Gulf Controls Company Becomes the Florida Distributor for Horner Automation Group


Gulf Controls Company LLC is a factory-authorized distributor of pneumatic, hydraulic and electro-mechanical motion control products, serving Florida, Southeast Georgia and Puerto Rico.  They are improving their Automation offerings with the addition of controllers from the Horner Automation Group. The agreement was reached in mid-June, and the products are just now being launched.



Horner Automation Group’s controllers are an all-in-one solution, integrating the Human Machine Interface (HMI) with the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).  With most companies the logic engine is one box and the screen is another, and each requires a separate software package.  A different engineering group develops each part, HMI, PLC and software, and the parts don’t necessarily communicate with each other without a lot of massaging.  Horner streamlines programming the units, with one software package controlling both the HMI and PLC. The software is very easy to work with, allowing time to be spent on production instead of lengthy programming and setup. 



“There is no charge for the standard Cscape programming software,” according to Bob Yager, Automation Product Manager at Gulf Controls.  “This is basically unheard of in the Automation industry. The customer saves on many levels. Hardware costs are cut in half, by purchasing one unit instead of separate HMIs and PLCs. Instead of paying for two separate software packages and annual licensing fees, the customer downloads the Cscape software for free.   



The controllers are ideal for mobile and industrial applications because of GPS, Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities. For example, Ethernet based controls on a customer’s equipment can allow remote diagnostics, repair and maintenance.  Why is a GPS interface important or useful? As example, a GPS enabled system can be used for tracking machinery/tractors spraying orchards.  The GPS keeps track of which areas have already been sprayed, so if an operator continues spraying the same acreage on a different day or shift, the control system will warn then or even shut down so the customer does not overspray or miss areas.



The microprocessor based automation industry has only existed since the late 1970’s and early 80’s.



With their beginnings in Indianapolis over 25 years ago, Horner Automation Group is an experienced company with a presence around the globe to support our mutual customers. 



Focusing on simplifying the PLC/HMI control system has allowed Horner Automation to become a leader in low cost, yet powerful innovative solutions.



For more information on Gulf Controls Company’s automation products, visit the website at http://www.gulfcontrols.com or call 813-884-0471.


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