"This will be a unique anniversary year!"

Interview with CEO Thomas Böck on the 100th anniversary of Festo

Inspiration for innovation and growth, exciting anniversary experiences, lots of fun, celebrations and being thankful – that's what CEO Thomas Böck is looking forward to in this anniversary year.

Mr Böck, Festo is turning 100. How does it feel to celebrate this important anniversary?

It is unique to be celebrating 100 successful years! Preparations for the event are in full swing worldwide. And now the time has finally come. There will be many highlights throughout this anniversary year and we are already looking forward to them! We are all delighted and proud of what we have achieved and look forward to a promising future full of opportunities.


Festo has been keeping the world moving for 100 years. What is the secret of this success, what makes the company unique?

The people at Festo! Their motivation to innovate and their joy in making the impossible possible has always impressed me. We are fascinated by movement, whether it's pneumatic, electric, digital or a combination. And we "move" people around the world with new momentum through qualification. Festo has always been characterised by a spirit of innovation, a comprehensive approach and action, as well as a strong customer focus. It is precisely these characteristics that will drive the future success of Festo


Innovation is in the DNA of Festo. How does the company remain innovative?

By being open, curious, enthusiastic, and willing to learn. That is at the heart of our innovation, of being able to think beyond boundaries and daring to try something new. Above all, it is the ability to adapt to changing conditions and anticipate new trends that has characterised the success of our company to this day. This is what our more than 20,000 employees worldwide stand for, thanks to their diversity, their expertise, their ideas and their dedication.


"The passion for innovation is in our DNA."

What do you think the next 100 years might bring?

As a responsible and financially independent family-owned company, Festo thinks in terms of generations. That is why we are already working on the issues of tomorrow today. Automation will play an increasingly important role in both new and existing industries. Right now, we can't even imagine what topics might arise in the future; we will just have to wait and see.

As an innovation leader, we want to continue to actively shape the trends of the future. In the next 100 years, we want to continue to set groundbreaking trends and create outstanding and inspiring solutions for a wide range of industries. And training will be just as important as technology.

Is this also what your new motto stands for?

"Automation for a world in motion" is our motto. We want to be the first port of call for the requirements our customers have for motion in every technological aspect. We can offer integrated and networked pneumatic and electric drive technology, right through to software and AI solutions. All these technologies match seamlessly. There is one thing we are certain of: with automation and technical education, we can make our customers productive and successful while also contributing to a sustainable future for us all – now and in 100 years' time.

The future is also an important topic for Festo in its anniversary year. Can you tell us the highlights?

Innovation will be a central theme – that much I can tell you now. At the Hannover Messe, we will be presenting a real highlight that will be an impressive demonstration of our fascination with movement, from our history to our technological future. Just wait and see!


During our anniversary year, we want to celebrate, but also say thank you to society and give something back. What's this all about?

People at Festo have always made the real difference, right from the beginning, and still do so now. "Festo is the work of many hands" – this statement by our company founder Gottlieb Stoll still rings true today. We want to use everyone's expertise to improve the quality of life of current and future generations. That is why we are introducing a corporate citizenship program that focuses on social commitment in our anniversary year. Our employees are really looking forward to taking part in "Helping Hands at Festo".

"100 years of innovation – we have achieved this success together. Thanks to everyone who made a contribution!"

And finally, what are you personally looking forward to most in this anniversary year?

I am looking forward to people having a chance to exchange ideas and would like to thank all our employees, customers, suppliers and business partners. "Together we have achieved a lot and can continue to achieve a great deal in the future. They have all made a contribution to this impressive achievement.

Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for every step and every extra mile you have gone for and with us. Thank you for your dedication and passion day after day, for your innovative strength and creativity, which have made Festo the outstanding family-owned company and global player that we are today. Thank you for shaping the industry as it is today with us. Thank you for shaping the future together with us!