Bengaluru | 18 February 2026: German automation leader Festo has inaugurated a 71,000 sq ft Global Capability Centre (GCC) near Electronics City, Bengaluru, marking 40 years of incorporated presence in India. The facility is expected to scale to over 600 employees by 2030 and will focus on advanced engineering, industrial automation software, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

Advancing Software-Led Industrial Automation

The new GCC reflects Festo’s evolution from a pneumatics-focused hardware manufacturer to a software-driven industrial automation company. The Bengaluru center will contribute to:

• Industrial automation software development
• Data analytics for predictive maintenance
• Manufacturing process optimization
• Industrial cybersecurity research
• Digital engineering and Industry 4.0 solutions

As industrial systems become increasingly connected, automation performance depends on software platforms, sensor data processing, and AI-enabled diagnostics. The GCC will support development of intelligent automation systems that improve efficiency, uptime, and production reliability.

Maybe AI might impact things in such a way that 300 people generate the same value that 600 people would have earlier… so, we will have to think about what avenues and what kind of skills are required.”

 – Alok Maheshwari, Head of GCC, Festo India

A key feature of the center is its dedicated Product Security Lab, the only facility in Festo’s global network. The lab will focus on securing industrial automation systems against cybersecurity threats, a growing concern as factories integrates operational technology (OT) with enterprise IT networks.

Scaling with Technology and Security at the Core

Festo’s plan to scale to 600 employees by 2030 reflects measured growth aligned with productivity gains from automation and AI. As digital tools enhance engineering efficiency, workforce expansion may be balanced with technology-driven output improvements.

The Product Security Lab’s global responsibility places Bengaluru at the center of safeguarding industrial automation systems deployed worldwide. Sustained innovation in industrial cybersecurity and automation software will determine the long-term strategic impact of the GCC.

“Forty years of Festo in India is a powerful reflection of our belief in the country’s industrial and technological potential. As we look ahead, India will continue to play a strategic role in shaping Festo’s global innovation, digital capabilities, and sustainable growth.”

– Sebastian Beck, Member of the Management Board for HR & Finance

The combination of a four-decade operational foundation, centralized software capabilities, and global security responsibilities positions Bengaluru as a significant contributor to Festo’s international R&D roadmap. Continued execution quality, intellectual property generation, and successful deployment of software-led automation solutions will shape the center’s influence within Festo’s global network.

“The momentum is with India, and India is shining. This investment is a testimony that the world believes in India’s story… The centre will play a significant role in driving global R&D initiatives while fostering collaboration with India’s rich technology and engineering talent pool.”

– Ravi Sastry, Managing Director, Festo India

Curated by SSF Global to track developments shaping the future of GCCs, enterprise ecosystems, and India’s commercial real estate landscape.

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About SSF Global
SSF Global is a Global Community for Enterprise Function Leaders and serves as a research & advisory platform focused on Global Business Services (GBS), Global Capability Centres (GCCs), and the evolution of enterprise innovation in India and beyond. We track, publish, and partner in narratives that shape how capability centres transform into hubs of trust, intelligence, and sustainable growth. We also evaluate, assess and benchmark the GCCs for their performance, maturity and other parameters using our proprietary tools built from the knowledge gained from direct interaction with our members (GCCs & GBS).