GEMCO, with over a century of expertise, has designed its machines to be durable and versatile, standing the test of time. Through retrofits and upgrades, GEMCO offers an excellent opportunity for businesses to enhance the safety, productivity, and efficiency of their older units without significant capital investments.

Retrofits are an excellent option for businesses who want to save capital investments in new equipment or avoid replacing or totally rebuilding items. It involves adding or replacing new parts, features, or functionalities to an existing piece of equipment. A retrofit involves adding or substituting a new part, feature, or functionality to a piece of equipment that was previously unavailable on that unit.

Examples could be adding an agitator to your vessel or installing the GEMCO telescopic lifting tray on GEMCO blenders and dryers. Some other examples include:
• Adding encoder positioning and controls to any GEMCO Mixer or Dryer
• Installing a Sampling Port in a GEMCO Mixer/Dryer
• Adding internal sensors to a GEMCO Vacuum Dryer
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Aside from retrofits and replacements, another option is refurbishment. It involves rebuilding a unit with new materials to restore it to its original or better working condition. It can be a good option for second-hand machines, optimizing their performance and extending their lifespan. It could cost less than purchasing a new unit but may still carry a higher cost than retrofits. Refurbished units, which go through a rigorous certification process, can also be purchased directly from GEMCO.

Laboratories that are required to frequently sample their powder as it moves through its processes can eliminate the challenge of accessing and retrieving a sample without having to enter the vessel. This is critical in industries involving pharmaceuticals, food production, or any operation that must monitor the powder's state as it processes within the vessel. A sample port retrofit could save hours off the time it takes to sample, test, and process material—and you'll save even more by avoiding the cost of a new machine.

For even greater efficiency, agitators make excellent daily-use add-ons. Retrofitting a GEMCO with an agitator allows for:
• De-lumping packed material
• Dispersing minute additives like colors or API's.
• Uniform Particle sizing
• Liquid addition or particle coating
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Supplementing the tumble action of a GEMCO unit with an agitator makes the unit more versatile and more cost-effective than purchasing new equipment with an agitator.
For add-ons that provide enhanced safety features, Laser Protection Barriers are a great example.

Laser protection barriers can:
• Prevent an employee catastrophe.
• Reduce the chance of operation time loss and accidents.
• Avoid losing a batch (incomplete and/or contaminated)
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For maximum, undefeatable, universal machine and employee safety, GEMCO offers two (2) real-time laser protection barrier options that are custom calibrated to the vessel operation area and integrated into the machine technology controls. The scanners can be programmed to automatically turn off a machine, turn on alarms and lights, provide real-time alerts to operators, and more. And all GEMCO laser protection solutions are O.S.H.A., CE, and C.S.A. compliant.

1. Light Curtain
Often associated with explosion-proof operations, a Light Curtain creates a
custom, pre-defined area surrounding an operation that invisibly protects the area from intrusion.
2. Light Barrier
A Light Barrier is a laser-based, invisible safety gate that protects a machine operation area with pre-defined entry angles and laser lines. Imagine upgrading your operational safety without having to blow your budget or replan your floor layout. With retrofits, huge benefits can be gained from the smallest changes.

Conclusion: Retrofits are a smart investment for companies looking to maximize the value of their older GEMCO machines. With minimal modifications, these upgrades can bring significant benefits in terms of safety, productivity, and operational efficiency. GEMCO's commitment to incorporating modern innovations into its designs ensures that no GEMCO unit becomes obsolete. Whether through retrofitting or refurbishment, GEMCO Parts & Service provides cost-effective solutions to optimize your equipment and meet today's safety and productivity standards.