Exhibitor Spotlight: Integrated Control Technologies on predictive maintenance, automation and smarter extrusion
25 October 2026
As AMI Plastics World Expos 2026 approaches, we’re speaking with exhibitors about the innovations, challenges and opportunities shaping the plastics industry.
In this exhibitor spotlight, Dustin Barlow from Integrated Control Technologies discusses the shift from reactive to predictive maintenance, developments in extruder drive and control technology, and how automation and AI could help manufacturers address ageing equipment and skilled labour challenges.
Company: Integrated Control Technologies Booth: E4510
What makes your company stand out? What sets you apart from the competition, and why should visitors make sure to visit your stand?
We are an after-market OEM that specializes in the drive and control upgrade of extruders. We have introduced new technology that helps move plastic manufacturers away from Reactive Maintenance to Predictive Maintenance.
What’s the next big thing you’re working on? Can you give us a sneak peek into any new technologies, innovations, or breakthroughs you're bringing to the market?
We have introduced the Drive Guardian, which is an application specific drive for plastic extrusion that we co-developed with ABB on the ACS880 platform. It is engineered to prevent mechanical failures, protect equipment, and provide true predictive maintenance through extrusion-focused monitoring and control features.
What’s the biggest challenge in the industry right now – and how are you tackling it? Whether it's sustainability, supply chain issues, or something else, we’d love to hear your take!
There are two big challenges within the plastic industry, the first is the lack of skilled labor, the second is aging equipment. The best best way to approach both of these problems is through automation. Our company has developed products to address these issues.
Fast forward 10 years - how do you see the industry evolving? What major trends do you think will reshape the sector, and how should businesses prepare?
The lack of skilled labor will continue into the future. Automation and Ai will play a major role in the future of industrial manufacturing and Integrated Control Technologies will remain an innovation leader and continue to develop innovative products with cutting edge technology to the market.
What excites you most about this year’s expo? Are you launching something new, speaking at a session, or just looking forward to networking with industry leaders?
We are excited about the Drive Guardian and our PDQ Series Extruder Control System. Both products will advance plastic manufacturing and move companies away from Reactive Maintenance and move them more toward Predictive Maintenance
Meet Integrated Control Technologies at AMI Plastics World Expos 2026
Meet Integrated Control Technologies at Booth E4510 at AMI Plastics World Expos and discover its latest technologies for extruder drive and control upgrades.
Visit Dustin Barlow and the Integrated Control Technologies team to learn more about the Drive Guardian and PDQ Series Extruder Control System, and how automation can help manufacturers move from reactive towards predictive maintenance. Registration is free.