3. Check if you need special features, like fast communication or safety functions.

You also want to look at your work environment. Does your site get hot or cold? Is there a lot of dust, moisture, or chemicals? These things can affect how long your PLC lasts. A good PLC keeps your automation running even in tough places.

Tip: Always check the brand’s reputation and how easy it is to get tech support. This can save you time and stress later.

Budget Considerations

Money matters when you choose a PLC. Some brands cost more because they offer extra features or better support. Others give you basic options at a lower price. Make a list of what you really need. Don’t pay for things you won’t use. Sometimes, spending a bit more now saves you money on repairs or upgrades later.

Brand Type	Upfront Cost	Long-Term Value
Premium Brands	High	More features, support
Budget-Friendly	Low	Basic, less support

Support & Service

You want help when things go wrong. Look for brands with strong local service. Fast support means less downtime. Some companies offer 24/7 help or quick shipping for spare parts. Ask other users about their experience with customer service. Good support can make your job much easier.

Note: A brand with great service can keep your automation running smoothly.

Scalability

Think about the future. Will your factory grow? Do you plan to add more machines? Choose a PLC brand that lets you expand easily. Some brands make it simple to add more modules or upgrade software. This helps you avoid starting over when your needs change.

• Pick a PLC that fits your current needs and can grow with you.

• Check if you can add more I/O or connect to new devices later.

• Make sure the brand supports updates and new technology.

Tip: Planning for growth now saves you time and money down the road.

You see why Siemens, Rockwell, schneider, Mitsubishi, and omron lead industrial automation in 2025. Each brand gives you strong technology and great support. If you want the best PLC, think about your needs and future plans. Ask suppliers or experts for advice before you buy. You get better results when you choose the right brand for your job.

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.

 

AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic   components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.

 

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