With a wealth of technical expertise, a wide range of capabilities, and an extensive lineup of authorized product lines, Galco Industrial Electronics (Galco) has become a trusted partner for industrial electronics and automation professionals. Known for its customer-first approach and comprehensive solutions, Galco is more than just a distributor—it’s a vital resource of components and services to support industrial automation for over 100,000 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers across industries like automotive, food and beverage, data centers, aerospace, petrochemical, and more.
For nearly 50 years, Galco has focused on accountability, innovation, and unparalleled service. “Any distributor can respond to a phone call or email when customers look for parts online, but few can provide the in-depth support and expertise that we do,” says Allison Sabia, President and CEO of Galco. “That’s what sets us apart.”
Leadership and culture
Under Sabia’s leadership, Galco has fostered an inclusive company culture where employees feel valued for who they are, not just for their output. “Diversity and inclusion are critical to our success, and we prioritize the health and well-being of our team as much as we celebrate their individual progress,” Sabia notes. Her experience as a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry drives her commitment to diversity, and she actively promotes this through her involvement with advisory boards such as Women in Electronics.
Sabia joined Galco four years ago, bringing three decades of experience in the electronics distribution sector. Her fresh perspective has positioned Galco at the forefront of innovation in industrial automation distribution. “Our mission is to lead the industry by putting the customer first, always,” she says. Sabia’s vision extends beyond operational success—she believes in building long-term, meaningful relationships with customers and suppliers, ensuring Galco’s continuous growth.
Mutually beneficial relationships with manufacturer partners
A key to Galco’s success is its strong, mutually beneficial relationships with manufacturer partners. Galco works closely with more than 450 suppliers, ensuring that customers have access to premium products that deliver top-tier results. These partnerships allow Galco to stock cutting-edge tools and components that meet the highest industry standards, and, in turn, provide manufacturers with a reliable distribution channel.
“By fostering long-term relationships with our manufacturing partners, we’re able to bring the best solutions to the market faster,” explains Sabia. “This collaboration ensures that both parties succeed, as we’re able to quickly respond to customer needs while offering manufacturers a trusted outlet for their products.”
Galco’s ability to keep in stock the right products customers need at the right time, along with its extensive technical support capabilities, further strengthens these partnerships. The result is a win-win situation where both Galco and its partners thrive, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and efficiency.
Repair services and technical expertise
Galco’s skilled technicians and technical services are the cornerstones of its success, offering customers comprehensive solutions that go beyond product sales. Whether servicing the latest cutting-edge technologies or restoring older, hard-to-replace equipment, Galco’s skilled technicians are what truly set the company apart.
“Our customers can send in any product for a free evaluation, and we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to get their systems back up and running,” says Bob Marshall, Vice President of Engineering.
This broad expertise allows Galco to handle a wide variety of systems, from modern industrial electronics to more specialized legacy components. Galco’s team is equipped to repair advanced drives, PLCs, HMIs, and other automation components, ensuring that customers experience minimal downtime and maximum operational efficiency. The company backs all complete refurbishments with 18-month warranties, demonstrating its commitment to quality and reliability.
Galco’s Field Service team adds another layer of value, offering expert on-site support that helps customers reduce downtime and improve system performance. “Our skilled technicians provide hands-on expertise that’s critical for troubleshooting, drive startups, and system optimization,” Marshall explains. These services are offered to a wide array of industrial automation settings, thus differentiating Galco by delivering results its customers can depend on. Marshall highlights the importance of these services: “Our field team’s hands-on expertise helps customers reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency, which gives us a competitive edge.”
Strategic innovation and growth
Galco’s operational soundness is further demonstrated through its strategic planning and innovation. Under Sabia’s guidance, the company has implemented a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, upgraded its website, and expanded its distribution center in early 2022. These improvements, along with Galco’s powerful digital marketing strategy, have ensured the company remains at the forefront of industrial automation.
The company’s online presence, which includes a YouTube channel with over 125,000 subscribers, is a key part of this strategy. The company shares technical knowledge and resources that help customers solve challenges, offering everything from product demonstrations to detailed technical support. Galco’s partnerships with suppliers are equally important, as the company often helps manage excess inventory, further strengthening its relationships with over 450 trusted partners.
Event leadership and industry engagement
Galco recently hosted its largest show to date, the 2024 Galco Electronics and Automation Show, featuring 45 manufacturer exhibitors and attracting nearly 200 customers. The event was a resounding success, serving as an exciting kick-off to Galco’s upcoming 50th anniversary in 2025. With live product demonstrations, hands-on drive training, and valuable networking opportunities, the show showcased Galco’s commitment to industry leadership.
“It was an incredible opportunity for our customers to engage with experts, learn more about the latest technologies, and experience firsthand what Galco and our partners have to offer,” says Andrea Stapleton, Marketing and Communications Manager. Next year’s show promises to be even bigger as the company looks forward to celebrating its upcoming major milestone.
Beyond its own events, Galco actively participates in key industry trade show events. For example, at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Galco collaborated with Kübler Group to showcase its services to a wide audience, further establishing its reputation for technical expertise and customer-centric solutions. Additionally, Galco joined Schaltbau at the Battery Show North America 2024 in Detroit, Michigan, further reinforcing its presence in the energy storage and battery sectors. These industry events allow Galco to engage with diverse audiences, showcase its expertise, and strengthen relationships with its partners.
Expanding through acquisitions
Galco’s growth isn’t limited to organic strategies. The company has also expanded through strategic acquisitions, enhancing its capabilities and reach across the United States. Recent acquisitions include State Motor and Control Solutions, which specializes in motor repair and power transmission, and Zesco, known for its expertise in engineering panels. These companies have integrated seamlessly into the Galco family, bringing additional vertical offerings that complement Galco’s core services.
Looking to the future
The company’s roots date back to 1975, when founder Dan Galasso started Galco from the back of his car. His vision was simple: to provide unparalleled service in the growing electronics distribution industry. Today, as the company approaches its 50th anniversary, that vision remains strong, with a focus on efficiency, long-term customer relationships, and operational excellence.
“Our focus on giving more than expected and building authentic customer relationships positions us to become one of the world’s best-known service providers in industrial automation,” Sabia says. As Galco looks ahead to the next 50 years, Sabia is confident that the company’s future will be marked by continued innovation and growth. “The next 50 years will be something for the record books.”
