Galco is a global omnichannel industrial distributor of electronics and automation products and components, a field services specialist, authorized integrator, and technical support expert. “
We specialize in products and services that power the future of EV, impact renewable energy, sustain global agriculture and food, automate industrial manufacturing, and electrify utilities and power, all while ensuring you get the right product or service at the right time. When you think about what keeps a manufacturing floor running, chances are we provide nearly everything that makes it possible. From motors to drives to switches, relays, and beyond – we are right at the heart of automation, helping to power the industry forward,” says president and CEO, Allison Sabia. “What sets us apart is that we don’t just sell parts – we deliver solutions. Our customers and suppliers trust us as a knowledgeable partner because of our deep technical expertise. We not only solve problems, but we also help prevent them, thanks to our value-added services team. From engineering support to panel builds and repair services, we are here to deliver end-to-end solutions every step of the way.”
Sabia joined the company four years ago and under her management Galco has been transformed. A visionary leader with a proven track record in unlocking potential and driving exponential growth, she has led Galco to rapid expansion, solidifying its place as a premier distributor with a comprehensive portfolio, serving industries ranging from automotive and agriculture to alternative energy and vertical farming.
People-centred, Customer-driven
Founded in 1975 by Dan Galasso, Galco began as a modest operation run from the trunk of a car. Five decades later, the company is stronger than ever before. “This year is an important milestone for us as we celebrate our 50th anniversary with a major achievement – Galco has cemented its reputation by ranking 21st among the top 50 authorized distributors, a remarkable feat considering the company wasn’t even on the list just five years ago,” says Sabia.
What is behind this remarkable success? Sabia insists that at the heart of Galco’s achievements is its workforce. “People are our biggest asset. You can have the right products and you can have the right service but at the end of the day you are only as good as the people. We place strong emphasis on employee engagement and development, ensuring that our workforce is aligned with the company’s mission: What can we do today to make tomorrow better?”
She further affirms that through strategic investments in human capital, Galco fosters a culture of innovation, service excellence, and customer-centric solutions. Unlike many distributors that focus solely on product sales, Galco puts a great emphasis on technical expertise. With a team of specialized engineers and technical experts, the company can provide guidance to customers on product selection, troubleshooting, and implementation. “While leadership is important, success ultimately depends on a dedicated, loyal and well-coordinated team.”
“From a distribution standpoint, we are number one in inventory availability and our fulfilment speed is bar none. But our role as a distributor is about more than just connecting manufacturers to customers; it’s about adding value,” Sabia explains. “By taking on supply-chain responsibilities, we allow our partners to focus on R&D, to come up with the latest automation products. By bringing our expertise and making sure their product reaches the final customers as and when required, we are part of their success.”
“And it is not only about existing products. Our teams also collaborate with suppliers to identify emerging trends, to find out what the next big thing is and to integrate the latest innovations,” she says, adding that at the moment, a strong area of growth is data centres, fuelled by the surge in artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Galco itself is leveraging the latest innovations, having reinforced its digital presence. Through its omni-channel strategy, the company has built a robust digital marketing infrastructure, including a widely recognized YouTube channel with award-winning content.
Solid Foundations
Sabia explains that a lot has been done to make the company ready for the next stage of its development. “When I joined the company, I recognized the need to strengthen our foundation to support future growth. Over the past few years, we’ve made significant progress in building a solid and efficient framework for expansion.”
“We’ve implemented a new ERP system to enhance operational efficiency and have introduced an AI-compatible website to improve the user experience. We took a step back to assess our investments over the last two years and have made transformative upgrades across the board. To support our growing capability, we have opened a state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot distribution centre in Madison Heights, Michigan, with advanced automation for same-day shipping.”
“Beyond technology and infrastructure, we have strengthened our team and refined our operational foundation to ensure we run the business as efficiently as possible. With the right tools, the right talent, and the right systems in place, we are set up for extraordinary growth over the next 18 months to five years.”
She points out that the recent investments are closely linked with sustainability. “We are a paperless operation; documentation is now done electronically. While we do not have a direct impact on reduced packaging, we work with our suppliers to implement sustainable measures. For example, all plastics inside the cardboard boxes have been replaced with corrugated cardboard, and we have introduced a single type of box for all products, which makes it easier to both transport and recycle them.”
Promising Prospects Ahead
Sabia reflects that the company has shown resilience despite significant challenges in recent years, particularly due to economic downturns and a prolonged slump in the Purchasing Manufacturing Index (PMI). Galco has made use of this period to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reinforce its commitment to its key performance indicators (KPIs). “Ever-increasing competition and a shrinking pool of technical specialists pose concerns for the industry. Therefore, investing in talent development is a continuous process.”
Investment will also be directed towards further expansion, she affirms. “We are in acquisition mode. In 2023, we acquired Zesco, a company based in Ohio, and are looking at further expansion this year. The view is to further enhance our ability to serve clients nationwide, and also globally. Our customers can acquire the products they need via our global website, accessible in several languages, wherever they are in the world.”
In the year of its 50th anniversary, the company is clearly set for further growth. “The onshoring of manufacturing in the U.S. presents new opportunities, aligning with Galco’s expertise in industrial automation and distribution. We are now well-positioned to embark on the next stage of our business development.”
