What Is a Solenoid Valve and How Does It Work? A Complete Guide to ASCO Solenoid Valves

A solenoid valve is an electrically controlled valve used to start, stop, or direct the flow of liquids and gases. Found throughout industrial automation, manufacturing, process equipment, HVAC systems, and fluid control applications, solenoid valves provide a reliable way to control media without requiring manual operation. For companies looking for dependable industrial fluid control, ASCO […]
Lakeland Engineering Names Ken Chamberlain President

Chamberlain brings 30 years of industrial experience to a growing team MINNEAPOLIS – August 20, 2026 – Lakeland Engineering Equipment Company has named Ken Chamberlain President, effective July 28, 2026. Chamberlain joined Lakeland Engineering in April of 2025 as General Manager of the company’s Omaha location while also providing leadership for its Kansas City operations. […]
Managed vs. Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches: Which Do You Need?

Industrial Ethernet switches are a critical part of modern automation networks, connecting PLCs, HMIs, drives, sensors, remote I/O, computers, and other devices so they can communicate reliably. But when selecting an industrial Ethernet switch, one of the first questions you may encounter is: Do I need a managed or unmanaged switch? The answer depends on […]
Industrial Sensors Explained: 7 Common Types & How They Work

Industrial sensors are essential to modern automation. They help machines detect objects, measure conditions, monitor processes, and make decisions without constant human intervention. But with so many different types of industrial sensors available, choosing the right one for an application can be challenging. From detecting whether a part is present on a conveyor to measuring […]
Employee Spotlight: Meet Mike Eck, Operations Manager

When you think about what keeps Lakeland Engineering running every day, it’s not just the products on our shelves or the orders heading out the door; it’s the people behind them. One of those people is Michael Eck, our Operations Manager. Mike has spent the last 21 years helping ensure our customers, employees, and facilities […]
Thank You for Joining Us at Our Customer Appreciation Golf Outing

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for Lakeland Engineering’s annual Customer Appreciation Golf Outing at Bunker Hills Golf Club! We are incredibly grateful to our customers for taking the time to spend the day with us. Your continued partnership and trust are what make events like this so meaningful. A special […]
How Industrial Sensors Support Predictive Maintenance Programs

Unplanned downtime can be costly for manufacturers, leading to lost production, increased maintenance expenses, and reduced efficiency. To combat these challenges, many facilities are adopting predictive maintenance strategies that use real-time data to identify potential equipment issues before failures occur. Industrial sensors play a critical role in making predictive maintenance possible. What Is Predictive Maintenance? […]
How Excessive Heat Shortens the Life of Industrial Components

Industrial automation systems are designed to operate in demanding environments, but one of the most common threats to equipment reliability often goes unnoticed: heat. Whether it’s a manufacturing plant, grain processing facility, water treatment plant, or distribution center, electrical enclosures frequently house critical components such as PLCs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), power supplies, networking equipment, […]
Why ASCO Valves Are the Industry Standard for Reliability

In industrial operations, reliability isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re managing a manufacturing facility, grain processing plant, water treatment system, or food production line, equipment downtime can quickly lead to lost productivity, missed deadlines, and costly repairs. That’s why for decades, engineers and maintenance professionals have trusted ASCO solenoid valves to keep […]
Did You Know? A Failed Encoder Can Bring an Entire Production Line to a Halt

The Small Component with a Big Impact When manufacturers think about critical equipment failures, they often focus on motors, drives, PLCs, or power systems. But one of the most important, and frequently overlooked components in an automated system is the encoder. Encoders are responsible for providing the speed, position, and direction feedback that keeps machinery […]