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Top 10 Legacy Automation Parts Still in Demand in 2025 (And Why)

by Bryan Hellman



Even as Industry 4.0 drives a wave of connected factories and smart analytics, many production lines still rely on proven legacy hardware. These systems—robust, familiar, and field-serviceable—remain the backbone of global manufacturing. From classic PLCs to rugged drives, the following ten components continue to be essential MRO staples in 2025.

  1. Allen-Bradley SLC 500 PLCs — A cornerstone of North American automation for decades. The SLC 500’s modular I/O and reliable processor design make it easy to maintain and expand without overhauling entire control cabinets. Thousands of packaging, bottling, and conveyor lines still depend on it daily.
  2. Siemens S7-300 Controllers — Europe’s industrial workhorse for more than 20 years. Known for stability and compatibility across TIA Portal and Step 7 environments, the S7-300 remains integral to OEM equipment and large process plants where migration to S7-1500 is gradual.

  3. Yaskawa SGDH Servo Drives — The flagship of the Sigma-II series, celebrated for precise motion control, high-resolution feedback, and long-term serviceability. These drives power robotics, pick-and-place, and CNC axes where smooth torque and reliability matter more than flashy networking.

  4. Mitsubishi FX2N PLCs — Compact, durable, and used widely in OEM machinery. The FX2N’s simplicity and proven I/O reliability make it a global favorite for small-machine control and process sequencing.

  5. GE FANUC Series 90-30 — A control mainstay in utilities, water treatment, and infrastructure systems. The 90-30’s modularity, extensive communication options, and robust ladder logic platform keep it relevant for municipal and industrial retrofits.

  6. Omron C200H Series PLCs — Found across sensor-dense assembly lines and packaging systems. These controllers remain popular for their straightforward programming and dependable input response times, particularly in older conveyor or pick-and-place cells.

  7. Schneider Electric ATV31 Drives — Rugged, compact, and intuitive to configure. Despite newer ATV320 models, many facilities continue to maintain ATV31s because of their straightforward parameter structure and compatibility with Modbus and CANopen networks.

  8. FANUC Alpha Servo Motors & Amplifiers — Integral to legacy CNC machines and robotic arms. Their precision feedback and high-torque response make them the gold standard for milling, turning, and robotic positioning applications worldwide.

  9. ABB ACS300 Drives — A durable legacy VFD line known for its simple control interface and rugged construction. The ACS300 is still common in HVAC, conveyors, and mixers where users value its reliability over advanced networking.

  10. Allen-Bradley PanelView Standard HMIs — A legend among operators for clear displays and fast response. Even as PanelView Plus and 5500 models rise, the Standard series remains favored in retrofit projects due to its simplicity, compact size, and long-term service parts availability.

Why Legacy Parts Still Matter

These components endure because replacing an entire control system is expensive, risky, and rarely necessary. When a tested and warrantied legacy part can keep a machine running within specification, modernization can happen on your schedule—not the OEM’s.

Legacy automation also offers unmatched familiarity. Maintenance teams are familiar with wiring, programming software, and fault diagnostics, which reduces retraining costs and accelerates recovery when failures occur. With refurbished and surplus options from Industrial Automation Co., facilities can keep trusted systems alive while planning gradual upgrades to newer platforms.

Trusted, Tested, and Ready to Ship

Industrial Automation Co. stocks and tests legacy drives, PLCs, HMIs, and servo components across every major brand—Allen-Bradley, Siemens, ABB, Yaskawa, Mitsubishi, Schneider Electric, and FANUC. Each item is backed by multi-point testing and a 24-month warranty for total confidence.

Whether you’re extending the life of a proven line or bridging to a modernization project, IAC helps you source the right legacy component—fast.

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