GEA and RebelDot, a leading Romanian technology company, are forming a strategic joint venture to accelerate digital transformation in the global process industry. The joint venture – named “RebelDot Process Industries” will be headquartered in Cluj, Romania, and will launch in January 2026. The new company will focus on delivering specialised software development services – including web, mobile, and AI solutions – tailored to the needs of industrial customers.

The joint venture combines GEA’s deep process industry expertise with RebelDot’s excellence in software engineering to help process industry and mechanical engineering companies accelerate the development, scaling, and operation of their digital solutions. Customers will benefit from shorter product time-to-market, greater development efficiency, and cost-effective operations through modern DevOps practices. GEA has also assigned a dedicated software engineering team at RebelDot to collaboratively develop Artificial Intelligence solutions. This includes the GEA Copilot®, which acts as an assistant for customers’ maintenance teams to fulfill their service tasks.

RebelDot is one of Romania’s most dynamic technology companies, headquartered in Cluj-Napoca, a major European tech hub. The company achieved 40 % growth in both revenue and headcount in 2024, now employing more than 300 professionals.

RebelDot enjoys a strong reputation among young tech talent and maintains close ties with the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca. Through the acquisition of a specialist AI firm, RebelDot has also expanded its expertise in artificial intelligence, enabling the joint venture to support OEMs in exploring AI-driven applications and solutions.

GEA operates a large industrial cloud platform in the process industry – the GEA Cloud®, which connects more than 10,000 units of process equipment worldwide. The collaboration with RebelDot enables faster development cycles, greater agility, and access to specialised expertise, building on GEA’s open-source software strategy. Earlier in 2025, GEA became a member of the Eclipse Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation supporting open-source software collaboration and innovation. Both GEA and RebelDot Process Industries will develop open-source-ready code and actively contribute to the process industry software community.

One example is project “Sealman”, which provides an open-source IIoT connectivity stack to machine builders. It helps OEMs focus on developing digital customer solutions while standardising and simplifying equipment connectivity to their own cloud systems. Building on this open and collaborative approach, the new joint venture becomes an ideal partner for OEMs and industrial companies looking to develop scalable, future-proof software for an open digital ecosystem in modern production environments.

Döhler, a world-leading producer and provider of natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions, has announced a joint venture with FGF Trapani, a renowned specialist in citrus farming and processing. This partnership aims to revolutionise the use of citrus fibres as natural texturisers in food and beverage applications. Thus, customers get access to premium, cost-effective and minimally processed citrus fibre solutions that address market trends for healthier and environmentally friendly ingredients.

Döhler’s extensive experience in natural ingredients and ingredient systems as well as their application in F&B, combined with FGF Trapani’s lifelong heritage and expertise in citrus farming and processing, provides innovative alternatives to traditional hydrocolloids that excel in gelling, thickening and stabilising applications. As key provider in the F&B industry, Döhler now expands its product range with an advanced portfolio of citrus fibres that is developed for high-performing product textures, enhancing both consumer appeal and product differentiation.

Focus on customer benefits and application expertise

Customers all over the world will benefit from this collaboration having direct access to high-quality and minimally processed citrus fibres. In response to the increasing demand for health-promoting ingredients, this collaboration provides natural fibres that support dietary goals, including fibre enrichment and reduced use of artificial additives. This empowers brands to develop products that cater to health-conscious consumers.

The joint venture’s citrus fibres offer versatile applications across various product categories, from beverages and dairy to bakery and sauces. This versatility allows manufacturers to innovate across their portfolios, creating new and exciting products with improved texture, mouthfeel and health promoting claims.

Strategic benefits of vertical integration and sustainability

FGF Trapani’s production facility, strategically located in one of the world’s largest lemon-growing regions, ensures a reliable supply of premium raw materials. By processing citrus fibres directly from fresh lemon peels, the joint venture guarantees access to a pectin-rich product that combines the benefits of both soluble and insoluble fibres. This vertical integration allows for maximum quality control and sustainability throughout the supply chain, supporting the production of highly functional ingredients that meet stringent industry standards.

With a focus on sustainable production practices, the partnership delivers environmentally friendly citrus fibres that align with consumer values. By utilising by-products of citrus processing, this initiative is contributing to a more sustainable food and beverage production.

Meeting consumer demand for healthier and organic ingredients

The joint venture between Döhler and FGF Trapani is timely, as consumers increasingly demand cleaner, minimally processed and organic-quality ingredients. Citrus fibres, derived from natural raw materials, are well-aligned with these market trends, offering a functional and sustainable ingredient that meets the needs of health-conscious consumers.