Since 1991, Applied Control Engineering, Inc., (ACE) has been helping our manufacturing customers with every aspect of process control and system engineering, manufacturing information technology and management, and supporting project services.

But where did ACE come from?  According to Tim Cole, it started like this...

The original idea was voiced by Paul Fruehauf; to form a company, delivering process control engineering services and systems.  This was late in the year 1990, and Paul, Alex Shields and Tim began meeting two to three times a month to discuss the company organization, name, offering, and generally how to go to market.  Applied Control Engineering, Inc. (ACE) was incorporated in May of 1991.

With incorporation, ACE began focusing on where we fit into the Delaware Valley process control systems engineering business.  The first few years were tough, with long hours and under-capitalization.

ACE focused its sales efforts in areas we had experience, applying control systems to process control problems.  Our first customer was Rollins Environmental Services – implementing a Bailey Controls Infi 90 configuration supporting a new waste feed stream. Without a sales force, ACE grew through reputation and alliances with equipment and software suppliers.

Strong growth fueled by good hiring decisions, repeat business, and word of mouth continued across the late 1990s.  Partners Steve Tucker and Gary Hida joined ACE in 1995.  Many other important staff members in technology management, sales and marketing added to our strength.  Today, ACE continues to add current college graduates and key experienced resources to grow and manage the company.

With the beginning of the new millennium came new challenges and opportunities.  In 2004, ACE underwent and passed a rigorous 3^rd party audit of its business and engineering practices to become a Control Systems Integrator Association (CSIA) Certified Member.  Solid engineering, along with our extensive quality system based on ISO 9000 and GAMP guidelines were a large part of our success.

In 2005, ACE acquired TransAmerican Automation, Inc. (TAI) with offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Houston, Texas.  The integration of TAI added approximately 20 new engineers to ACE’s already strong staff of process control engineering and IT experts.  TAI also brought with it a wealth of expertise to address the needs of the metals and oil & gas industries.

In January 2010, ACE acquired ownership of Sequential Automation Consultants (Sequential).  Sequential represents a very similar business to ACE providing process automation services to manufacturing companies in the Delaware Valley.  Their additional experience and capabilities will be of significant value to both new and existing customers.

ACE now has offices in Newark, DE; Danbury, CT; Pittsburgh, PA; Houston, TX; Taunton, MA; Quakertown, PA; and Owings Mills, MD.  ACE has also been listed among Inc. Magazine’s list of fastest growing privately held companies in 1999, 2007, 2008 and 2009.  Today, ACE has over 100 employees in seven offices serving our customers from New England to Texas, and worldwide.