The first network integration of PLCs and welding controls originated at Welding Technology Corp.'s Medar division.

Medar introduced a fully programmable resistance welding control module that interfaced with the Allen-Bradley 1771 architecture. A prototype Medar tripack welding control unit to appear like a quarter rack of Allen-Bradley I/O using RIO integration.

The success of this achievement was due to the cost savings realized by major automotive manufacturing plants