Why More Manufacturers Are Choosing Surplus Automation Parts in 2025
Published: June 2025
Tags: Surplus Automation, PLC Replacement, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Obsolete Parts
🔧 Introduction: The Supply Chain Has Changed
For manufacturers, uptime isn’t optional—it’s everything. But in 2025, getting replacement automation parts from OEMs has become more difficult than ever.
From 18-week lead times to rising OEM prices, more companies are looking beyond traditional channels. Enter surplus automation parts—a rapidly growing solution for keeping machines running and costs under control.
📦 What Are Surplus Automation Parts?
Surplus automation parts are brand-new or gently used components that were:
- Ordered in excess by integrators or OEMs
- Removed from decommissioned machines
- Still sealed, tested, or unused
These parts include:
- 🧠 PLC CPUs and I/O modules
- 🖥️ HMIs and touchscreens
- ⚙️ Servo drives, power supplies, and control panels
Stanlo Automation specializes in sourcing and supplying surplus parts from verified global vendors—parts you can’t always find from the factory.
💡 Why Manufacturers Are Switching in 2025
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| ✅ Faster Availability | 7–10 day delivery vs 10–30 week lead times |
| 💰 Lower Cost | Save 30–60% over new factory price |
| 🔁 Legacy Support | Keep older machines running without retrofits |
| 🔍 Global Sourcing | Access to thousands of hard-to-find SKUs |
| 🛡️ Warranty & Testing | Parts are verified and often warrantied |
🛑 What’s Driving the Shift?
- 🔄 OEM obsolescence: Big names like Siemens and Rockwell are phasing out support for older product lines.
- ⌛ Lead time bottlenecks: Even basic modules like 6ES7 or 1734 series can take months to arrive.
- 🏗️ Older plants & equipment: Legacy machines still in operation need compatible spares—not full upgrades.
🔍 Real-World Scenarios
🏭 OEM Production Facility (USA)
A major packaging plant runs a fleet of legacy Allen-Bradley PLC-5 units. The OEM no longer supports them—and a single failure could halt 3 production lines.
✅ Stanlo Automation delivered a surplus 1771-IFE analog input module in 7 days, keeping the line running.
⚡ Systems Integrator (Europe)
An automation contractor needed obsolete Siemens 6ES7131 modules for a municipal water control retrofit. The factory quoted 20+ weeks.
✅ We located sealed surplus stock in Europe and fulfilled the order in under 10 days.
🔌 What Parts Are Commonly Sourced as Surplus?
| Part Type | Examples (Popular SKUs) |
|---|---|
| PLC I/O Modules | 6ES7134-6GD00-0BA1, 1734-IB8 |
| HMI Touch Panels | 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0, 2711P-T10C4D9 |
| Drives & Servo | 6SL3120-1TE21-8AA4, 20AB2P5A3AYNANC0 |
| Power Supplies | 6EP1436-3BA00, 1606-XLS120E |
We monitor global inventory across thousands of vendors and source only from reliable, vetted partners.
🤔 Is Surplus Right for You?
Surplus automation parts are ideal for:
- Maintenance engineers avoiding downtime
- Buyers looking for cost-effective options
- OEMs building equipment on discontinued platforms
- Integrators managing tight upgrade timelines
🛠️ What to Look for When Buying Surplus:
- ✔️ Vendor-tested or sealed in original packaging
- ✔️ Warranty coverage (Stanlo offers protection on all parts)
- ✔️ Clear lead times and support
- ✔️ Verified part condition (e.g., New Surplus, Open Box, Refurb)
📈 Final Thoughts: Surplus is the New Smart
With shorter lead times, better pricing, and access to rare inventory, surplus automation parts aren’t a backup plan—they’re a competitive edge.
Stanlo Automation connects manufacturers with surplus parts from around the world, including brands like Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, B&R, and more.
📩 Ready to Get Started?
Looking for a specific part? Submit a request and let our team do the sourcing for you.
👉 Request a Quote