Festo, German automation tech firm opens GCC; to hire 800 people by 2030

Festo, a 100-year-old German automation technology firm, which focuses on 35 different industries, opened its Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

This is the first GCC of Festo which reported a revenue of over €3.5 billion in 2025, and it is expected to boost the company’s Industry 4.0, Automation, and Smart Manufacturing and R&D activities globally. The centre will serve as a strategic hub for advanced engineering, digital solutions, software development, data analytics, and process excellence, supporting Festo’s operations worldwide, according to spokespersons.

The 71,000 square feet centre has already hired over 250 people and it would have a people strength of 600 to 800 people by 2030. Furthermore, the GCC would also build on the skills of existing employees supporting global process optimisation and innovation.

Ravi Sastry, Managing Director, Festo India, said, “Our GCC in Bengaluru is aligned with Festo’s vision of automation for a sustainable future, the centre will play a significant role to drive global R&D initiatives while fostering collaboration with India’s rich technology and engineering talent pool.”

India has been a key growth market for Festo and the company remained focused on empowering industries, enabling skills for tomorrow through technical education and shaping the future of automation through innovation, partnership, and long-term impact, said Alok Maheshwari, Head of GCC, Festo India.

Festo entered the Indian market in 1963 and established its incorporated presence in 1986. Over the last four decades, Festo India with over 1,000 employees has played a key role in advancing industrial automation, technical education, and Industry 4.0 readiness, working closely with 25,000 customers, institutions, and industry partners to deliver innovative automation solutions and develop future-ready talent.