All automation system integrators design and install automation systems, but some are better at it than others. HiTech Control Systems (www.hitech-inc.com), JMP Eng. (www.jmpeng.com) and Brock Solutions (www.brocksolutions.com) are certainly among the best. They are Control Engineering magazine's System Integrators of the Year for 2009.

HiTech Control Systems, the winner in the under $10-million annual revenue category, engineers and delivers complete automation systems, including custom machines, controls, machine vision, system integration, commissioning and training. According to its application for the competition, HiTech specializes in process automation, facilities and structural engineering, and construction management; it can supply custom-designed new equipment, remanufactured vintage machines and custom control panels.

HiTech serves many Fortune 500 companies by reducing costs, increasing reliability, and improving quality and safety. They help clients develop a scope, budget, design and schedule for a project and then implement the plan with the right combination of technology and technical skills. The judges were impressed with HiTech's policies and procedures, their diverse applications and number of degrees held by the company's personnel.

In the $10- to $25-million annual revenue category, winner JMP Eng. provides automation, control and information systems that leverage current technology to meet a client's objectives. With strong project management capabilities supported by the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) certification, JMP is able to meet the needs of regional and international customers efficiently and affordably. One judge noted that JMP exhibits the long-term stability and dedication to growth, exemplifying the best system integrators. The company has an impressive list of successful projects, satisfied customers and a sense of humor and family friendliness in its operations.

Brock Solutions, winner in the over-$25-million annual revenue category, specializes in automation projects, engineering construction management, drives manufacturing and design. It also offers professional engineering and validation services to highly regulated industries. Employees focus on improving the performance of clients' manufacturing systems and processes. Clients benefit from tested solutions and enjoy increased productivity and reduced operating costs. Solutions provided by Brock are built on a strategic methodology, industry specialization and engineering integrity. One judge notes that Brock's strengths are a function of the employees' skill and experience. All three System Integrators of the Year are involved with the packaging industry to some degree, but JMP Eng. specializes in packaging automation. In fact, Packaging Digest has named JMP the very first Packaging Integrator of the Year. See p. 36 for more details.