Wood Group GTS partners with Rockwell Automation to deliver open architecture control solutions for GE heavy frame gas turbines

LOVELAND, Colo., Jan. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wood Group GTS and Rockwell Automation have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate the joint development of a fully integrated, open architecture controls platform for power generation applications.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130104/DA36745)

This progressive relationship enables Wood Group GTS to deliver services beyond a typical system integrator, working collaboratively with Rockwell Automation to provide GE heavy frame gas turbine operators with the first open architecture, fully integrated controls platform. The immediate focus of this new partnership is the launch of a *PlantPAx™ based controls upgrade for DLN equipped GE Frame 6B, 7E, and 9E gas turbines, including Balance of Plant, with future expansion into F-class machines.   

"Power generation companies are under pressure to maximize performance, drive down operating costs and minimize risk of plant operations," said John Nesi, Vice President of Market Development for Rockwell Automation. "By combining our best-in-class process control technology with Wood Group GTS' deep industry knowledge and expertise, we're able to offer our mutual customers proven, safe, and field-tested turbine control system upgrades that maximize their return on investment by reducing operating costs, lowering total cost of ownership and improving availability."

"We have an extensive history of working with Rockwell Automation's proven hardware and software with over 500 turbo-machinery applications and thousands of batch, process, and general automation systems installed. This partnership brings together two established and complementary companies to deliver a fully integrated, open architecture controls solution for both the heavy frame gas turbines and balance of plant applications," said Frank Avery, President of Wood Group GTS' Power Plant Services.

*PlantPAx™ is a registered trade mark of Rockwell Automation. Inc

Note to Editors:

Wood Group is an international energy services company with $6bn sales, employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and operating in 50 countries. The Group has three businesses - Engineering, Wood Group PSN and Wood Group GTS  - providing a range of engineering, production support, maintenance management and industrial gas turbine overhaul and repair services to the oil & gas, and power generation industries worldwide.  www.woodgroup.com

Wood Group GTS is a leading independent provider of rotating equipment services and solutions for clients in the power, oil & gas and clean energy markets. Worldwide, these services include: power plant engineering, procurement and construction; facility operations & maintenance; and repair & overhaul, optimisation and upgrade of gas, wind and steam turbines, pumps, compressors and other high-speed rotating equipment www.woodgroupgts.com

Rockwell Automation, the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, makes its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs over 22,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries. www.rockwellautomation.com

SOURCE Wood Group GTS