Rockwell Automation, Inc (NYSE: ROK), a global company focused on industrial automation and digital transformation, has partnered with Tate & Lyle, a leading supplier of specialty ingredients for the food and beverage industry, to support the company’s expansion in natural and functional ingredient solutions following its acquisition of CP Kelco in November 2024.
As part of this growth initiative, Tate & Lyle has commissioned a new manufacturing facility in Matão, São Paulo, dedicated to producing NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber, a sustainable ingredient made from orange peels and designed for clean-label food applications.
The facility began operations in May 2024 and reflects a major investment in modern processing systems and automation-led manufacturing. To improve operational efficiency and ensure smooth plant integration, Tate & Lyle engaged Rockwell Automation to implement a fully automated solution covering critical production stages, including raw material handling, chemical dosing and decantation.
Rockwell Automation delivered an integrated package combining electrical infrastructure, automation software and technical support. This included the supply of transformers, medium- and low-voltage switchgear and CENTERLINE® 2500 motor control centres, along with supervision of installation and commissioning activities. Rockwell also provided automation panels, PLCs, remote I/O, virtualization infrastructure and associated services such as factory acceptance testing, commissioning and operator training.
Ramon Ferreira, Senior Electrical and Automation Engineer at Tate & Lyle, said automation was essential from the outset to achieve consistent process precision and high operating efficiency. He added that Rockwell Automation’s integrated approach enables full monitoring and control from a centralised control room, supporting both reliability in day-to-day operations and scalability for future expansion.
The Matão plant currently processes orange peels sourced from major juice producers and has an initial annual production capacity of 3,700 tonnes. Further expansion phases are planned to increase capacity to 10,000 tonnes per year, supported by additional electrical and automation infrastructure. Designed with Industry 4.0 readiness, the facility is intended to support faster digital adoption, stronger energy management and long-term manufacturing performance. The project highlights how modern automation can help manufacturers scale sustainably while delivering high-quality, natural ingredient solutions to global markets.
Rockwell Automation, Inc (NYSE: ROK) is a global supplier of industrial automation and digital transformation solutions. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company serves customers in more than 100 countries and employed approximately 26,000 people as of the end of fiscal year 2025.
