HOLLAND, MI — JR Automation of Holland on Tuesday, March 24, announced it has appointed Farid Bichareh as its chief technology officer.
Bichareh brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in industrial automation, robotics, digital engineering, and manufacturing transformation through artificial intelligence.
“I’m honored to join JR Automation and Hitachi group at such a pivotal moment for the company and the industry,” Bichareh said in a statement. “Automation, AI — especially Physical AI — and digital engineering are converging faster than ever, and JR Automation, together with Hitachi, is uniquely positioned to lead that transformation.”
He has served as smart factory chair and steering committee member for the Industry IoT Consortium — now merged into the Digital Twin Consortium — helping to define frameworks, standards and best practices for industrial automation.
“Farid’s deep technical expertise, his track record of modernizing engineering organizations, and his strong leadership capabilities make him an exceptional fit for JR Automation,” Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation and general manager of Hitachi Automation Division, said in a statement. “His vision will help us advance our global technology roadmap, strengthen our digital and automation capabilities and continue delivering innovative solutions that drive meaningful outcomes for our customers.”
Founded in 1980 as a family-owned business serving the automotive industry, JR Automation has grown into a global leader in industrial automation and advanced manufacturing technology. As the company grew, it attracted investment from two private equity firms before Hitachi Ltd. acquired it in 2019.
Bichareh’s appointment comes amid a significant growth period for JR Automation. The company is constructing a 286,000-square-foot global headquarters at 800 Riley St. in Zeeland.
JR Automation currently operates nine facilities in West Michigan. The new facility, expected to be completed this fall, will consolidate approximately 350 employees from several of these locations on one campus.
The company also expects to add at least 150 new jobs at the new location.
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