GE Fanuc and Pepperl + Fuchs Partner on Automation Systems

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA -- GE Fanuc Automation, a unit of GE Industrial, announced that it has entered into an agreement with Pepperl + Fuchs North America, of Twinsburg, OH, to provide interface components that create connections in industrial automation systems, including Profibus-based analog signal transfer and digital fieldbus communications. Proficy Process Systems will use Pepperl + Fuchs for Profibus connectivity.

Proficy Process Systems is GE Fanuc's process control system designed to deliver value to hybrid and continuous customers in industries including life sciences; food and beverage; consumer packaged goods; ethanol, oil, and gas; power and energy; milled products; and water/wastewater. GE Fanuc currently serves thousands of customers in these process industries, and Proficy Process Systems represents a significant addition to the company's product offering.

"GE Fanuc is providing our customers with the freedom to implement a system that meets their needs today, and grows and expands to meet their needs tomorrow. We are doing that by delivering a contemporary solution based on many of our well-proven technologies, along with technologies from other industry-leading technology partners, like Pepperl + Fuchs," said Steve Ryan, GE Fanuc Director of Process Solutions. "One of the key ways we are providing freedom to our customers is to allow them to choose the fieldbus technologies they need for their applications. Pepperl + Fuchs is recognized as an industry expert in Profibus communications, and will provide our customers with the capability to choose that as a fieldbus technology for their system."

"Our relationship with GE Fanuc is a strategic partnership that will allow both companies to highlight their industry leading solutions," said Jim Bolin, Chief Operating Officer, Process Automation, Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. "Together as a team, P+F and GE Fanuc will provide the necessary hardware, knowledge, and support on fieldbus applications. The combination of GE Fanuc's control system and our infrastructure equipment and powerful diagnostic tools will help our mutual customers to take advantage of the powerful features of fieldbus."

Additional information about Proficy Process Systems, as well as a registration form to order an introductory CD about Proficy Process Solutions, are available on the GE Fanuc Web site.

About Pepperl + Fuchs
Pepperl+Fuchs has over 3400 employees in more than 30 countries and is a world leader in the design, manufacture, application, and support of a broad range of automation solutions. Pepperl+Fuchs is the market leader for intrinsic safety interfaces and hazardous-location equipment. Our FieldConnex fieldbus installation system for Profibus and Foundation Fieldbus provides maximum flexibility to modern process automation applications. Additionally, P+F's Bebco EPS purge and pressurization system provides rugged protection for any type of instrumentation. This comprehensive range of explosion-protection systems and interface equipment is complemented by technologies such as Extec visualization and operation systems, as well as on-line corrosion monitoring transmitters and level sensing instruments. For more information, visit the company's Web site or contact representatives at Pepperl+Fuchs, 1600 Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg, OH 44087; 330-486-0002, (fax) 330-425-4607, [email protected].

About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation Corp., a joint venture between General Electric and Fanuc Ltd. of Japan, delivers automation hardware and software designed to help users reduce costs, increase efficiency, and enhance profitability. With solutions and services for virtually every industrial segment, GE Fanuc Automation provides a diverse array of capabilities and products, including controllers, embedded systems, advanced software, motion control, computer numerically controlled devices, operator interfaces, industrial computers, and lasers. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, GE Fanuc Automation is a part of GE Industrial and combines the diverse global strengths of the GE family with the local presence customers need to design, develop, and maintain their automation investments. For more information, visit the company's Web site or contact representatives at GE Fanuc Information Center, P.O. Box 8106, Charlottesville, VA 22906; 800-433-2682, (fax) 434-978-5205, [email protected].