GEA WestfaliaSurge GmbH Acquires Norbco, Inc.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (July 14, 2008)—GEA WestfaliaSurge announced today the acquisition of Norbco, Inc., the sole and exclusive supplier of conventional heavy- and medium-duty milking parlor stalls to GEA WestfaliaSurge, Inc. In addition to parlor stalls, Norbco is a manufacturer and distributor of farm equipment including ventilation equipment, cow mattresses, barn curtains, barn cleaners and free stalls, all with a distinct focus on cow comfort.

“Norbco is a long-time, well-respected manufacturer of high-quality equipment, and it is with great pride that we combine the strengths of the Norbco product line with those of WestfaliaSurge,” says Vern Foster, President and CEO, GEA WestfaliaSurge, Inc. “The Norbco acquisition gives us another important component to provide more complete, innovative solutions to meet the goals of today’s dairy producer.”

Started in 1981, Norbco was founded on the idea of providing innovative, rugged equipment to meet the varying needs of large dairy operations. The company philosophy of providing high-quality equipment has positioned Norbco as a major farm equipment and dairy systems manufacturer and distributor throughout the United States.

Norbco equipment is available in more than 300 dealerships across North America. The company is headquartered in Westmoreland, New York with manufacturing facilities in Tomah, Wisconsin and Tulare, California. Norbco employs more than 100 people.

“The design of the milking center is critically important to the success of a dairy operation,” says Foster. “One of the goals of WestfaliaSurge is to provide dairy producers with high-quality engineering, innovative design and rugged manufacturing that enlists their trust and satisfaction. The Norbco acquisition helps us strengthen our already industry-leading position.”

GEA WestfaliaSurge, Inc. and GEA WestfaliaSurge Canada Co. are divisions of GEA WestfaliaSurge GmbH, a member of the GEA-Group and a worldwide leader in milking equipment technology.  WestfaliaSurge is dedicated to saving dairy producers time, labor and money through increased efficiency, management assistance information and leading-edge technology.  WestfaliaSurge provides a complete line of milking equipment and supplies and, through the Houle brand, livestock manure-handling equipment for dairies of all sizes and management styles.

For more information, contact:

Rob Kolb
Marketing - Americas
GEA WestfaliaSurge, Inc.
(630) 548-8378
kolb.rob@westfaliasurge.com
or 
Mike Opperman
Charleston|Orwig, Inc.
(262) 563-5100
mopperman@charlestonorwig.com