GEA Opens New Alternative Protein Center in Janesville, Wisconsin
In a significant stride towards sustainable food solutions, GEA has officially inaugurated its latest Food Application and Technology Center (ATC) in Janesville, Wisconsin. This $20 million facility represents a robust commitment to scaling the production of alternative proteins, marking GEA’s second global Center of Excellence dedicated to this innovative field.
Bridging Innovation and Industrial Production
The Janesville ATC aims to bridge the crucial gap between laboratory experimentation and industrial-scale production. It is equipped with an array of core GEA process technologies essential for producing next-generation proteins. The facility boasts pilot lines for precision fermentation, cell cultivation, and plant-based processing. Additionally, it features advanced capabilities in thermal processing, aseptic filling, spray drying, membrane filtration, and centrifugation.
A key highlight of this center is its integrated laboratory capabilities. The ATC enables comprehensive microbiological, cell-based, and analytical testing all under one roof, allowing companies to transition from concept to market-ready products more efficiently.
A Look Back: GEA’s First ATC
Before the Janesville center, GEA launched its first ATC in Hildesheim, Germany, in 2023, setting the stage for innovative solutions in the food industry. The opening of the Janesville facility not only expands the GEA campus but also enhances the company’s ability to support its clients in North America with production, repair, logistics, training, and now, advanced food technology.
Statements from Leadership
Stefan Klebert, CEO of GEA Group, emphasized the importance of this development for the food industry. “The food industry is at a crossroads. To feed future generations sustainably, we must turn vision into scalable reality. Our new center in Janesville is a key milestone on our shared journey – both for our customers and for us as a company,” he stated. This sentiment underscores the urgency and importance of finding sustainable alternatives to traditional food sources like meat, dairy, seafood, and eggs.
The investment in the Janesville ATC also solidifies GEA’s North American footprint. With 1,600 employees across 16 locations, GEA is well-positioned to provide manufacturing, sales, service, training, and testing support to its customers.
Focus on Novel Food Production
The center is particularly focused on helping customers scale the production of novel foods, such as precision-fermented egg whites and cultivated seafood. By providing the necessary technological frameworks, GEA aims to empower food producers to meet the rising demand for sustainable food options in a rapidly changing market.
Celebratory Opening Event
The ceremonial opening event saw GEA leadership unveiling the center’s potential, with attendees witnessing firsthand the advancements in food technology. The community and industry stakeholders alike expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities that the new ATC represents for food innovation.
Looking Ahead
With the establishment of the Janesville ATC, GEA is not just enhancing its technological capabilities but also reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices in the food industry. By investing in alternative protein infrastructures, GEA is paving the way for a future where sustainable food solutions become an integral part of our diet.
It’s clear that the opening of this facility marks a pivotal moment not only for GEA but for the entire food sector, emphasizing the vital role of innovation in meeting global food needs sustainably.
