Trade press release

GEA opens state-of-the-art Technology Center in Wallau/Germany

21 Mar 2023

GEA opened the doors of its new 1500-sqm Technology Center (XLAB) in Biedenkopf-Wallau for the first time on March 20. From now on, the new XLAB will be available to customers for product testing and training. During the opening ceremony, guests had the opportunity to be the first to get acquainted with the new location and technological developments of the internationally operating group for the food processing industry.

GEA Food Solutions Germany GmbH at Biedenkopf-Wallau (Germany) opens the doors for its new Technology Center for the business unit Slicing & Packaging. Source: GEA

GEA Food Solutions Germany GmbH at Biedenkopf-Wallau (Germany) opens the doors for its new Technology Center for the business unit Slicing & Packaging. Source: GEA

GEA celebrate the opening of the new XLAB Technology Center at its production site in Biedenkopf-Wallau (Germany). Source: GEA

GEA celebrate the opening of the new XLAB Technology Center at its production site in Biedenkopf-Wallau (Germany). Source: GEA

"We are very excited to open our new Technology Center, after a short six-month construction phase. With the XLAB, we are taking product testing for our national and international customers to a whole new level. A special feature is the new 500-sqm air-conditioned hall, which can be cooled down to freezing point and enables customer tests under realistic conditions," says Moritz Krunke, Managing Director of GEA's Wallau site. 

During the opening week, automation, digitization, sustainability, as well as training and performance support workshops will be offered to customers. Plant tours and live demonstrations on the slicing and packaging line, SmartPacker and CutMaster round off the program. Individual machines and complete, highly digitalized production lines are on display on the exhibition floor, and the business unit's entire product portfolio is available. This includes technically complex thermoforming and vertical packaging machines, high-speed cutting and loading systems for meat, sausage, ham/bacon, cheese, frozen foods and vegetables, as well as highly flexible bowl cutters for the production of sausages, cheese, fish and meat substitute products. In addition, this business unit of GEA offers solutions for the production and packaging of lollipops and other confectionery and food products. The XLAB combines expertise from across the GEA business unit at one location.

GEA offers technology transformation

The XLAB technology center offers customers the possibility for product testing and training in the area slicing and packaging under realistic conditions. Source: GEA

The XLAB technology center offers customers the possibility for product testing and training in the area slicing and packaging under realistic conditions. Source: GEA

"Our new Technology Center underscores our partnership-based customer relations on a national and international level. Together with our customers we develop tailored solutions that will play a decisive role in the technological transformation of the respective production area," adds Jörg Kuhn, Vice President of the Slicing & Packaging Business Unit.

GEA has been active in the food segment for many years and has since developed into a full liner that offers expert knowledge to support its customers throughout the entire process. GEA is not only a supplier, but also a consultant for customers just entering the industry. These are integrated into the processes and planning at an early stage. In addition to consulting, GEA stands out as a full-line supplier of machines for the entire process line, automation and software, which is a huge plus in terms of efficiency.

More than 50 guests of honor from politics, business and companies involved in the construction celebrated the opening of the XLAB with GEA. Source: GEA

More than 50 guests of honor from politics, business and companies involved in the construction celebrated the opening of the XLAB with GEA. Source: GEA

Contact

Nicole Meierotto

Phone: 49 211 9136 1503

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.

With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated revenues of about EUR 5.4 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2023 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customer’s 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 MDAX the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is among the companies comprising the DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability as well as Dow Jones Sustainability World and Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Indices.
 
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