UK Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market

UK Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Overview:

The UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market size reached USD 537.90 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 903.25 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.32% during 2025-2033. The UK’s transition to renewable energy and infrastructure projects is driving the demand for reliable PLC systems. These systems ensure efficient operations in energy generation, storage, and distribution, while also supporting automation in utilities and public infrastructure, aiding safety, efficiency, and contributing to the expansion of the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market share.

UK Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Trends:

Rise in Renewable Energy Projects

The UK’s shift towards renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and energy storage technologies, is leading to a heightened need for reliable control systems. PLCs play a crucial role in overseeing generation, storage, and distribution, ensuring that renewable energy resources operate efficiently under different weather conditions. For instance, PLCs manage turbine pitch in wind farms, monitor the alignment of solar panels for optimal sunlight exposure, and oversee the energy flow into storage systems. These PLCs must operate reliably and integrate seamlessly with larger grid management platforms, especially as renewable energy projects grow in scale. This technology guarantees not only operational effectiveness but also real-time oversight and adherence to grid stability standards, essential for sustaining a balanced energy supply. This push for renewable energy is attracting significant investment, with major players recognizing the UK's potential in this sector. In 2025, Greenvolt Group announced a €320 million investment in the UK renewable energy sector, aiming for 1GW of capacity by 2028. €50 million will be allocated to distributed energy projects, while €270 million will focus on utility-scale solar and battery energy storage. This substantial investment underscores the critical role that control systems like PLCs will play in managing the UK's expanding and increasingly complex renewable energy infrastructure.

Growth of Infrastructure and Utility Projects

Continuous funding in the transportation, water, energy, and public infrastructure is contributing to the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market growth as demand for efficient, integrated automation solutions increases across these sectors. Automated, dependable control systems are essential for utility networks and major infrastructure projects to maintain safety, efficiency, and uninterrupted service. PLCs play a vital role in overseeing operations at pumping stations, handling power distribution, managing lighting and ventilation in tunnels, and aiding traffic management systems. These control systems are crucial for maintaining continuous operation in settings that require great reliability. The growing number of state-sponsored programs aimed at modernization and digital connectivity are catalyzing the demand for PLC solutions. Notably, the UK government launched a new Infrastructure Pipeline in 2025, outlining 773 projects worth £531 billion through 2034, which includes investments in energy, transport, and health sectors. This initiative supports the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy and accelerates the adoption of smart technologies. The shift toward smart grids and digital water networks is particularly important, as more sensors and devices are connected to centralized control systems, heightening the reliance on PLCs. These infrastructure initiatives need machinery that can perform dependably in challenging environments, run continuously, and connect with SCADA systems. With the government's ongoing investment in advanced, resilient infrastructure, PLC systems play an increasingly vital role in improving operational performance, guaranteeing safety, and aiding the UK’s long-term infrastructure objectives.

UK Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type and end-use industry.

Type Insights:

• Hardware and Software
  • Large PLC
  • Nano PLC
  • Small PLC
  • Medium PLC
  • Others
• Services

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes hardware and software (large PLC, nano PLC, small PLC, medium PLC, and others) and services.

End-Use Industry Insights:

• Automotive
• Energy and Utilities
• Chemical and Petrochemical
• Oil and Gas
• Pulp and Paper
• Pharmaceutical
• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Food, Tobacco, and Beverage
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end-use industry have also been provided in the report. This includes automotive, energy and utilities, chemical and petrochemical, oil and gas, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, water and wastewater treatment, food, tobacco, and beverage, and others.

Regional Insights:

• London
• South East
• North West
• East of England
• South West
• Scotland
• West Midlands
• Yorkshire and The Humber
• East Midlands
• Others

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include London, South East, North West, East of England, South West, Scotland, West Midlands, Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, and others.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

UK Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market News:

• In April 2025, EnviroHub launched the CM02 Control Module, an advanced PLC-based system offering cloud-connected water management with enhanced flexibility and energy efficiency. It provides live data reporting and remote control for water quality parameters. The modular design allows easy reconfiguration and scalability, making it ideal for off-grid and multi-site applications.
• In November 2024, Trio Motion Technology launched the Motion-PLC, a machine controller that integrates motion, robotics, and logic control in one unit. It combined advanced motion control with IEC programming, offering flexibility and simplicity for various applications like gantries and packaging.

UK Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market on the basis of type?
• What is the breakup of the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market on the basis of end-use industry?
• What is the breakup of the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market?
• What is the structure of the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market? 

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the UK programmable logic controller (PLC) industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.