Process automation involves both steady-state optimization and feedback control. In this paper, the economic optimum steady-state operating conditions for a petroleum crude distillation process are determined using a tray-to-tray model. This model is used to evaluate the steady-state operation achieved with several multivariable process control designs. Only one controller design was found to result in essentially optimum steady-state operation; others deviated significantly. The method applied in this paper relies on a knowledge of the key disturbances occurring in the process; good economic performance may not be obtained should other disturbance types occur. The results demonstrate the importance of implementing the operations optimization through a control strategy which will respond properly to disturbances.