Problem:
A leading food manufacturer and packaging facility in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was operating with a legacy motion control system and servo motors that were becoming increasingly obsolete. With automation machinery in high demand and production downtime not an option, the customer wanted to find a solution before being forced into costly unplanned downtime. Spare parts were becoming more difficult to source, and the risk of extended outages was increasing as equipment aged.
Solution:
Our industrial automation team at FrommConnect conducted a comprehensive analysis of the site’s equipment and identified that the existing Giddings & Lewis servo drives were the main source of concern. Instead of a full system replacement—which would require significant investment, lengthy installation, and additional downtime—we developed a modernization plan that allowed the customer to upgrade just the drives while retaining the existing ELWOOD servo motors.
This approach minimized risk, shortened the project timeline, and helped the customer proactively address obsolescence while keeping the production line running at peak efficiency. The project was scheduled and executed around the customer’s operational requirements to avoid any disruptions. After installation, our team completed thorough onsite testing and commissioning to ensure system performance and reliability.
Outcome:
The food manufacturer now operates with a modernized motion control system that delivers improved reliability, easier maintenance, and continued use of existing ELWOOD servo motors. By upgrading only the obsolete drives, the customer avoided major capital expenses, reduced risk, and ensured their automation equipment remains fully supported. Production has continued without interruption, and the plant is better positioned for future growth.
Further Information:
ELWOOD MOTORS still produces these motors, even as many companies have left the market. There are no plans to discontinue the motors or harnesses. Unknown to many, drives can be updated without upgrading the motors, and by using ELWOOD Motors, upgrade costs are often reduced by up to 50% per axis.
ELWOOD MOTORS plans to continue offering solutions and can replace or match motors from these brands:
- Modicon
- Reliance Electric
- Gettys
- Allen-Bradley
- Electro-Craft
- Giddings & Lewis
- Rockwell Automation
- AEG
- API
- DC Brushed
- Gould
If you need more details or wish to discuss an upgrade, reach out to FrommConnect for guidance on legacy motor and drive support.
