Meet Automatic Control Services
Your Trusted SCADA & Control Systems Partner
Since 1973, Automatic Control Services (ACS) has focused exclusively on water and wastewater control systems—helping municipalities across the Midwest monitor, control, and protect their infrastructure.
Today, as part of the Gasvoda Group, we design, integrate, and support SCADA and automation solutions that keep your facilities running safely, reliably, and efficiently.
Our Trusted Strategic Partners
My Story
Our Story
ACS was founded in 1973 with a clear mission:
Deliver reliable control and automation solutions that protect critical public infrastructure.
Starting as the Northern Illinois service representative for Aquatrol, ACS built its reputation on dependable telemetry systems and hands-on support for municipal water utilities. As control technology evolved, so did we—expanding our capabilities from basic pump controls and radio telemetry to full-scale SCADA system development, PLC programming, HMI/OIT design, and UL-certified panel fabrication.
Today, ACS continues that legacy with a team grounded in field experience, technical expertise, and a commitment to solutions that work for operators—not just on paper, but in the real world.
With over five decades of successful projects, ACS remains dedicated to helping municipalities monitor, control, and optimize the systems that keep their communities safe and running. As part of the Gasvoda Group, we bring even greater resources, deeper engineering support, and long-term stability to every system we design.
years of SCADA & control system experience
municipalities supported
1973: ACS Founded
Automatic Control Services (ACS) was established by David LaMontagne as the Northern Illinois service representative for Aquatrol Corporation.
1984: William Schmitz Joins
William Schmitz joined ACS in July 1984 as a service technician handling equipment installations, SCADA startups, and repairs.
1995: ACS Reestablished
After Aquatrol failed to evolve with the market, ACS reestablished itself by 1995 as a systems integration company with a focus on PLC-based control and SCADA development utilizing open architecture.
2024: ACS Acquired by Gasvoda
Gasvoda and Associates purchased Automatic Control Services effective June 1, 2024. With William Schmitz transitioning into a leadership role in this new division of Gasvoda Group to foster growth and ensure a smooth transition.
Early Years: Aquatrol Representation
Aquatrol Corporation provided proprietary SCADA equipment and software, which shaped ACS’s early trajectory and service work in the Northern Illinois market.
1990s: Industry Shift
The water treatment control industry began moving away from proprietary systems and toward more open, versatile PLC-based control platforms prompting a shift in ACS’s focus.
2002: New Ownership
When the previous owner retired in September 2002, William Schmitz purchased the business with a focus on perpetuating the evolution of PLC-based control and SCADA.
1973: ACS Founded
Automatic Control Services (ACS) was established by David LaMontagne as the Northern Illinois service representative for Aquatrol Corporation.
Early Years: Aquatrol Representation
Aquatrol Corporation provided proprietary SCADA equipment and software, which shaped ACS’s early service work in the Northern Illinois market.
1984: William Schmitz Joins
William Schmitz joined ACS in July 1984 as a service technician handling equipment installations, SCADA startups, and repairs.
1990s: Industry Shift
The water treatment control industry began moving away from proprietary systems and toward more open, versatile PLC-based control platforms.
1995: ACS Reestablished
After Aquatrol failed to evolve with the market, ACS reestablished itself by 1995 as a systems integration company.
2002: New Ownership
When the previous owner retired in September 2002, William Schmitz purchased the business and formed SWSchmitz LLC, continuing to do business as ACS.
2024: ACS Acquired by Gasvoda
Gasvoda and Associates purchased Automatic Control Services effective June 1, 2024. William Schmitz remained on under a three-year employment agreement to help ensure a smooth transition.
What We Do
We deliver a complete suite of automation and control services for municipal and industrial operations:
SCADA System Development
Custom-built interfaces, alarming, reporting, and system monitoring designed for clarity and reliability.
PLC Programming
Precise logic programming for pump stations, process controls, treatment systems, and critical infrastructure.
UL-Certified Control Panels
Design and fabrication of high-quality, reliable UL-508A panel systems.
Field Service & Support
On-site troubleshooting, upgrades, and preventative maintenance for pumps, instrumentation, networks, and SCADA hardware. Our technicians provide around-the-clock response for critical events, plus ongoing optimization to keep systems compliant and operators confident.
Testimonials
Why Clients Choose ACS
Municipalities and engineering teams rely on ACS for dependable, long-term performance.
Clients choose ACS because we act as a long-term partner—not just an integrator—providing dependable SCADA and control systems designed around real-world operations and future growth.
Approach
How We Work
Our approach is grounded in reliability, service, and long-term partnership.
Operator-Focused Design
We design HMI and OIT screens around the way operators actually run the plant—clear process views, meaningful alarms, and simple navigation. The focus is on quick situational awareness, not clutter.
Customized Engineering
Every utility is different. We tailor pump control, chemical feed, filtration, and treatment strategies to your process while using open, industry-standard platforms. That means you’re never locked into a single vendor and can expand or modify the system over time.
Long-Term Support
Our mission doesn’t end at startup. ACS and the Gasvoda Group provide ongoing service, upgrades, and project support so your control system keeps pace with regulatory changes, asset renewals, and community growth—year after year.
Let’s Support Your Infrastructure
Whether you need to modernize a legacy control panel, add new remote sites, or implement a complete SCADA upgrade, ACS brings decades of water and wastewater experience to your project. Tell us a bit about your system and we’ll help you chart the best path forward.
Contact Us Today
We’ll review your needs, discuss solutions, and outline the next steps for your project.