In the food and beverage industry, manufacturers often rely on system integrators to design and install compliant machinery safety solutions, but they often struggle to find the most capable provider. To help ease that process, Rockwell Automation has expanded its global Machinery Safety System Integrator program. Three new members have joined in the first half of 2016, bringing the total to 26.

“We created this program in 2014 to connect manufacturers with safety system integrators they can trust,” says Mark Eitzman, manager of safety market development, Rockwell Automation. “It’s become a valuable resource for manufacturers because we do the vetting for them. We make sure the integrators thoroughly understand current safety standards and know how to apply safety technologies in a way that also improves plant productivity.”

To be eligible, candidates must be current Rockwell Automation Solution Partners or Recognized System Integrators with three to five years of machine safety experience. They must complete an intensive education and assessment process, but Rockwell Automation also recognizes third-party certification from industry-accepted organizations, such as TÜV or exida.

After meeting these initial requirements, each candidate’s safety engineers complete training modules on topics such as global safety standards, safety risk assessment practices and safeguarding mitigation and validation. Finally, each candidate must submit a machinery safety project that is consistent with global standards.

The three new members of the program include:

Automation Electronics Group and Systems (AEG Systems), a Rockwell Automation Recognized System Integrator based in Mexico, specializes in customized process, motion and MES applications for clients around the world.

RT Engineering, a Rockwell Automation Recognized System Integrator located in Franklin, MA, provides custom controls and automation solutions for customers in the medical, pharmaceutical and metals industries.

SINCI, a Rockwell Automation Solution Partner located in Guadalajara, Mexico, specializes in control, process and information applications for food and beverage, metals, mining and utilities customers.