Voith Paper Automation Signs OEM Agreement with Rockwell Automation
OEM alliance taps Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture and Voith Paper Automation industry expertise
MILWAUKEE, Oct. 11, 2005 - Voith Paper Automation today announced a global OEM alliance with Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK). This alliance includes coordination, support and joint development activities focused on applying the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture to Voith's paper machines and process solutions.
"Working with Rockwell Automation helps us deliver a complete array of technology and services to the paper industry," said John Adeimy, Voith Paper Automation vice president of sales and marketing, Americas. "Through alliances like this, we can develop advanced and integrated paper processes that will help papermakers improve their machine efficiency and increase production."
Using sophisticated control, networking, visualization and software development technologies, the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture addresses a full range of automation application needs, including sequential, motion, process, drive and safetycontrol, as well as information integration. Voith Paper Automation is leveraging this architecture to help papermakers increase their productivity by streamlining and integrating communications throughout the enterprise, allowing customers to reduce machine engineering, integration and maintenance requirements. Expected to reduce end users' total cost of ownership for process solutions of Voith machines, the Integrated Architecture also increases Voith Paper Automation's flexibility in offering the right system to any customer and market worldwide.
"A majority of Voith Paper customers in the Americas already use Allen-Bradley products from Rockwell Automation," said John Lewis, Rockwell Automation director of strategic alliances. "Familiarity of products makes mills easier to maintain. Also, the open architecture ensures a high degree of connectivity within the plant."
The OEM alliance will cover all pulp and paper applications including machine (MCS) and drive controls, standard (DCS) and advanced process controls (APC), quality controls (QCS) and paper production information services (IS). Application development is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2006. Other milestones of the alliance are expected to include:
First Voith machines using the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture to be available in the second quarter of 2006;
Implementation of an entire paper line with the new architecture to be completed by the third quarter of 2006; and
Fully integrated Voith paper machine and process line solutions to be using the new architecture by the end of 2006.
About Voith Paper Automation
Voith Paper is a global leader in paper machinery, paper machine clothing and fabrics, stock prep systems, finishing and automation. Based on this experience Voith Paper Automation combines process know-how with best automation expertise and develops application-oriented automation solutions for the pulp and paper industry. Voith Paper Automation delivers complete automation solutions for new and existing machines as well as stand-alone solutions for upgrades, retrofits and modernizations. Customers benefit from comprehensive knowledge that is shared among all paper divisions within Voith Paper.
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), is a leading global provider of automation, power, control, and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., U.S.A., the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
Media contacts: Steve Smith
Rockwell Automation
+1.414.382.5580
shsmith@corp.rockwell.com
Juergen Frank
Voith Paper Automation GmbH & Co. KG
+49 7321 37 6459
Juergen.Frank@Voith.com
