Nippon Gases Enhances Resilience and Efficiency through Modern Control System Overhaul

Nippon Gases Targets Greater Resilience with Innovative Automation

Nippon Gases, a leader in the industrial and medical gases sector in Europe, is embarking on an ambitious modernization project aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and resilience across its operations. This extensive initiative will replace outdated Rockwell controllers with state-of-the-art ControlLogix programmable logic controllers (PLC), positioning the company for future growth and innovation.

Overview of the Modernization Program

On October 30, 2025, Rockwell Automation announced the commencement of this comprehensive upgrade program, which encompasses 18 sites including vital air separation units (ASUs) throughout Europe. The confirmed upgrade strategy aims to maximize asset utilization and significantly lower the risks associated with obsolete technology.

As Rodrigo Riera, the EMEA regional vice president at Rockwell Automation, states, "Deploying contemporary process control modules not only streamlines day-to-day operations but also equips Nippon Gases with the agility required for transformations in the future." With the new systems, Nippon Gases anticipates the integration of artificial intelligence to foster more autonomous operations, leading to substantial improvements in efficiency.

Benefits and Insights from the New System

One of the primary goals of this modernization is not just operational enhancements but also to deepen insights into various processes undertaken by Nippon Gases. This includes a clearer understanding of energy consumption and waste management, which translates into better efficiency and sustainability in operations. José Maria Martinez Gallo, Operations Director Europe at Nippon Gases, explains, "By standardizing a single PLC solution, we set a benchmark process at the pilot plant in Aviles, Spain, adjusting it for the other sites."

Collaborating for a Comprehensive Migration Strategy

The migration strategy has been developed collaboratively by teams from both Rockwell Automation and Nippon Gases engineering, ensuring that every aspect of the integration process is optimized for success. The project signifies a crucial step towards future-proofing Nippon Gases as it aims to adapt to the rapidly changing industrial landscape.

Emphasizing Sustainability and Efficiency

With environmental sustainability at the forefront of today’s industrial challenges, this upgrade is timely. The modernization aligns with the greater industry movement towards sustainable practices, minimizing the ecological impact of operations. Enhanced control systems not only improve productivity but also lower energy consumption, which is instrumental in achieving global sustainability goals.

In conclusion, Nippon Gases is poised to embark on this transformative journey that promises to rewire the operational framework of its European plants. As they step into a new era of industrial automation, the benefits realized will not only enhance their operational capacity but also set a precedent within the industry for merging advanced technology with sustainable practices. This modernization heralds a new chapter for Nippon Gases, enabling it to meet future demands while addressing today’s environmental and operational challenges head-on.