Food & Beverage

Food and beverage processing plants require a high sustainability level from their electrical systems, because in the event of a shutdown, the repercussions can be too great to overcome. Not only do these industries focus on efficiency, but they also need to take into account sanitary measures implemented on the floor. Components need to be safe, reduce contamination, and withstand extreme temperature ranges and high-pressure cleaning.

Gross Automation understands this and is committed to helping you reach your desired levels of efficiency, durability, safety, and cleanliness. That is why we have curated technology solutions that help maintain the four zones of food manufacturing.

Contact us if you have any questions about our products or engineering solutions.

Safety Products

Safety in the workplace cannot be stressed enough. Machinery and equipment require protection from electricity and should provide workers with a high level of safety and protection from accidents or hazards. Our product offerings cover all aspects of machine safety, detection, and protection for food and beverage environments.

Emergency Stop & Signaling:

  • - IP69K E-Stops
  • - Buzzers & Alarms
  • - LED Stack Lights & Beacons
  • - Flashers/Strobes

Detection & Interlocks:

  • - Light Curtains (Washdown-rated)
  • - Safety Scanners & Mats
  • - RFID/Mechanical Interlocks
  • - Safety Edges & Door Switches

Safety Relays & Controls:

  • - Safety Relays & Controllers
  • - E-Stop Monitors
  • - SIL/PL Logic Units

Power Protection:

  • - Circuit Breakers (DIN-mount, IP-rated)
  • - Fused Disconnects & Safety Switches
  • - Surge Protection Devices (SPD)
  • - Ground Fault Detection

Sensors & Feedback:

  • - Hygienic Proximity Sensors
  • - Photoelectric Sensors (IP69K)
  • - Safety Encoders & Limit Switches
  • - Temperature & Level Sensors

Enclosures & Wiring:

  • - Stainless Steel Enclosures (NEMA 4X/IP66)
  • - Stainless Wiring Trough & Cable Duct
  • - Washdown Cable Glands & Connectors
  • - Food-Grade Conduit & Fittings

Machine Guarding:

  • - Safety Fencing (Stainless/Modular)
  • - Guard Locks & Door Kits
  • - Interlocked Guard Panels

Motors, Drives, & Controls

Motors, drives, and controls are the backbone of food and beverage processing automation. Reliable and efficient operation is essential for maintaining production uptime and product quality. Our solutions are designed to withstand harsh washdown environments and meet stringent industry standards.

Motors:

  • - Washdown Duty AC Motors
  • - Stainless Steel Servo Motors
  • - Explosion-Proof Motors
  • - Gear Motors (Encapsulated or Hygienic)

Drives:

  • - Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
  • - Washdown-Rated VFDs (IP66/NEMA 4X)
  • - Compact OEM VFDs
  • - Soft Starters (including pump/agitator modes)

Controls:

  • - Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
  • - Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
  • - Motion Controllers
  • - Temperature & Process Controllers

Sensors & Feedback:

  • - Proximity & Photoelectric Sensors
  • - Encoders & Rotary Feedback Devices
  • - Load Cells & Weighing Systems
  • - Safety Relays & Interlocks

Supporting Components:

  • - Stainless Steel Enclosures
  • - IP69K Cable Glands & Connectors
  • - Panel Cooling (Washdown-Rated)
  • - DIN Rail Power Supplies & Relays

Electrification

The food and beverage landscape is broken down into many smaller stations, varying from cooling and refrigeration to mixing, conveying, bottling, picking, packing, and many more. All of these are supported by machinery such as motors, pumps, fans, drives, and PLCs. Gross Automation proudly distributes and designs systems using machinery from manufacturers like ABB, Baldor, WEG and more.

Power Distribution:

  • - Stainless Steel Panelboards
  • - Fused & Non-Fused Disconnects
  • - Load Centers & Safety Switches
  • - Busbar & Power Distribution Blocks
  • - Motor Starters (IEC & NEMA)

Wiring Systems:

  • - Hygienic Cable Tray & Trough (Stainless)
  • - IP69K Cable Glands & Cord Grips
  • - Flexible Food-Grade Conduit
  • - Liquid-Tight & Seal-Tite Systems
  • - DIN-Rail Terminal Blocks & Jumpers

Connectors & Power Entry:

  • - IP69K Circular Connectors (M8/M12)
  • - Food-Safe Multi-Pin Power Connectors
  • - Locking Power Inlets/Outlets
  • - Stainless Steel Outlet Boxes
  • - Quick-Connect Systems (Tool-free, sealed)

Lighting & Power:

  • - Food-Grade LED Fixtures (Shatterproof)
  • - Washdown-Rated Task Lighting
  • - GFCI & Weatherproof Receptacles
  • - Industrial Plugs & Sockets
  • - Transformer & Power Supply Modules

Grounding & Bonding:

  • - Stainless Ground Bars
  • - Ground Lugs & Braided Straps
  • - Equipotential Bonding Systems
  • - Ground Fault Monitoring Devices

Protection Where It Matters

The four zones of a food and beverage processing plant must pass inspection, as well as uphold maintenance, cleaning, and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces. These zones are used to divide the packing and processing operations and sectors of a food and beverage facility. The definitions for these zones are established by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

Zone 1: Includes all surfaces and utensils that come in contact with or are exposed to food or other contaminating products.

Zone 2: Includes surfaces that do not come in direct contact with product but are within close proximity to zone 1 surfaces.

Zone 3: Includes non-food contact surfaces that may be adjacent to zones 1 and 2. Without proper cleaning and sanitation, these surfaces may cause cross contamination.

Zone 4: Includes non-food contact surfaces that are far from any packing or processing area.