Thursday, June 2, 2026: As Indian manufacturers accelerate investments in automation and digital transformation, German automation company Festo has opened its first Automation Experience Centre (FEC) in Noida, creating a dedicated space where businesses can explore, test and adopt smart manufacturing technologies before deploying them on the factory floor.
Located in Block A, Phase-2, Noida, the new facility is designed as an innovation and collaboration hub for manufacturers, OEMs, system integrators, startups and educational institutions. The centre offers live demonstrations of factory automation, electric automation, pneumatics, motion technologies, digital engineering and Industry 4.0 solutions, allowing visitors to understand how automation can improve productivity, operational efficiency and sustainability.
The launch comes as India’s manufacturing sector continues to modernise. According to the Economic Survey 2026, manufacturing contributes around 16-17% of India’s GDP and employs over 27 million people. As India targets becoming a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047, manufacturing is expected to play an even bigger role, making investments in advanced automation increasingly important.
For startups building industrial technology, robotics, AI-driven manufacturing software and digital factory solutions, centres like FEC provide an opportunity to understand real-world industrial challenges, collaborate with established manufacturers and explore practical automation use cases. For mature companies, the facility offers a hands-on environment to evaluate technologies before making large-scale investments, reducing implementation risks and improving operational decision-making.
The inauguration also coincides with Festo India’s 40th anniversary, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to India’s growing manufacturing ecosystem.
Festo Strengthens India’s Automation Ecosystem with New Noida Centre
Frank Notz, Member of the Management Board, Sales, Festo SE, said the new experience centre reflects the company’s commitment to supporting customers as they transition towards smarter and more sustainable manufacturing. He added that the facility has been designed to encourage collaboration and accelerate the adoption of future-ready automation technologies.
Ravi Sastry, Managing Director, said the launch marks an important milestone during the company’s 40th year in India. He noted that customer success remains central to Festo’s strategy and said the new centre will help industries strengthen their competitiveness through advanced automation solutions.
Vikas Makhija, Senior Director, Sales & Marketing, Festo India, said the Experience Centre allows customers to see firsthand how automation can create measurable business value through live demonstrations, expert guidance and application-focused solutions that improve efficiency, flexibility and sustainable growth.
Highlighting North India’s growing industrial ecosystem, Ranajay Sarkar, Head of Market Management, said the Noida centre will serve manufacturers, OEMs, system integrators and academic institutions by providing direct access to Festo’s latest technologies and technical expertise while encouraging stronger industry partnerships.
Beyond industrial automation, the facility also showcases Festo Didactic, the company’s technical education and workforce development division. The centre will host training programmes, workshops and technology demonstrations aimed at building the skilled workforce needed for next-generation manufacturing.
The automation major said it will continue evaluating opportunities to expand similar experience centres across India’s key manufacturing hubs based on customer demand and industry growth.
With manufacturing becoming increasingly data-driven and automated, the Noida Experience Centre represents more than just a product showcase. It creates a collaborative platform where industries can experiment with emerging technologies, train talent and accelerate the adoption of smart factory solutions that support India’s long-term manufacturing ambitions.
