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OEM vs Separators: Why Our Centrifuge Services Win Every Time

Posted by: Quenton Lind on October 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Downtime is an inevitable part of running a production facility — but fast, effective responses are what separate a minor setback from a major hit to your operation. And yet, many facility managers find themselves stuck relying on OEM service providers who just don’t move with the urgency the job demands. The delays. The inflexibility. The frustrating “one-size-fits-all” approach. Sound familiar?

At Separators, we hear this story all the time — and we’ve built our entire service model to do the exact opposite. Our approach delivers what OEMs can’t: reliable centrifuge service that keeps you running and sets you up for long-term success.  Let’s break it down.

The OEM service reality

Let's be honest about the OEM service model. When you need major bowl repairs or specialized work, your equipment often gets shipped overseas. That means extensive time waiting while your centrifuge travels internationally, sits in a repair queue, and makes the journey back. And that's assuming nothing gets damaged in transit.

Add in the one-size-fits-all approach — rigid service schedules, limited flexibility on repair versus replace decisions, and little accommodation for your specific industry needs — and you've got a recipe for extended downtime and mounting costs.

Even worse, if you need emergency support, OEMs rarely have the flexibility to respond to urgent issues — and your operations can’t afford to wait.

Cookie-cutter contracts

OEMs often force you into rigid service plans that don’t fit your actual needs. You might end up over-serviced (and overpaying) or under-serviced and left exposed to preventable failures.  They also tend to push full part replacements instead of exploring smarter, more cost-effective repairs. Additionally, using bloated kits full of items you often will never need isn't uncommon. 

The Separators' difference: local, fast, and focused on you

Here's what makes us different, and why it matters to your bottom line.

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Zero overseas shipping

Forget overseas repairs — we handle everything right here in the U.S. Depending on the scope of service, we’ll either come onsite to your facility for maintenance or ship your equipment to our Indianapolis facility for more extensive repairs, like bowl balancing.

This means:

  • No international shipping times/delays
  • 6–8 week turnaround for bowl repair (often faster)
  • Rental bowl program so you can keep running during repairs
  • Local techs ready to deploy when you need them

Speed that keeps you running

Our team is built for responsiveness. While OEMs are quoting 12-16 week timelines, we're delivering bowl repairs in 6-8 weeks. Need emergency service? We answer 24/7/365 — real humans with real solutions, not voicemail.

We also keep key parts in stock — and then some. Our warehouse holds over 4,000 centrifuge parts, giving us a 95% fill rate and the ability to ship same-day in most cases. That means less downtime, less scrambling, and faster turnaround when you need it most. And if you're not sure exactly what you're looking for,  we offer expert troubleshooting support to help you find the right part, fast.

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We're loyal to YOU

Our team has deep expertise across multiple manufacturers — Alfa Laval, Tetra Pak, Westfalia, and more — plus our own Separators parts line. We're not trying to upsell you on proprietary parts or push you toward solutions that benefit the manufacturer. We're diagnosing what's actually wrong and recommending what actually works.
Our cross-brand expertise allows us to optimize your entire operation — not just individual pieces of equipment — delivering insights across all your locations to improve every plant, together.

Service reports that actually help you

Ever get an OEM service report that's vague, text-heavy, and leaves you guessing? We don't do that. Our service reports include detailed photos, additional vibration readings, and clear recommendations for advisable repairs. You get transparency, clarity, and actionable insights every single time. We walk you through findings, answer questions, and make proactive maintenance recommendations so you can plan ahead instead of reacting to failures.

A partnership built for you

When you choose Separators, you’re not just hiring a service company — you’re building a partnership. Because we invest in training and technical expertise, we don't just fix your equipment — we help you understand it better. Our technical service group provides troubleshooting support, consulting, and automation optimization so your team gets smarter with every interaction.

Don’t settle for OEM service that slows you down

OEMs are built to protect their brand. We’re built to protect yours. If your plant depends on centrifuge equipment, don’t wait for a breakdown to find out the OEM can’t deliver. Separators delivers what OEMs can't: local expertise, quick turnarounds, 24/7 emergency support, and a rental program that keeps you operational.

Ready to experience the difference? 

See why more facility managers are making the switch from OEM-only service to a partner who actually puts their needs first.