Festo, a global leader in automation technology and technical education, has completed 40 years of operations in India and inaugurated a new Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bengaluru. The development strengthens the company’s focus on Industry 4.0, automation and smart manufacturing, while creating capacity for 600 professionals and reinforcing its long-term investment in the region.
The 71,000 sq ft facility, located near Electronics City, represents a key milestone in Festo’s global expansion strategy. The centre will function as a strategic hub for advanced engineering, digital technologies, software development, data analytics and process excellence, supporting operations across international markets. It will also enhance global process optimisation initiatives and innovation programmes by leveraging India’s engineering talent base.
Ravi Sastry, Managing Director, said the new GCC aligns with Festo’s vision of driving automation for a sustainable future and will play a critical role in advancing global R&D while fostering collaboration within India’s technology ecosystem. Alok Maheshwari, Head of GCC, Festo India, noted that India has been a significant growth market for four decades and confirmed plans to double the local team following this milestone.
Sebastian Beck, Member of the Management Board HR & Finance at Festo, described the 40-year presence in India as a testament to the company’s long-term commitment and confidence in the country’s industrial and technological capabilities. He emphasised that India will continue to play a strategic role in strengthening Festo’s global innovation and digital transformation efforts.
Festo entered India in 1963 and established its incorporated presence in 1986. Today, with over 1,000 employees, Festo India supports approximately 25,000 customers, institutions and industry partners, contributing to advancements in industrial automation, technical education and Industry 4.0 readiness.
Headquartered in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany, Festo is an independent, family-owned company operating in automation technology and technical education. With more than 20,000 employees across around 250 locations worldwide, the company reports annual revenues of approximately €3.5 billion and invests over 8 percent of its turnover in research and development. Festo delivers integrated pneumatic, electric and digital drive technologies, including software and AI-based solutions, serving over 300,000 industrial customers across more than 35 industries and 56,000 education customers globally.
