In a major step toward sustainable manufacturing and clean energy adoption, Festo, a global leader in industrial automation and technical education, has inaugurated a large-scale rooftop solar power system at its North American Regional Service Center in Mason, Ohio. The project is now the largest rooftop solar installation in the city, generating nearly half of the facility’s annual electricity needs.
A Renewable Energy Milestone for Mason
The solar power system, now fully operational, consists of 3,929 solar panels spanning 85,180 square feet across two of the facility’s rooftops and the building’s carport at the main entrance. With a projected annual generation capacity of 2.602 gigawatt-hours, the installation is capable of producing enough electricity to power around 393 average U.S. homes each year.
This clean energy effort will supply an estimated 48 percent of the facility’s total power requirements, substantially reducing its dependence on grid electricity and contributing to lower operational emissions. According to Festo, the system’s carbon offset is equivalent to the annual CO₂ absorption of a 2,300-acre forest.
Building a Greener Future with Local Partners
Construction of the project began in November 2024 and was completed by May 2025. The general contractor for the initiative was Kokosing Solar Power, a renewable energy company based in Athens, Ohio. In addition to the solar array, the project includes eight electric vehicle (EV) charging stations powered by solar energy, available for use by both employees and visitors.
“Our investment in solar is part of Festo’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and innovation in manufacturing,” said a company spokesperson. “This is not only about reducing our carbon footprint but also about modeling what responsible industrial infrastructure should look like in the 21st century.”
Supporting Innovation and Education in Manufacturing
Established in 2015, the Festo North American Regional Service Center serves as the company’s primary distribution hub across the continent. The facility manages warehousing, logistics, assembly of custom orders, and the production of advanced automation systems for a wide array of industrial clients. Today, it employs approximately 350 people.
The site is also home to Festo Didactic, the company’s educational division focused on technical training. Festo Didactic develops and manufactures hands-on learning systems used by community colleges and vocational schools to train the next generation of technicians in automation and smart manufacturing.
With its integrated focus on sustainability, education, and high-performance logistics, the Mason facility exemplifies Festo’s broader vision of industry and education working hand-in-hand to shape the future of work.
Civic Leaders Applaud Forward-Looking Investment
Local government officials praised the project not only for its environmental benefits but also for setting a high standard in corporate responsibility and innovation.
“The Festo Regional Service Center’s solar project does more than save energy—it is a model of resilience and forward thinking that reflects this city’s economic and environmental goals,” said Mason Mayor Diana Nelson. “It aligns with Mason initiatives that help local businesses invest in sustainable growth.”
As companies across the globe face increasing pressure to reduce emissions and adopt renewable energy solutions, Festo’s initiative stands out as a powerful example of how traditional industrial sectors can lead the way in climate-conscious innovation.
