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Airline Hydraulics Acquires Industrial Automation Supply (IAS) 

Partnership Expands New England Presence, Controls Expertise, and Regional Operations Capacity 

Ias Acquisition Press release thumbnail (1)

BENSALEM, PA and PORTLAND, ME — June 2, 2026 —  Airline Hydraulics Corporation (“Airline”), a premier value-added distributor of industrial automation, fluid power, and controls solutions, today announced the acquisition of Industrial Automation Supply (IAS), headquartered in Portland, Maine.

This acquisition strategically strengthens Airline's footprint across New England and represents an important step in expanding its controls-focused capabilities. Airline has proudly served the New England region for more than 25 years, building long-standing customer and supplier relationships while delivering industry-leading product lines, engineering support, and value-added services. Founded in 1993, IAS has built a strong reputation serving OEMs and contract manufacturers throughout the region.

"Adding IAS meaningfully rounds out our business in New England," said Airline CEO Mark Steffens. "Their deep expertise in controls, combined with Airline's long-standing strengths in fluid power, automation, and engineered solutions, creates a partnership many companies only aspire to achieve."

Airline will continue operating the former IAS headquarters location in Portland, Maine, as an IAS division of Airline, maintaining the IAS brand and local presence during the transition. Approximately 30 employees are expected to join Airline as part of the transition. The additional location significantly expands Airline's operational capabilities in New England, adding 6,000 square feet of value-added services, distribution, and production space — nearly doubling Airline's footprint in the region. The company also plans to add 10 additional positions to further strengthen customer support and technical resources.

"We are extremely excited to partner with Airline. Their strong reputation, commitment to customer service, technical expertise, and shared culture align perfectly with our values," said IAS President Chris LeBel. "Just as importantly, they understand the importance of the customer and supplier relationships that have helped make IAS what it is today. I couldn't be more impressed with their passion, innovation, and commitment to supporting both our team and our customers."

With a long history as a value‑add distributor representing first‑in‑class manufacturers, Airline remains committed to providing engineering expertise, local inventory, custom solutions, and responsive service throughout the Northeast and beyond. The integration of IAS further enhances Airline's ability to serve customers with robust automation and controls solutions across a wide range of industries.

Customers and vendors can expect business continuity, expanded technical resources, and an even stronger regional presence as Airline and IAS move forward as one. 

Aquisition FAQ 

Why did Airline acquire IAS?

Both companies share a strong commitment to customer service, technical expertise, and long-term relationships. The acquisition strengthens Airline’s controls capabilities while expanding support and resources for customers across the region. 

What makes IAS a strong fit for Airline?

What stood out most to Airline was the quality of the people and the culture IAS has built over the past 30+ years. The IAS team has earned a strong reputation for caring about customers, supporting one another, and building lasting relationships. Their values and approach align naturally with Airline’s employee-owned culture, making this a strong fit for both teams as they move forward together. 

What industries will the combined company serve?

The combined organization will continue supporting OEMs, manufacturers, machine builders, integrators, and industrial customers throughout New England and beyond.

How does this acquisition improve support for New England customers?

The combined organization brings together a larger regional team, expanded engineering resources, increased operational space, and deeper automation expertise to better support customers across New England.

Will Airline’s product and service offerings expand as a result of this acquisition?

 Yes. The addition of IAS strengthens Airline’s automation and controls capabilities while expanding access to technical expertise, application support, and value-added solutions throughout New England. 

What changes can IAS customers expect?

IAS customers can expect continuity in the service and support they currently receive, along with access to expanded technical resources, additional product offerings, and broader engineering capabilities through Airline Hydraulics. 

What role will Chris LeBel have moving forward?

chris_leBelAfter nearly 33 years of leading IAS, Chris LeBel has decided to retire following the acquisition by Airline Hydraulics. Chris founded IAS in 1993 and helped build the company into a trusted automation and controls partner serving customers throughout New England.

Chris will work closely alongside the IAS and Airline teams during the transition period to help ensure a smooth handoff for employees, customers, and supplier partners as the two organizations move forward together. 

What Makes Airline a Strong fit for IAS?

Chris selected Airline to carry IAS into its next chapter because of its employee-owned structure, shared values, customer-first culture, and commitment to supporting long-term growth in the region. The partnership also provides IAS customers with expanded resources, additional engineering and automation capabilities, and broader regional support while maintaining the local service and relationships customers trust.

Will my IAS contacts and support team remain the same?

All Inside Sales team members and Outside Sales team members that are joining Airline will remain the same, helping ensure continuity for customers across the region. Customers will also gain access to Airline’s broader technical resources, engineering support, and regional team. 

Will there be any interruption to IAS orders or support?

No. Customers and suppliers can expect business continuity with no disruption to day-to-day operations, ordering, or support. 

Will IAS continue operating in Portland, Maine?

building_front_colorYes. IAS and Airline remains committed to supporting customers throughout New England, including continued operations in the IAS building in Portland, Maine:

75 Industrial Way
Portland, ME 04103 

Will IAS continue offering control panel services?

Yes. IAS’s UL 508-certified Systems Group and control panel capabilities remain an important part of the business and will continue supporting customers across a wide range of industries. 

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