SDC Showcases Innovation and Industry Leadership at Automate 2025

Steven Douglas Corp. (SDC) exhibited at Automate 2025 held in the Huntington Convention Center in Detroit, Michigan. Held in a high-density show environment teeming with innovation and automation breakthroughs, the event reinforced SDC’s position as a top-tier custom automation partner.

The SDC booth drew consistent traffic throughout the show. More than just eye-catching aesthetics, the booth served its deeper purpose—brand reinforcement, customer engagement, and industry visibility.

“We had valuable conversations with current customers and suppliers, which helped reinforce our position as a leading automation provider,” said one team member. “It’s always great to have a face-to-face conversation and remind them that we’re here, we’re growing, and we’re investing in the future.”

Making Connections and Standing Apart

Beyond current relationships, the show offered an exciting opportunity to meet new potential customers with interesting projects in need of automation. While some attendees browsed multiple automation providers, SDC’s team made a lasting impression thanks to a unique approach—true custom machine building. Unlike companies focused primarily on systems integration, SDC continues to invest heavily in turn-key engineering and tailored automated machines.

“When speaking with potential customers—regardless of their industry—we could quickly connect their needs with similar projects we’ve done. That’s the benefit of having 27 years of engineering experience and a deep library of proven technologies,” the team explained.

Filling a Growing Gap in the Market

A notable trend at Automate 2025 was the shift by larger automation companies away from smaller projects—those under $1 million. This created an opening that SDC is well-positioned to fill. With a suite of pre-engineered solutions, the company offers affordable, high-performance options for smaller manufacturers who still demand excellence.

“This is where we thrive,” an SDC representative noted. “We can deliver fast, effective, and cost-conscious systems without cutting corners—something many bigger firms can’t do at that scale anymore.”

Unexpected Highlights and Memorable Moments

Automate 2025 also had its share of surprises—from the man demonstrating a bionic hand and arm to humanoid robots roaming the show floor during setup. But for SDC, the real highlight was the diversity and depth of the opportunities. From massive wood utility pole handling systems to micro-precision assembly, the scope of conversations confirmed just how varied and dynamic the automation landscape has become.

A Look Ahead

In the end, our experience at Automate 2025 was a strong reminder of what sets SDC apart and a clear signal that manufacturers are actively seeking flexible, experienced partners like SDC. With unmatched experience, innovative thinking, and a commitment to building custom solutions from the ground up, Steven Douglas Corp. continues to be the go-to automation partner for manufacturers ready to push the limits of what’s possible.

Excitement is already building for next year’s event. Plans are underway for a larger, more prominent booth right at the front of the show—further underscoring SDC’s growing stature in the automation world. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago at Automate 2026!

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

What made SDC stand out at Automate 2025 compared to other automation companies?

SDC distinguished itself through its focus on custom machine building rather than off-the-shelf system integration. Our booth showcased advanced design aesthetics, high-tech displays, and real examples of our engineering capabilities, emphasizing our ability to deliver tailored solutions that solve specific customer challenges.

What kind of companies or industries did SDC engage with during the show?

How does SDC support smaller manufacturers looking to automate?

As larger integrators shift away from smaller projects (under $1 million), SDC steps in with pre-engineered, cost-effective solutions that maintain high quality and performance. We fill the gap by offering tailored automation systems that scale to the customer’s size and needs.

What value did SDC gain from attending Automate 2025?

The event reinforced our brand presence, allowed us to reconnect with existing customers and suppliers, and generated a number of high-quality leads. It also provided valuable insights into market trends and emerging automation technologies.

How does SDC leverage its engineering experience in new projects?

With over 27 years of automation expertise and a vast library of proven technologies, SDC builds every new project on a solid foundation. This allows us to deliver smart, reliable solutions faster—without starting from scratch.

What are SDC’s plans for Automate 2026

We’re already planning a larger, more prominent booth near the front of the show floor to further elevate our presence. The goal is to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and continue showcasing SDC as a leader in custom automation.