Facing the Future: Festo’s Centenary

Representatives of UK manufacturing gathered in force in June to mark the centenary of industrial automation specialist Festo. The event, held at Festo GB’s Innovation Centre in Northampton, was an ideal opportunity for industry organisations, customers, suppliers, and employees to discuss how automation will shape British manufacturing in the future. 

Guest speakers included John Pearce, CEO, Made in Britain, Ben Blackledge, CEO, Worldskills UK, Professor Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer, Manufacturing Technology Centre, and Dr Sebastian Beck, Festo Board Member for Finance and HR. Key themes included the importance of innovation and collaboration, attracting new talent and skills development, and investment in automation in the context of British manufacturing and the global economy. 

Stay competitive, stay accountable 

Swapnil Khedekar, Head of Operations Festo GB, set the tone for the day. “Today is not just about reminding ourselves where we’ve come from, but to look ahead. We have not reached the finishing line, we are celebrating a milestone on a much longer journey.” 

Swapnil then highlighted the values that underpin Festo’s business ethos. “Innovation is the way we stay competitive, sustainability is the way we stay accountable,” he said. Summarising the company’s long-term approach, Swapnil concluded: “As a family company, Festo thinks in generations, not in quarters.” 

The future of automation 

Festo’s Dr Sebastian Beck then explained how the company’s original motto, “one mission, many hands”, had set the foundation for a business based on teamwork and collaboration. He traced Festo’s early interest in internationalisation and enthusiasm for technology that resulted in the development of many unique automation solutions, from a semi-automated cylinder-valve combination in 1955, through to modern valve terminals, electric automation and the adoption of piezo technology to improve energy efficiency. He then announced that Festo is close to launching its next innovation, an open architecture automation platform. 

Concluding the day, Swapnil Khedekar said: “Festo is focused on making customers’ lives easier. We continue to develop automation solutions that are sustainable, energy efficient and reduce time to market. We remain committed to getting closer to our customers through investment in local manufacturing facilities, collaborative, partnership working, and encouraging lifelong learning - this is what moves us forward.”

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