Jacobsen joins GEA for its powder business

GEA has created a new business unit, Powder Systems Europe, to service its growing customer base in Europe for powder filling systems and powder handling components primarily for the food, dairy and pharmaceutical markets. Powder Systems Europe is now managed by Christian Rolf Jacobsen, who joined GEA on 16 June.

Jacobsen has worked in the food and dairy industry with ingredients supplier Christian Hansen and previously was with BASF Nutrition. “I am thrilled to join GEA,” he says. “It’s a high-quality company with a strong image and an exciting growth agenda. Our aim is to extend the coverage and servicing of large customers within the dairy and food segments.”

Powder Systems Europe brings together GEA technology companies GEA Avapac and GEA Nu-Con, both based in New Zealand. Both companies already have a large installed base in Europe and have serviced their customers effectively from New Zealand. However, a rapidly increasing demand for GEA Avapac Limited Intervention filling systems – boosted by the introduction of the company’s RBF 1000, 800 and 500 Li machines that can easily be shipped in 40ft containers – and the introduction of the new GEA Nu-Con Gen 3 RDS rotary valves, has required a more direct, proactive approach.

“The new business unit brings us much closer to some of the major players in the market and will allow us to focus increasingly on sales, customer support and aftermarket service,” Jacobsen says.

GEA Avapac designs, manufactures and sells powder filling systems for bulk bag and retail containers including its new Limited Intervention (lights out) systems. GEA Nu-Con supplies a wide range of powder handling components including its Generation 3, RDS rotary valves with self diagnostics.