MILWAUKEE, Wis., April 13, 2026 — Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation,
will highlight how dairy processors are improving yield, consistency and operational performance through its advanced control and digital technologies at CheeseExpo 2026, April 14-16 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee.
As dairy demand continues to grow globally, processors are facing increasing pressure to improve throughput, reduce variability and make better use of existing assets. According to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), U.S. dairy processors are expected to invest more than $11 billion in new and expanded processing capacity between 2025 and 2028 to keep pace with rising demand. At the same time, many facilities are operating near capacity and looking beyond greenfield expansion, focusing instead on how to optimize current operations.
Rockwell Automation’s solutions, including manufacturing execution systems (MES), industrial data platforms, and advanced control and analytics help dairy processors improve performance across production. The company will be showcasing how model predictive control (MPC) helps manage complex dairy processes such as evaporation, drying and fermentation, which can help stabilize operations, reduce variability and improve yield and energy efficiency.
“Many dairy plants are being asked to do more with the assets they already have,” said Todd Gilliam, director, food & beverage industry sales, Rockwell Automation. “We’re seeing a growing focus on improving process stability and yield through better use of data and advanced control, rather than relying solely on capacity expansion.”
Lance Rodenfels, global director, simulation and data science at Rockwell Automation, will be leading a session on how industrial AI is already helping plants tackle labor shortages, rising costs, quality concerns and throughput limitations. His session, “Doing More with Less: AI-Powered Solutions for Dairy Processors,” will be held in Exhibit Hall B on April 15 at 1 p.m.
CheeseExpo attendees can also see Rockwell technologies in action at the machine level through OEM partners, including Harpak-ULMA, Delkor and others, demonstrating applications in packaging and processing environments. Rockwell will offer guided tours of partner booths at the event to help connect production challenges with available solutions.
For more information or to see solutions in action, visit Rockwell Automation at Booth 1803 at CheeseExpo 2026 or learn more here.
