News


Engineers of productivity

July 2017 News

Festo recently staged an exclusive automation exhibition at UrbanTREE, showcasing the company’s latest automation solutions and innovations in its five business units: pneumatic, electric and process automation, customer solutions and Didactic training. Guests were entertained by top South African comedian, Deep Fried Man, and the day included presentations highlighting new groundbreaking technologies and industry trends. Also featured were Festo’s mobile demonstration and training facilities, Expotainer and Eduvan.

Presenters at the exhibition, from l: Russell Schwulst, business development manager, Nico Landman, head of Festo Didactic, Adrian Bromfield, national sales manager.
Presenters at the exhibition, from l: Russell Schwulst, business development manager, Nico Landman, head of Festo Didactic, Adrian Bromfield, national sales manager.

Business development manager, Russell Schwulst, painted a picture of Festo’s journey from making woodmaking machinery in 1925 to a leading edge automation solutions specialist today. “Our aim is to inspire and empower you with our smart and intuitive solutions for industrial automation,” he said. “We understand the concepts of automation, that’s what makes us unique.” He added that it’s not about the product it’s the application. To this end, one of Festo’s innovations is Handling Guide Online, an intuitive engineering tool that makes it easy to design, configure and order the right handling system from scratch. Another is the applications centre that allows customers to test any new potential electric drive application in a controlled environment to confirm details like maximum speed, accuracy and cycle time.

National sales manager, Adrian Bromfield, described Festo’s complete pneumatics portfolio. With 32 000 products, the company can offer literally millions of potential combinations. In addition, head of Didactic learning systems, Nico Landman, explained how Festo includes the human factor, with training on the application of its automation solutions on the plant. The cherry on the top was the unveiling of Festo’s new Cyber Physical Laboratory, a modular learning system for training in Industry 4.0. “This will empower people and equip them with the qualifications they need for the production of the future,” he concluded.

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