Industrial Automation Systems: Sourcing German Tech for USA Factories (2026)

Reading time: 6 minutes

German automation excels in PLC (Siemens, Beckhoff), drives (SEW, Lenze) and IIoT edge. US buyers must plan for UL/NRTL compliance and 480 V / 60 Hz rather than 400 V / 50 Hz.

What to source

• Siemens / Beckhoff controllers
• SEW-Eurodrive drives
• KUKA / fanuc-class robotics (KUKA is German)
• IIoT edge gateways for predictive maintenance

UL / NRTL compliance

Specify UL-listed panels and 60 Hz motors at PO time. Retrofitting CE-only panels to UL after arrival costs more than ordering right. Use a US system integrator familiar with the German controller.

About the Author: Arshiya Sabaghi is the founder of German Industry Hub. With an MSc in Sales Management and experience at McKinsey & Company (Industrial AI), Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and AkkoNobel, he connects international buyers with verified German manufacturers. Based in Amsterdam. Native German, English, Dutch, and Persian.