“Strong market growth in the U.S. and other North American countries requires us to expand our capacity in logistics and production to ensure product and service excellence for our customers,” said Oliver Ring, Festo’s global senior vice president of supply chain and logistics. “We are pleased and proud to announce this substantial expansion here in Mason, where our team feels welcome and at home. We look forward to a long future of collaboration and success with our customers and partners.”
“As we continue to grow in the U.S. and North America, this strategic investment in production, logistics and supply chain excellence will enable us to better supply our customers long term,” said Carlos Miranda, chief executive officer of Festo, North America.
“Digitalization trends around Industry 4.0 (IIoT) are driving fast-paced changes in the automation industry,” said Rich Huss, president and chief executive officer, Festo U.S. “To keep up with and meet our customers’ high expectations, this investment will allow us to increase local production and strengthen our regional supply chain long term.”
“While this may seem like a traditional economic development announcement on the surface, this investment represents far more,” said City of Mason Mayor Victor Kidd. “Our four-year friendship with Festo runs deep. Through its incredible generosity to our community and schools, Festo has redefined what it means to be a partner, helping to inspire curiosity in STEM education in our youngest residents.”
The City of Mason, REDI Cincinnati and JobsOhio are collaborating to create an incentive package for Festo. The expansion is contingent upon the approval of those incentives at the local level and from JobsOhio, which will be made public after review from the appropriate approval bodies.
“Festo’s expansion is an example of how talent, collaboration and commitment to innovation can help a global advanced manufacturing leader thrive in Ohio,” said JobsOhio Director for Advanced Manufacturing Glenn Richardson. “Festo has been a fantastic partner in Mason, investing in cutting-edge technology, creative training solutions and hundreds of new jobs for Ohioans.”
“Festo has a passion for transforming the way people work with their innovative technology solutions,” said Kimm Coyner, vice president of business development and project management at REDI Cincinnati. “Their increased investment in our region helps advance our leadership in IIoT. We are proud of our partnership, which has focused on strengthening our talent, including sponsorship of the City of Mason’s Innovation Week.”
Festo also will mark a leadership transition at its Mason campus. Yannick Schilly, the chief operating officer and vice president of product supply for North America will step down. Nikolas Gebhard, served since 2012 in various positions at Festo in engineering and with the supply chain division, was announced as Schilly's successor.
“After four successful years, I have decided to establish my own business venture here,” said Schilly. “Mason has become the perfect home to my Festo family, as well as my own family.”
