Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has unveiled an ambitious and socially impactful initiative aimed at tackling food insecurity through innovation. In partnership with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Fork Farms, the company is developing Clock Tower Farms, a pioneering urban agriculture facility that merges advanced automation with hydroponic farming to produce fresh, nutritious food for communities in need.
Clock Tower Farms, currently under construction at Rockwell Automation’s headquarters in Milwaukee, represents a first-of-its-kind model that integrates cutting-edge agricultural technology within an industrial setting. Once fully operational later this year, the facility is expected to serve as a scalable blueprint for how corporations can leverage their technological expertise and infrastructure to address pressing societal challenges such as hunger and food access.
At the core of this initiative is a shared commitment among the three partners to reimagine how food is grown, distributed, and delivered to underserved populations. By combining Rockwell’s automation systems with Fork Farms’ innovative hydroponic solutions, Clock Tower Farms is designed to create a controlled environment where crops can be cultivated efficiently, sustainably, and year-round. This approach not only increases productivity but also reduces reliance on traditional agricultural practices that are often resource-intensive and vulnerable to environmental variability.
Patricia Contreras, Vice President of Community Impact at Rockwell Automation, emphasized the broader significance of the project, noting that Clock Tower Farms demonstrates the transformative potential of industrial automation when applied beyond conventional manufacturing settings. She highlighted that the collaboration with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Fork Farms enables the partners to harness their respective strengths in technology, agriculture, and community outreach to deliver meaningful, real-world impact.
The facility will feature 72 Flex Acre hydroponic systems developed by Fork Farms. These systems utilize nutrient-rich, recirculated water to nourish plant roots, eliminating the need for soil while optimizing growth conditions. This method allows for precise control over key variables such as nutrient levels, pH balance, and water usage, resulting in higher yields and more consistent crop quality.
Rockwell Automation’s PlantPAx distributed control system will play a critical role in managing the growing environment. The system continuously monitors and automatically adjusts parameters such as nutrient concentration, water levels, and pH based on the specific needs of each crop. This level of automation ensures optimal growing conditions at all times, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency.
In addition, Fork Farms has introduced new technological enhancements that support localized power management, dehumidification, and integrated water and nutrient systems. These innovations make it possible to operate the farm within a compact, controlled environment while maintaining high productivity. The modular design of the Flex Acre systems further simplifies installation and scalability, making it easier to replicate the model in other locations.
Clock Tower Farms is projected to produce approximately 200,000 pounds of leafy greens and other fresh produce annually. This output will significantly contribute to addressing food insecurity in Eastern Wisconsin, where demand for food assistance has surged in recent years. The facility is also designed with sustainability in mind, offering substantial environmental benefits. Compared to traditional farming methods, it is expected to save nearly 5.9 million gallons of water each year and conserve approximately 5.5 acres of conventional farmland.
One of the most impactful aspects of the project is its streamlined distribution model. Fresh produce harvested at Clock Tower Farms will be transported directly to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s distribution network without the need for long-term storage or extensive handling. This farm-to-distribution approach ensures that food reaches those in need quickly and in peak condition, preserving both nutritional value and freshness.
Rockwell Automation has donated both the physical space and the hydroponic growing systems to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, underscoring the company’s commitment to community support and social responsibility. This contribution comes at a critical time, as food pantries across the region are experiencing some of the highest levels of demand in over a decade.
Patti Dew, Interim President and CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, highlighted the importance of reliable access to fresh and nutritious food in supporting overall health and well-being. She noted that Clock Tower Farms will enhance the organization’s ability to deliver high-quality produce efficiently to its network of pantry partners. By expanding access to nutrient-dense foods, the initiative supports long-term health outcomes for individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Beyond immediate food distribution, the project aligns with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s broader NourishRx approach, which emphasizes the role of food as medicine. This framework prioritizes the provision of healthy, nutrient-rich foods that can help prevent and manage chronic health conditions. Clock Tower Farms will play a key role in advancing this mission by increasing the availability of fresh produce within the organization’s network.
The collaboration also reflects a growing trend of cross-sector partnerships aimed at addressing complex social issues through innovation and shared expertise. By bringing together leaders in automation, agriculture, and hunger relief, Clock Tower Farms demonstrates how integrated solutions can create lasting impact at both the community and systemic levels.
As the facility moves closer to completion, it is expected to serve not only as a source of fresh food but also as a model for future initiatives that combine technology and sustainability to address global challenges. With its focus on efficiency, environmental stewardship, and community well-being, Clock Tower Farms stands as a powerful example of how modern technology can be harnessed to create a more equitable and resilient food system.
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