WestfaliaSurge formally announced the launch of GEA Farm Technologies as part of an effort to emphasize their expertise in more than just milking equipment. The announcement was made Oct. 1 in Madison during World Dairy Expo. GEA Farm Technologies will combine the strengths of the WestfaliaSurge, Houle and Norbco product lines into one family brand that also incorporates their parent company, the GEA Group.

All of the products and services WestfaliaSurge, Houle and Norbco currently offer will continue to be available under GEA Farm Technologies. In addition, their established network of dealers will continue to provide customers with the experienced and reliable support they are used to receiving.

"WestfaliaSurge is very proud to have more than 100 years of experience and competence in the milking equipment industry," says CEO and President of GEA WestfaliaSurge, Inc., Vern Foster. "However, in order to further strengthen our position in the market and to meet the growing demands of today's progressive producers, we need to look to the future. We believe there is much to gain by working closely with our parent company, GEA."

WestfaliaSurge has been part of the GEA Group for 14 years. The Houle organization was added in 2007 and Norbco was just recently acquired in July 2008. The integration with GEA offers the advantages of additional engineering excellence, global resources and technologies from across the division, and the financial strength to grow and fulfill future customer demands.

The GEA Group, headquartered in Bochum, Germany, is a globally successful technology group owning more than 250 companies in 50 countries, with an emphasis in the field of process engineering and equipment.