Red Lion

Red Lion contact details

Corporate headquarters

1750 5th Avenue
York, PA 17403
United States

Telephone +1 717 767 6511

Email info@redlion.net

Website redlion.net

Red Lion UK (Manchester)

Manchester Business Park
3000 Aviator Way
Manchester M22 5TG
United Kingdom

Telephone +44 20 3868 0909

Email europe@redlion.net

Web redlion.net/about-us/offices

Show Red Lion headquarters on the map Open in Google Maps →

Contact details as published by HMS Networks (Red Lion Controls), checked 2026-10-30. Specify Motion is not affiliated with HMS Networks (Red Lion Controls).

Red Lion product lines

Who Red Lion is

Red Lion Controls is a US manufacturer of industrial automation hardware, best known among machine builders for its operator panels (HMIs) and among systems integrators for protocol conversion: getting PLCs, drives and instruments from different makers to share data. It describes itself as an industrial data company whose products help users access, connect and visualise data, and its range covers HMIs, edge controllers, industrial Ethernet switches, cellular routers and digital panel meters.

The thread through the range is Crimson, Red Lion’s configuration software, which offers more than 300 protocol drivers. The same software sets up an HMI screen, a data log or a protocol conversion between, say, a Modbus device and an EtherNet/IP PLC.

History and ownership

Red Lion’s own timeline focuses on the acquisitions that shaped the range:

• 1996: it acquires Paradigm Controls, adding HMIs that connect to several devices at once.
• 2010: it acquires N-Tron, adding industrial Ethernet switches.
• 2011: it acquires Sixnet, extending the Ethernet range and adding cellular M2M routers and remote telemetry units.
• 2013: it launches the Graphite series of operator panels.
• 2022: it acquires MB connect line, adding remote access for monitoring and maintenance.
• 2024: HMS Networks completes its acquisition of Red Lion Controls from Spectris Group Holdings Limited.

Red Lion’s website now presents Red Lion and N-Tron as part of HMS Networks, an industrial communications company whose other brands include Anybus and Ixxat.

HMI portfolio

Red Lion HMIs sit in our motion controllers family because they are the operator interface and data hub for PLC and motion systems. Our series pages summarise the published figures.

Graphite HMIs

The Graphite HMI range is Red Lion’s rugged operator panel family, launched in 2013, with sizes from 7 to 15 inches. Every model has an IP66 / Type 4X front and is rated from -20 to +60 °C, and outdoor S models are Type 4X outdoor. Graphite panels accept up to 8 plug-in modules for PID control, analogue and digital I/O, thermocouple, RTD and strain gauge inputs, and CAN, J1939, DeviceNet and PROFIBUS DP communications. They run up to 20 protocols at once. Approvals include UL hazardous locations, ATEX/UKEX and IECEx for Zone 2 and Zone 22, and ABS type approval for shipboard use. IEC 61131 control is added with the separate Crimson Control module.

CR3000 and CR1000 HMIs

• The CR3000 covers 4.3 to 15 inches with an IP66 / NEMA 4X front, -10 to +50 °C operation, up to two Ethernet and four serial ports, up to 15 simultaneous protocols and, depending on model, a built-in web server and data logging. It carries Class I Division 2 approval.
• The CR1000 is the entry model in 4.3, 7 and 10.4 inch sizes, with one Ethernet and two serial ports and up to 6 simultaneous protocols.

Choosing between Graphite, CR3000 and CR1000

On published figures, the choice usually comes down to environment and how much the panel has to do. The CR1000 suits a single machine talking to one or two devices. The CR3000 adds ports, more simultaneous protocols, a web server and Class I Division 2 approval. Graphite is the one to pick when the panel must also take local I/O or PID loops, run from -20 °C, or carry ATEX, IECEx or marine approval.

Edge controllers

Beyond HMIs, Red Lion makes the FlexEdge modular edge controller and the Graphite Edge Controller, which run the same Crimson software for protocol conversion, data logging and control. We have not added series records for these yet.

Technologies and standards

Red Lion’s strengths are multi-protocol communication and rugged, approved hardware. Crimson 3.2 now supports Graphite, CR1000 and CR3000 HMIs, FlexEdge and the DA10D/DA30D protocol converters in one release, which Red Lion calls the preferred platform for future enhancements. The Graphite data sheet lists ATEX and IECEx marking Ex ic nA IIC T4 Gc for gas and Ex tc IIIC T135 °C Dc for dust, which is why Graphite panels appear on skids and plant in Zone 2 areas.

Industries served

Red Lion names factory automation, alternative energy, oil and gas, power and utilities, transportation, and water and wastewater as its markets. It highlights IECEx-certified products for remote oil and gas sites and secure, redundant products for utilities.

Global and UK presence

Red Lion’s offices page lists the York, Pennsylvania headquarters and a UK office at Manchester Business Park, 3000 Aviator Way, Manchester M22 5TG (+44 20 3868 0909, europe@redlion.net); the email address suggests it is the contact point for Europe as well as the UK. UK engineers can start with that office for pricing and local supply.

What to send when specifying a Red Lion HMI

List the screen size, the devices it must talk to (make, model, protocol and port), how many protocols run at once, any I/O or PID loops the panel should handle, supply voltage, front rating, temperature range and any hazardous-area or marine approval. If you are replacing an older G3 or Graphite unit, include the part number and whether the Crimson database can be reused.

Specify Motion is independent of Red Lion and HMS Networks. Our engineers can help source Red Lion HMIs or propose equivalents; see find a replacement or the motion controllers hub.

Red Lion history: key dates

1. 1996Acquires Paradigm Controls, adding multi-device HMIs
2. 2010Acquires N-Tron industrial Ethernet switches
3. 2011Acquires Sixnet, adding cellular M2M and remote telemetry units
4. 2013Graphite series of operator panels launched
5. 2022Acquires MB connect line remote access business
6. 2024HMS Networks completes its acquisition of Red Lion from Spectris

Red Lion controllers, plcs and hmis

HMI

Graphite HMI

Rugged 7 to 15 inch Red Lion HMIs with IP66 / Type 4X fronts, -20 to +60 °C rating, over 300 protocol drivers (20 at once) and up to 8 plug-in I/O and comms modules; IEC 61131 control is added with the Crimson Control module.

HMI

CR3000 HMI

Red Lion HMI in 4.3, 7, 10.4 and 15 inch sizes with IP66 / NEMA 4X front, -10 to +50 °C, 10–30 V DC, up to two Ethernet and four serial ports, 15 simultaneous protocols, web server and data logging.

HMI

CR1000 HMI

Entry-level Red Lion HMI in 4.3, 7 and 10.4 inch sizes with IP66 / NEMA 4X front, -10 to +50 °C, one Ethernet and two serial ports and up to 6 simultaneous protocols from a library of over 300 drivers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Red Lion's website?

Red Lion's website is redlion.net. It covers the HMI, edge controller, networking and panel meter ranges, data sheets, the Crimson software download and an offices page. Technical articles and downloads are on support.redlion.net.

What is Red Lion's phone number and email?

Red Lion's corporate headquarters in York, Pennsylvania is on +1 717 767 6511, email info@redlion.net. The UK office in Manchester is on +44 20 3868 0909, email europe@redlion.net. Both are listed on the offices page of redlion.net.

Where is Red Lion's headquarters?

Red Lion's corporate headquarters is at 1750 5th Avenue, York, PA 17403, USA. Since 2024 the company has been part of HMS Networks.

Who owns Red Lion?

HMS Networks owns Red Lion. Red Lion's own timeline records that HMS Networks completed its acquisition of Red Lion Controls from Spectris Group Holdings Limited in 2024. Red Lion's own earlier acquisitions included Paradigm Controls, N-Tron, Sixnet and MB connect line.

Does Red Lion have a UK office?

Yes. Red Lion lists a UK office at Manchester Business Park, 3000 Aviator Way, Manchester M22 5TG, phone +44 20 3868 0909 and email europe@redlion.net. Specify Motion is independent of Red Lion and HMS and can help source Red Lion HMIs or propose equivalents.

What does Red Lion make?

Red Lion makes HMIs (Graphite, CR1000 and CR3000), FlexEdge and Graphite edge controllers and protocol converters, N-Tron and Sixnet industrial Ethernet switches and cellular routers, and digital panel meters. Its Crimson software configures the HMIs and controllers and offers more than 300 protocol drivers.

Sources

1. Red Lion: About us
2. Red Lion: Offices
3. Red Lion: Graphite data sheet
4. Red Lion: Graphite product notice (July 2013)
5. Red Lion: CR1000 and CR3000 data sheet
6. Red Lion: Crimson software
7. Red Lion support: Crimson 3.2 unified release FAQ

Figures are summarised from the sources above and from manufacturers' published data on the date shown. Always confirm against the current datasheet for your exact part.