Festo and Phoenix Contact enter into strategic technology partnership
The new product generation is expected to be launched at the end of the year. The integration of PLCnext Technology opens up a wide range of opportunities for Festo and its customers:
Openness and flexibility: PLCnext Technology is based on an open architecture that allows customised solutions to be developed and existing systems to be seamlessly integrated. Festo can therefore offer customised automation solutions for specific customer requirements.
Utilisation of synergies: In order to be able to solve future technological challenges - such as in the area of cyber security - in the best possible way, the combination of the two companies' expertise enables profitable cooperation.
Innovation and future viability: The combination of Festo's expertise in automation and PLCnext Technology promises innovative solutions for Industry 4.0. By working together and pooling resources, the challenges of digital transformation can be mastered together.
The common goal of Festo and Phoenix Contact is to fulfil the requirements resulting from the convergence of IT and OT (Information Technology and Operations Technology) in the industry through open automation solutions. "In a rapidly changing world, it is becoming increasingly important to enter into partnerships and work together within the framework of open technology platforms. A paradigm shift is clearly noticeable. Together with Festo, we will continue to work on generating new solutions for our customers. Because sustainable innovation can only be achieved through close cooperation," emphasises Frank Stührenberg, CEO of Phoenix Contact.
Festo, a leading company in the industry, has opted for PLCnext Technology. Festo has been looking for a partner with an open system approach for its future orientation, who will provide an appropriate operating system, develop it further and launch it on the market.
"With PLCnext Technology, we are utilising the technologically leading platform in automation technology. We are convinced that the openness of PLCnext Technology will provide our customers with many advantages," emphasises Gerhard Borho, Chief Information Technology and Digitalisation Officer at Festo. Ulrich Leidecker, COO and President of the Business Area Industrial Management and Automation at Phoenix Contact, adds: "The openness of PLCnext Technology opens up the possibility for numerous suppliers to offer flexible, safe and modern automation technology. The technology partnership with Festo represents a milestone for the automation industry. The more partners there are in an open automation ecosystem, the more valuable it becomes for each individual participant."
The collaboration between Festo and Phoenix Contact is an important step for the future of the automation industry. New, open thinking and the combination of industry expertise set the course for innovative solutions and drive forward a sustainable world.
Festo is a global player and an independent family-owned company with headquarters in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. Festo has set standards in industrial automation technology and technical education ever since its establishment, thereby making a contribution to sustainable development of the environment, the economy and society. The company supplies pneumatic and electrical automation technology to 300,000 customers of factory and process automation in over 35 industries. Digitalization, AI and the LifeTech sector with medical technology and laboratory automation are becoming increasingly important. The products and services are available in 176 countries. With about 20,600 employees in over 250 branch offices in around 60 countries worldwide, Festo achieved a turnover of around €3.45 billion in 2024. More than 8% of this turnover is invested in research and development. In this learning company, 1.5 % of turnover is invested in basic and further training. Festo Didactic SE is a leading provider of technical education and training and offers its customers worldwide comprehensive digital and physical learning solutions in the industrial environment.
