
ABOUT
Our History
Founded in 1996, GPA optimizes industrial operations by enhancing efficiency, ROI, and cybersecurity. With expertise in continuous and discrete manufacturing, we drive profitability through automation and secure infrastructure. As a vendor-independent firm, we bridge IT and OT, delivering unbiased, value-driven solutions.

2025
At the end of the year, GPA employed a total of 80 people across our three offices and remote locations.

2023
The Ruston, LA office opened on Louisiana Tech’s campus in Tech Pointe with two in-office employees, including our COO.

2024
GPA started a subsidiary company, Pinnacle ID&S, focusing on design and fabrication of custom network control panels and specialty E&I services in Ruston at the start of the year with an initial team of three employees.

2022
GPA became CSIA certified.

2020
The Project Management Office, now the Department of Operational Excellence, was established. GPA also became an Inductive Automation PremierIntegrator.

2018
GPA transitioned to new ownership:
Dan Lee - CEO
De Robertson - COO
Chaz Ballish - CFO
The official establishment of the Nashville Office and the Operational Technology group.

2017
The Chester, VA office opened with three in-office employees, and the Operational Technology group began to take shape

2016
The Manufacturing Intelligence department was established and secured its first contract in Oklahoma.

2014
GPA became an official Rockwell Automation partner.

1996
GPA was founded in Wilmington, NC with the Automation department, two owners, and one employee.
Our History |
Global Process Automation™
Founded in 1996, GPA (Global Process Automation™) optimizes industrial operations by enhancing efficiency, ROI, and cybersecurity. With expertise in continuous and discrete manufacturing, we drive profitability through automation and secure infrastructure. As a vendor-independent firm, we bridge IT and OT, delivering unbiased, value-driven solutions.

2025
GPA's panel shop relocated to an optimized space in Arcadia, LA.

2024
GPA opened the panel shop in Ruston, LA to begin selling custom network control panels.

2023
GPA opened its 4th office in Ruston, LA at Louisiana Tech University’s Tech Pointe.

2022
GPA became CSIA certified.

2020
GPA became an Inductive Automation® Premier Integrator.

2018
GPA transitioned to new ownership and opened its 3rd office in Nashville, TN.

2017
GPA opens its 2nd office in Chester,
VA. The OT department was established.

2016
GPA established the Manufacturing Intelligence department.

2014
GPA became an official Rockwell Automation partner.

2010
GPA began project operations in Virginia.

2006
GPA opened its first HQ office in Wilmington, NC.

1996
GPA was founded by two owners and one employee, beginning with the Automation department.
CORE VALUES
At the heart of everything we do are the principles that guide our actions and shape our culture. These core values reflect who we are and how we operate.
Continuous Improvement
We strive to learn, adapt, and innovate to deliver better outcomes every day.
Community
We build strong relationships and give back to the communities where we live and work.
Customer Focused
We listen, understand, and deliver solutions that meet our customers’ needs.
OUR APPROACH
As a company, we strive to build meaningful relationships with employees and customers while achieving best-in-class results through culture, innovation, improvement, and risk management. Our structured Plan-Build-Run methodology mitigates risks upfront, ensuring 24/7 reliability and efficiency in every project.
PLAN
RUN
BUILD
OUR APPROACH
As a company, we strive to build meaningful relationships with employees and customers while achieving best-in-class results through culture, innovation, improvement, and risk management. Our structured Plan-Build-Run methodology mitigates risks upfront, ensuring 24/7 reliability and efficiency in every project.
PLAN
BUILD
RUN

We’re Platform independent!
Your solution, any platform!
Our team delivers flexible solutions that seamlessly integrate across various platforms. Whether you’re using legacy systems or the latest tech stack, we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs—no limitations, just results.