Industrial Control Panel Builder
Professional control panel building backed by practical engineering, electrical design and automation expertise.
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A well-built control panel is far more than a collection of electrical components assembled inside an enclosure. It is the physical heart of an industrial automation system, designed to operate safely, reliably and efficiently throughout its working life.
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Stratos Control Systems provides industrial control panel building services for manufacturers, production facilities and industrial sites across a wide range of sectors. Every panel is built from detailed engineering documentation, tested before delivery and designed to support long-term operation and maintenance.
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Whether you require a single bespoke control panel or multiple identical panels for a production line, we build solutions that integrate seamlessly with your automation systems.
What Is a Control Panel Builder?
A control panel builder is responsible for assembling electrical control panels from approved engineering drawings and documentation.
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This includes installing electrical components, wiring the panel, carrying out inspections and testing, and preparing the panel for installation and commissioning.
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Typical control panel building activities include:
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Installing electrical components
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Mounting DIN rails and cable trunking
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Internal panel wiring
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Wire numbering and identification
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Component labelling
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Terminal installation
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PLC hardware installation
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Power distribution
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Quality inspections
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Electrical testing
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Documentation checks
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Factory acceptance testing preparation
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The quality of the build directly affects the reliability, maintainability and lifespan of the finished control system.
Control Panel Builder vs Control Panel Manufacturer
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not always the same.
​Control Panel Builder
A control panel builder focuses on the physical assembly of the control panel using an existing design package.
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Their responsibilities generally include:
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Panel assembly
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Component installation
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Internal wiring
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Electrical testing
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Quality inspection
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Build documentation
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The builder follows the engineering drawings and specifications produced during the design stage.
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Control Panel Manufacturer
A control panel manufacturer normally provides a broader service that extends beyond panel assembly.
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In addition to building the panel, a manufacturer may also provide:
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Electrical design
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Component specification
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EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical drawings
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I/O schedules
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PLC hardware selection
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Procurement
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Panel assembly
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Testing
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Documentation
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Ongoing engineering support
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In many projects, the manufacturer is responsible for delivering the complete finished product rather than simply assembling the panel.
Control Panel Builder vs System Integrator
A system integrator delivers the complete automation solution rather than just the control panel.
While the control panel is an important part of the project, system integration also includes connecting the panel to the wider industrial process.
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Typical system integration services include:
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Machine control
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Network configuration
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Drive commissioning
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Instrument integration
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Functional testing
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Site installation support
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Commissioning
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Operator training
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Automation upgrades
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Long-term support
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In simple terms:
Control Panel Builder
Builds the electrical control panel.
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Control Panel Manufacturer
Designs, manufactures and tests the complete control panel.
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System Integrator
Designs, builds, programs and commissions the complete automation system.
Why Stratos Is More Than a Panel Builder
Stratos combines all three disciplines within one engineering team.
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We can:
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Design the electrical system
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Produce the electrical drawings
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Build the control panel
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Develop the PLC software
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Create SCADA and HMI systems
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Test the complete solution
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Support installation
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Commission the automation system
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Provide long-term technical support
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This integrated approach reduces communication issues, shortens project timescales and improves consistency throughout the project.
Our Control Panel Building Process
Every control panel follows a structured manufacturing process.
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Engineering Review
Before production begins, our engineers review the documentation to confirm that the design is complete and suitable for manufacture.
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Component Procurement
Approved electrical components are sourced from recognised manufacturers to meet the project specification.
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Panel Assembly
Components are installed according to the approved layout drawings using established engineering standards.
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Wiring
Internal wiring is completed using clearly identified conductors, consistent routing and labelled terminals.
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Inspection
The completed build is checked against the engineering drawings to verify component locations, wiring and documentation.
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Electrical Testing
The panel undergoes electrical inspection and testing before leaving the workshop.
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Documentation
Final documentation is prepared, including electrical drawings, component schedules and test information where required.
Quality Throughout the Build
Every stage of the build process contributes to the overall reliability of the finished control panel.
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Attention is given to:
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Consistent wiring standards
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Neat cable routing
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Clear component identification
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Accurate terminal numbering
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Maintainable layouts
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Appropriate cable segregation
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Accessible terminals
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Safe working clearances
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Documentation accuracy
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Future maintenance
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A well-built panel is easier to install, commission and support throughout its operational life.
Designed for Maintenance
Control panels should remain straightforward to understand long after the original project has been completed.
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Our panels are built to support maintenance engineers by providing:
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Logical component layouts
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Clear labels
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Structured wiring
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Accessible terminals
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Accurate documentation
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Consistent standards
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Space for future modifications where appropriate
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These details help reduce downtime when maintenance or fault finding is required.
Integrated Engineering Services
Because Stratos provides more than panel assembly, we can also support projects requiring:
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EPLAN electrical design
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AutoCAD Electrical design
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I/O schedules
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PLC programming
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PLC upgrades
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Machine control
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SCADA and HMI development
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Automation fault finding
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Testing and commissioning
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This means one engineering team can support your project from the initial design through to final commissioning.
Industries We Support
Our control panel building services support organisations across a wide range of industries, including:
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Manufacturing
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Food and beverage
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Pharmaceutical
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Packaging
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Material handling
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Utilities
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Building services
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Heavy industry
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Water and wastewater
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Industrial processing
Why Choose Stratos Control Systems?
Power circuits, drives and contactors can generate electrical interference and heat.
Sensitive control, communication and instrumentation equipment should therefore be positioned and wired appropriately.
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Panel assembly may include segregation between:
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Incoming power and control circuits
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Motor wiring and analogue signals
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Variable-speed drives and PLC equipment
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Communication cables and power conductors
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Safety circuits and standard control wiring
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Mains voltage and extra-low-voltage circuits
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Heat-producing devices and sensitive electronics
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Correct segregation supports reliability and makes the panel easier to inspect and maintain.
Build Your Next Control Panel with Confidence
Whether you require a standalone control panel, a complete manufacturing partner or a full automation solution, Stratos Control Systems can help.
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Speak to our engineers about your next control panel project and discover the benefits of working with one experienced engineering team from design through to commissioning.
