GEA, one of the world's leading suppliers of process technology, will showcase a GEA separator skid at this year's Rockwell Automation Inc. Automation Fair in Anaheim, California (November 18-21). The skid is controlled by Rockwell Automation's latest hardware and software solutions like FactoryTalk Optix. Rockwell Automation, one of the world's largest industrial automation and digital transformation companies, marks an important milestone in its partnership with GEA for centrifuge control and digitalization technologies.
At the Automation Fair GEA and Rockwell Automation will demonstrate the advantages of the new system architecture using the Plug & Win I separator, designed for craft breweries and cider producers. Source: GEA
“For our new control generation GEA X Control, it was important to us that operation and design are standardized, regardless of the underlying system architecture or manufacturer,” emphasizes Dieter Hille, Vice President Automation & Controls, at GEA Separation. GEA centrifuges have been equipped with Rockwell Automation controls for many years.
GEA becomes Gold OEM Member of Rockwell Automation
The development of the new control technology was the result of close cooperation between GEA and Rockwell Automation experts from Germany, India and the USA. Together, the network developed the new Rockwell Automation-based software for GEA X Control, bringing it to market readiness. As part of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Partner Program, Rockwell Automation awarded GEA Gold Member status, recognizing its innovation leadership.
“We are delighted to have GEA at our side as a strong practical partner with outstanding application expertise,” says Stefan Kösters, Global Strategic Account Manager at Rockwell Automation. “Our shared goal is to elevate automation, regardless of the size of plant size, and to provide competitive advantages for our customers.”
Showcasing GEA X Control with FactoryTalk Optix software
At the Automation Fair GEA and Rockwell Automation will demonstrate the advantages of the new system architecture using the Plug & Win I separator, designed for craft breweries and cider producers. The FactoryTalk Optix software enhances HMI and data visualization, expanding connection capabilities into a cloud architecture. It enables integration into smart machine, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), edge computing, data management and AI to monitor drive technology via FactoryTalk Analytics GuardianAI from Rockwell Automation.
For customers, this means a consistent interface and experience, whether they operate GEA centrifuges in the USA or Europe. FactoryTalk Optix also accelerates value creation through cutting-edge technologies, helping customers significantly improve processes and efficiency. Interested visitors can view the exhibit in the Industry Pavilion, OEM - Machine Builders.
Integration and standardization with MTP
GEA X-Control leverages the open automation standard MTP (Module Type Packaging). At the event, GEA and Rockwell Automation will demonstrate how plug-and-produce solution, based on the MTP network protocol, standardizes data exchange between the automation and engineering systems. This simplifies the integration of separators into existing production environments, reducing implementation time and increasing production flexibility.
The displayed separator is also available as a complete Eplan project. Eplan, a leading provider of electrical engineering software solutions for machine, plant and control cabinet construction, created the centrifuge’s control system as a digital twin. This twin is the basis for automated data exchange between PLC and Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 via the AML interface. Through Eplan’s augmented reality-based eViewAR solution, the project can be viewed directly at the control cabinet, even with the door closed. This ensures a continuous data flow from engineering to service.
Focus on digitalization and modularization
The partnership between GEA, Rockwell Automation and Eplan is another important step in the digitalization and modularization of production processes. GEA has already implemented similar collaborations, particularly in MTP and system-independent programming. Initial pilot systems are already successfully operating at customer sites.
Lilian Schmalenstroer
About GEA
GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. For instance, every second pharma separator for essential healthcare products such as vaccines or novel biopharmaceuticals is produced by GEA. In food, every fourth package of pasta or every third chicken nugget are processed with GEA technology.
With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated sales of about EUR 5.5 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2025 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customers’ production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world.”
GEA is listed on the German DAX, the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.
