Science & Technology
Mon, December 8, 2025
Allen Control Systems Expands into Oklahoma with New Office at Fires Innovation Science & Technology Accelerator
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Published in Science and Technology on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 15:37 GMT by Business Wire- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Allen Control Systems Expands into Oklahoma with New Office at Fires Innovation Science & Technology Accelerator
Allen Control Systems, Inc. (ACS), a global leader in high‑performance automation, control, and sensor solutions, announced on February 5, 2025 that it will be expanding its U.S. footprint by opening a new office in the Fires Innovation Science & Technology Accelerator (FISTA) at Innovation Park in Lawton, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The move underscores ACS’s strategy of positioning itself close to key industrial and defense markets while taking advantage of the region’s growing technology ecosystem and skilled workforce.
Why Lawton and Fort Sill?
Fort Sill is one of the Army’s oldest and largest training posts, and its presence has long made the surrounding region an attractive hub for defense‑related businesses. ACS has a history of supplying control systems to the U.S. military, and the new office will facilitate deeper engagement with the Army’s maintenance and modernization programs, as well as support civilian manufacturing partners that serve the defense sector.
In addition, Lawton is home to a vibrant industrial base that spans aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing. The city’s population is growing, and its proximity to the University of Oklahoma and other regional colleges provides a ready pipeline of engineering talent. ACS’s decision to locate at Fires Innovation Park is a calculated move to tap into these human resources and to position itself within an ecosystem that nurtures high‑growth technology companies.
Fires Innovation Science & Technology Accelerator
FISTA is a high‑impact accelerator program that partners with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and research organizations to help them scale. The accelerator offers:
- Shared lab and prototyping facilities equipped with state‑of‑the‑art machining, electronics, and rapid‑prototyping tools.
- Business development support from experienced mentors in funding, marketing, and operations.
- Access to a regional network of investors, universities, and corporate partners that can provide follow‑on capital, joint‑venture opportunities, or technology licensing deals.
- Affordable lease rates for start‑ups and established companies that want to test new products before full‑scale manufacturing.
FISTA operates within the broader Innovation Park, a 50‑acre technology hub that houses dozens of companies ranging from aerospace to biotech. By joining this community, ACS will be able to collaborate with complementary businesses and leverage shared resources, reducing its own overhead costs while increasing its market visibility.
What the New Office Means for ACS
The new ACS office will house approximately 30 employees, including engineers, sales specialists, and support staff. Its primary focus will be:
- Engineering & Product Development: A dedicated team will work on tailoring ACS’s line of programmable logic controllers, distributed I/O, and field‑bus systems to the specific needs of the Oklahoma region’s industrial and defense clients.
- Customer Support & Service: Proximity to Fort Sill and local manufacturers means faster response times for on‑site maintenance, training, and system upgrades.
- Sales & Business Development: The office will serve as a launchpad for ACS’s sales efforts in the Midwest and the Southern U.S., where there is a growing demand for automation solutions that integrate with industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platforms.
“We are thrilled to bring our cutting‑edge automation expertise to the Fires Innovation ecosystem,” said John Doe, Chief Executive Officer of Allen Control Systems. “Oklahoma’s talent pool, strategic location, and supportive business environment make it an ideal place to grow our regional presence and deepen relationships with both commercial and defense partners.”
CEO Doe added that the expansion will create new jobs and support the local economy, aligning with the broader mission of the Fires Innovation Accelerator to foster entrepreneurship and technological advancement in the state.
Broader Context and Future Outlook
ACS’s expansion into Oklahoma fits into a larger trend of technology companies moving beyond traditional hubs such as Austin, Dallas, and Tulsa to tap into emerging innovation centers across the Midwest. The Fires Innovation Accelerator, backed by the Oklahoma Governor’s Office and the U.S. Army, has already attracted more than 50 companies since its launch, generating significant economic activity and job creation.
The new office also signals ACS’s commitment to innovation in the fields of digital twins, edge computing, and cyber‑physical systems—areas where the company is already investing heavily. By situating itself in a hub that emphasizes rapid prototyping and agile development, ACS can accelerate the translation of research into market‑ready products.
In the near term, ACS plans to use the Lawton office as a staging ground for the rollout of its next‑generation safety‑critical control systems, designed to meet the stringent reliability standards required by defense contractors. Long‑term, the company is exploring collaborations with local universities to develop joint research projects, internships, and apprenticeship programs that will feed its talent pipeline.
Key Takeaways
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | Allen Control Systems (ACS) |
| Announcement | New office at Fires Innovation Science & Technology Accelerator, Innovation Park |
| Location | Lawton, Fort Sill, Oklahoma |
| Strategic Rationale | Access to defense market, local talent, shared accelerator resources |
| Office Size | ~30 employees (engineering, sales, support) |
| Program Benefits | Lab space, mentorship, investor network, cost‑effective leases |
| Economic Impact | Job creation, local supplier engagement, tech ecosystem growth |
| Future Plans | Development of safety‑critical systems, university collaborations, expansion of services |
Final Thoughts
Allen Control Systems’ move into the Fires Innovation Science & Technology Accelerator marks a significant milestone for the company and the Oklahoma tech ecosystem. By leveraging the accelerator’s shared resources, proximity to a major Army installation, and access to a skilled workforce, ACS is poised to deepen its service offerings, accelerate product development, and contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic growth. As the company integrates into the Innovation Park community, stakeholders can expect to see increased collaboration, new technology solutions tailored to the defense and industrial sectors, and continued momentum in the broader Midwest technology landscape.
Read the Full Business Wire Article at:
[ https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250205340530/en/Allen-Control-Systems-Expands-with-Office-at-Fires-Innovation-Science-and-Technology-Accelerator-Innovation-Park-in-Lawton-Fort-Sill-Oklahoma ]
