Founded in 1991, APEX Controls has evolved from a modest team of engineers into a leading provider of automated manufacturing systems and solutions. With over three decades of experience, the company has established itself as a trusted partner across various industries, including food and beverage, automotive, pharmaceuticals, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) manufacturing, high-volume panel builds, electrical installation, material handling, battery production, building materials, furniture, and self-care products. APEX Controls’ commitment to integrity, excellence, and teamwork has been instrumental in delivering high-quality results and fostering long-term client relationships.
APEX Controls began its journey in a basement in Hudsonville, Michigan, with a mission to assist businesses in enhancing efficiency through automation. The founders, driven by a passion for problem-solving and service, laid the foundation for what would become a reputable business in the automation industry. Over the years, the company has grown organically, expanding its team and capabilities to meet the increasing demands of diverse clients.
“We didn’t have a master plan when we started,” recalls Brian VanEyk, Director of Business Development. “We just wanted to help businesses solve problems, and that’s still what drives us today.”
This client-first mentality has shaped APEX’s evolution, allowing it to remain flexible, responsive, and innovative. What started as delivering small projects for friends in the industry has grown into a full-scale operation serving major corporations and manufacturers.
Expertise runs deep
APEX Controls offers a broad spectrum of services designed to optimize manufacturing processes. The company focuses on designing and implementing complex, turnkey systems with user-friendly interfaces, robust SCADA systems, and comprehensive operator training. APEX designs these systems to increase capacity, efficiency, and overall performance.
“We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every client has unique challenges, and our job is to tailor solutions that fit their specific needs,” says VanEyk. Whether working with OEMs on large projects or executing plant-wide automation strategies, APEX takes a collaborative approach.
One of the company’s key offerings is modernizing outdated systems. APEX can upgrade machines that remain mechanically sound but have obsolete controls, improving efficiency, mitigating risks, and integrating new features such as data collection. APEX engineers are adept at installing new programmable logic controllers (PLCs), drives, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and networks while minimizing downtime.
In addition to automation and control engineering, APEX Controls provides extensive panel building and electrical services, with a UL-certified panel shop equipped to handle both high-volume production and custom builds. Field electricians are experienced in wiring new machine builds and performing upgrades, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and to the highest standards. “Our goal is to make automation easy for our customers,” VanEyk says. “Whether it’s a new system or an upgrade, we want the transition to be as smooth as possible.”
APEX Controls’ expertise spans numerous industries, each with its own set of challenges and requirements. In the food and beverage sector, the company’s automation solutions ensure compliance with stringent health and safety regulations while maximizing efficiency. For automotive manufacturing, the team develops sophisticated control systems that improve precision, speed, and safety. The pharmaceutical and medical industries benefit from APEX’s ability to implement automation solutions that enhance quality control and traceability.
The company’s work with material handling and manufacturing industries focuses on streamlining processes, reducing waste, and improving throughput. In battery production and building materials, its automation solutions help optimize energy efficiency and ensure consistent quality. The furniture industry has also embraced APEX’s automation solutions to increase productivity while maintaining craftsmanship standards. Across all these sectors, APEX Controls provides tailored solutions that enhance production capabilities and reduce operational costs.
Guided by values
The strength of APEX Controls lies in its dedicated team of professionals. With 30 engineers and 25 electricians, the company boasts a wealth of knowledge and experience. Collaboration is at the core of the team’s success, ensuring that clients benefit from a collective pool of expertise. Engineers and electricians work closely to develop innovative solutions while sharing knowledge and best practices.
“When you work with APEX, you’re not just hiring an engineer; you’re getting the expertise of our entire team,” VanEyk emphasizes. “We believe in an open exchange of ideas because that’s how we push the industry forward.” This team-oriented approach creates a supportive environment where employees can learn and grow while delivering the best possible outcomes for clients, with a culture grounded in five core values: integrity, humility, excellence, teamwork, and fun. These values guide the team’s interactions with clients and each other, creating a culture where employees share knowledge, work collaboratively, and celebrate successes.
Integrity, VanEyk says, is central to the team’s work ethic, ensuring that the team sees every project through to completion with the highest level of professionalism. The team approaches each project with humility, listening to clients and learning from their expertise. They pursue excellence through continuous learning and innovation, while teamwork fosters an environment of knowledge-sharing and problem-solving. And lastly, the team has fun through laughter, positivity, and kindness.
“We don’t just hire people for their technical skills,” he says. “We look for team players who align with our values. It’s not just about getting the job done but about doing it the right way and enjoying the process.”
The company prides itself on maintaining a workplace where employees feel valued and supported. APEX encourages career growth, and individuals have the flexibility to shape their professional paths. Work-life balance is another priority, allowing employees to manage their schedules while still delivering top-tier service. “We understand that happy employees are better to work with. That’s why we focus on creating an environment where people want to stay and grow,” says VanEyk.
Building on success
One of APEX Controls’ recent accomplishments includes passing the Amazon Quality Audit for panel builds, a testament to the company’s dedication to quality and reliability. “We’re looking to grow that part of the business, and this certification helps solidify our reputation in the industry,” says VanEyk. Additionally, APEX has recently invested in a major workspace renovation, transforming its facility into a state-of-the-art environment with new offices, a lab, modernized panel build stations, and improved climate control in the shop.
As the team looks to the future, expansion remains a key focus. The company primarily serves clients within a two-to-three-hour radius of West Michigan but is beginning to establish a presence in Indianapolis. Increasing panel build volume and expanding the engineering and electrical installation teams are also on the horizon.
“The future of automation is exciting, and we’re always looking for ways to innovate,” VanEyk concludes. “We’re not just growing for the sake of growth; we want to keep improving, learning, and offering the best solutions possible.”
APEX Controls exemplifies how a company can grow and thrive by adhering to core values, fostering a collaborative culture, and consistently delivering innovative solutions. Its journey from a small basement operation to an industry leader serves as an inspiring testament to the power of integrity and teamwork and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, APEX Controls is well-positioned to shape the future of industrial automation for years to come.
