The most versatile drum former
GEA MaxiFormer II
GEA MaxiFormer II, with patented drum forming technology, is our most efficient forming solution for high-quality formed poultry, pork and plant-based products, providing the highest output.
Maximize efficiency. Minimize total cost of ownership.
The GEA MaxiFormer II sets the industry standard for drum forming. Inspired by the trusted MaxiFormer, it delivers higher throughput, consistent quality, and reduced waste – all at the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in the market.
Maximize versatility
- Proven across poultry, pork, fish, vegetarian, cheese, vegan and potato applications
- Form products in 2D, natural 3D and fantasy shapes
- Achieve virtually no product waste or wash-off
- Retain product texture with up to 31% lower filling pressure
Lower your total cost of ownership
- Run at uninterrupted capacity up to 330 strokes/min or 10 kg/hour
- Extend production up to 60 hours between drum cleans and reach 99.8% uptime
- Ensure uniform weight distribution with up to 1.7% lower giveaway
Improve sustainability
- Eliminate processing water usage (100% reduction)
- Reduce hot water consumption by up to 91%
- Cut total annual water use by up to 80%
- Optimize energy and chemical consumption
Rely on proven reliability
- Leverage GEA’s expertise for seamless upstream and downstream integration
- Operate confidently with the most advanced, touch-screen control system
Main product applications
The MaxiFormer II is trusted by processors worldwide for high-volume, high-quality products.
Main product applications include chicken nuggets & tenders, 3D chicken filets, pork cutlets, plant-based patties & nuggets, potato products and cheese-based snacks.
Technology highlights
The GEA MaxiFormer II combines patented step-filling technology, a 1000 mm-wide drum and a targeted air knock-out system to deliver gentle forming, higher throughput, and maximum efficiency.
Worlds first 1000mm wide drum
Choose between 600 mm and 1000 mm-wide drums for the right capacity. The extra-wide option maximizes throughput while optimizing space and belt loading, delivering the highest efficiency per square meter of floor space.
Targeted air knock-out system
Eject products precisely using high-pressure dry air aimed at each row of cavities. This targeted approach protects product quality, improves efficiency, and avoids unnecessary wear on the drum.
Accessories for GEA MaxiFormer II
In addition to the MaxiFormer, the complete system includes a vane pump, a GEA MaxiDrum, GEA MaxiCarriage, GEA MaxiStorage and GEA MaxiClean.
GEA MaxiDrum
Ensure precise, consistent portioning for every product. The MaxiDrum’s rigid spoke design delivers uniform filling pressure and twice the weight accuracy of standard systems for 2D and 3D products. Custom drums with 2D or 3D cavities are available, and the MaxiFormer DemoDrum simplifies and accelerates product development.
GEA MaxiClean
Reduce downtime with fully automatic, intelligent drum cleaning. The MaxiClean system monitors key parameters and stops when the drum is clean, cutting water use by up to 80% while speeding up product changeover.
GEA MaxiCarriage
Move drums safely and efficiently between stations. The MaxiCarriage allows used drums to be easily transferred from the MaxiFormer to the MaxiClean, speeding up cleaning, reducing downtime, and ensuring secure handling. The GEA MaxiStorage can store up to four drums.
Technical details
| Product specifications | GEA MaxiFormer 600 | GEA MaxiFormer 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension LxWxH | 2056x1856x2022 mm | 2456x1856x2022 mm |
| Belt width | 600 mm | 1000 mm |
| Max. capacity | up to 330 strokes/minute | up to 330 strokes/minute |
| Speed | 3 up to 33 meter/minute | 4 up to 33 meter/minute |
| Min. | 4 mm | 4 mm |
| Max. | 18 mm | 18 mm |
Our service & support
Partnership that goes beyond equipment
With GEA, you get more than a machine – you get a trusted partner.
- Installation & commissioning support
- Operator training programs
- Preventive maintenance services
- Global spare parts availability
- Access to GEA Technology Centers for product testing and development
Downloads
McCain and GEA’s sustainable drum forming innovation
McCain faced the challenge of scaling up production for cheese-based products while minimizing water usage to align with their sustainability goals. To address this, they partnered with GEA and implemented the MaxiFormer II equipped...
Save up to 80% of water consumption
GEA's MaxiClean drum cleaning machine, part of the MaxiFormer system, earns our 'Add Better' eco label for sustainability, saving up to 80% of water consumption. Real data comparisons show potential savings of up to...
Crafted by many, perfected for you
At GEA, innovation is never a solo act. The MaxiFormer II and MaxiClean were shaped by the expertise and passion of our engineers, technologists, and customers. Every feature reflects real-world collaboration to deliver smarter, more...
Related Products
GEA TempuMixer Module II
Deliver perfect tempura batter every time. TempuMixer II automates mixing for consistent quality, reduced waste, and hygienic, high-efficiency production.
GEA CrumbMaster Gen 2
Achieve perfect, dust-free crumb coating with minimal waste. CrumbMaster Gen 2 delivers consistent, high-quality results across all crumb types. Efficient, hygienic, and easy to clean.
GEA ProFry
Elevate frying performance with ProFry. Boost oil flow, cut waste, and ensure consistent, high-quality results. Ideal for deep and flash-fried foods in high-output production.
GEA CookStar
Master industrial cooking with CookStar. Steam, cook, roast or smoke in one oven. High yield, consistent quality, and unmatched flexibility for high-throughput food production.
Service Products
GEA Service level agreements
Discover how GEA’s advanced technologies and tailored services optimize productivity, sustainability, and automation for your food processing or packaging business.
GEA InsightPartner for food processing and packaging equipment
By providing instant access to real-time equipment data, InsightPartner helps food processors manage their production better. Our cloud-based solution provides advanced analytics and comprehensive insights based on continuous data monitoring.
GEA RemotePartner for food processing and packaging equipment
GEA RemotePartner combines digital machine access and remote support to help you swiftly identify the root cause of any equipment issue and get instant assistance from GEA experts. The result: faster issue diagnostics and resolution, enhanced machine performance, greater efficiency and minimal downtime.
GEA FormPlates
Get the best out of your GEA food forming equipment with original forming plates. Choose from an extensive range of food forming plates for meat, poultry, fish, meat-replacement, vegetables and cheese. The GEA FormPlates are suitable for all formers in the GEA food forming family, such as the GEA MultiFormer and GEA FreshFormer.
GEA Knockout E-series
Producing the best quality formed food products has become even easier. Whether you use a GEA MultiFormer, GEA FreshFormer or any other GEA plate forming equipment, now you can optimize your forming technology in only a few minutes and boost your performance. With the GEA Knockout E-series, formed products are released smoothly and easily using a...
GEA Insights
GEA reports profitable growth for 2025 and expects accelerated revenue growth
GEA’s past fiscal year was one of significant growth and further profitability gains. In particular, the technology group substantially increased order intake, with all divisions contributing here. GEA also made progress in all Mission 30 strategic growth areas. In addition, GEA met key interim targets under its climate plan ahead of schedule. Major milestones in fiscal year 2025 were admission to the DAX index, the award of one of the largest contracts in the company’s history, and streamlining of the corporate structure.
How SmartParc is rewriting the rules of food production
Thanks to a new SmartParc manufacturing site, food processors in the U.K. are cutting their running costs and emissions. With GEA heating and cooling technology at its core, this collaborative production model demonstrates how innovation is accelerating the industry’s net-zero ambitions.
The food science playground
“Brewing eggs is like brewing beer.” It’s the kind of comparison that makes you smile – and then it clicks: Something complex suddenly feels simple. Through this personal film, set in the agricultural heartland of the U.S., we explore precision fermentation and the real-world work it takes to turn an idea into food.
