Our automation and digital transformation experts can collaborate with you on your digital transformation journey.
With 25 years experience in industrial automation, software and robotics we provide clients with world class technical expertise and custom solutions to support sustainable growth for their business.
Lester Kelly
A2 Hub Business Development Manager | UK
Lester Kelly recently joined the FAST team as the Business Development Manager for the A2 Hub. With 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, Lester brings a wealth of knowledge across various engineering disciplines, particularly in advanced manufacturing environments.
He began his career as an Equipment Engineer but quickly discovered a passion for automation and control. Over the years, Lester has applied his expertise across multiple departments, including Equipment, Facilities, Production, and Manufacturing, where he has played a key role in introducing Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance production.
Having worked with large multinational companies, Lester has successfully implemented innovative technologies across global sites. Driven by a passion for problem-solving, particularly through automation, Lester is committed to helping companies grow in capacity, quality, and innovation. In this new role, Lester will be responsible for engaging with manufacturing businesses, assessing their digital readiness, mapping out potential solutions and de-risking any investment. Lester will lead the FAST A2Process, undertaking consultation and evaluation of manufacturing businesses, with the aim of delivering hardware and software solutions bespoke to their needs.
Richard Beatty
A2 Hub Business Development Manager | US
Richard Beatty has recently joined FAST as Business Development Manager, based in Fort Worth, Texas. With over 20 years of experience across engineering, manufacturing operations, and industrial automation in both UK and US markets, Richard helps manufacturers improve productivity, reliability, and profitability through the strategic adoption of automation, robotics, and advanced technologies.
With a background spanning plant leadership, reliability engineering, and capital project delivery, Richie combines strong technical expertise with commercial insight. Prior to moving into business development, he held senior operational roles managing multimillion-dollar assets, leading plant-wide improvement initiatives, and implementing reliability strategies that reduced downtime and costs.
He holds an MSc in Engineering Management and has hands-on experience with mechanical and electrical systems, predictive maintenance, CMMS platforms, and Lean methodologies. This enables him to quickly understand plant-level challenges and translate them into practical, ROI-driven solutions.
Richie is known for building trusted partnerships and supporting manufacturers—particularly SMEs—in adopting automation to drive sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.
Joe Gallagher
Operations Manager
Joe Gallagher is a highly experienced leader in automation, with a proven track record of managing and developing teams. He is people-oriented and excels at mentoring and developing individuals to reach their full potential. With over 22 years of expertise in the field, Joe is proficient with various control systems and multi-platform PLC programming. He is a methodical and creative thinker, adept at problem-solving and delivering innovative solutions. Joe has been with FAST Technologies since 2005, holding several engineering positions before becoming the Project Manager for the Automation & Machine Build division in 2013. He leads a team of project engineers, designers, and technicians, ensuring all client requirements are met on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Joe is the current Operations Manager at FAST, a role he has held since 2023 driving operational excellence and fostering innovation at FAST. Joe’s leadership has significantly contributed to the company’s growth and success in delivering advanced technological solutions.
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