News


Festo gives customers a taste of its process automation offering

February 2017 News

Towards the end of last year, Festo hosted a series of whisky tastings on a national scale.

Each event was backed up by a strong Festo team presence. Some of the senior management team from Festo’s head office, including Olaf Mayer-Mader (industry segment manager: process automation), Steward Mbele (industry segment specialist: chemicals) and Kershia Beharie (marketing product manager), were all present at the events, as well as the majority of the local regional staff. Festo partnered with a professional whisky tasting company called The Whisky Rebellion and the specialists imported four types of Scottish single malts for the occasion, and supplied whisky experts for the main event.

“The tastings were a way of reaching our client base in a direct one-on-one fashion while simultaneously providing them with valuable information on process automation and our offerings in that field,” said Mbele. “They were held in Port Elizabeth, Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg.”

These events formed part of the company’s process automation campaign for the year. “Festo is traditionally known for its superior pneumatic components product range,” continued Mbele. “However, we also offer that same quality in other fields such as process automation. More specifically, we offer automation components for the chemical, mining, water, pharmaceutical, food and beverage industrial segments. We strongly believe that our products in these sectors have the capability to give our clients a competitive edge.

“We were looking for a fun and unique forum to enhance our customers’ knowledge on our offerings and the whisky tasting was the perfect platform to do this. There is a great connection between whisky and process automation, since it undergoes a multitude of processes such as malting and mashing during production.”

In addition to the actual whisky tasting, Festo gave a short presentation on its process automation offering and showcased a number of physical products and displays, including:

• Solenoid valves ideal for installation outdoors and in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres.

• Quarter turn actuators suitable for any application.

• Sensor boxes for quarter turn actuators for use in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres as well as other harsh areas.

• A complete range of PLCs (CPX-P programmable logic control) that supports intrinsically safe (IS) applications.

“In an ever-competitive market, Festo always seeks to help its clients attain an advantage through reliable, quality products,” concluded Mbele. “However, over and above providing the product, we truly believe in building relationships with our customers. This event allowed us to do just that.”

For more information contact Kershia Beharie, Festo, 086 003 3786, [email protected], www.festo.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Solving common automation challenges with Festo’s servo drive and servo motor solutions
Festo South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Automation projects face challenges that include limited installation space, the need for precise and repeatable linear motion, rising cycle-speed demands, and seamless integration with existing control architectures. Festo’s servo portfolio directly addresses these issues with compact, modular drive and motor solutions designed for specific applications.

Read more...
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments
News
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments to support grid readiness for the AI era.

Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.

Read more...
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.

Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.

Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.

Read more...
One visit, five shows: practical solutions for safer, smarter operations
News
Five co-located shows will bring together the full picture of how organisations manage risk, compliance, infrastructure and energy.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control) News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could ...

Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.

Read more...
Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved