JANESVILLE, WIS. — GEA recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, net-zero, logistics, assembly, production and training facility in Janesville, Wis.

The site is the first greenfield North American location in 50 years. The 85,000-square-foot facility is expected to be operational in late 2023. With more than $20 million invested in the project, it will feature modern offices, a training center and space for the repair of mechanical equipment and logistics.

“The Janesville facility will bring us closer to our growing Midwest customer base and it will enable us to meet the growing demand for our products,” said Azam Owaisi, chief executive officer at GEA North America. “As the new facility will have production capabilities to finalize separator, decanter, valve and pump assembly, GEA will fully meet the ‘Built in America’ mandates if required.”

In line with its net zero goal for 2040, the facility will feature a high efficiency heating and cooling system, solar panels, LED lighting, electric car charging stations, recycling and water reuse possibilities. GEA said the new facility will create more than 70 jobs in the area.

“We need another repair facility in the Midwest, because 30-35% of our installed customer base is located there,” said Michael J. Vick, separation and flow technologies vice president at GEA North America. “We will be much closer to our customers and have an opportunity to secure more repairs and spare parts business. Repairs are a critical part of our business as customers need our expertise, particularly for centrifuges which can’t be repaired at the customer site and require technical experience. Now we’ll be able to support them more efficiently and will be more attractive to new customers.”