Ehlers to drive growth for Beckhoff as automotive industry manager

SAVAGE, Minn.—Philip Ehlers will look to drive growth in automotive, EV and battery manufacturing for Beckhoff USA, after being named automotive industry manager for the automation technology firm.

The hiring was effective July 13, according to the Verl, Germany-based Beckhoff.

"Philip has spent years working closely with automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers to find more innovative ways to design, develop and test components, and he is already making a measurable difference," said David Emory, director of strategic sales at Beckhoff. "His experience with machine control, vision, advanced motion, high-end measurement solutions and simulation software made him an excellent fit at Beckhoff.

"We are excited to see how Philip's know-how and skills will boost our team's existing successes as he fully steps into this role."

Ehlers, who will based at Beckhoff Automation in Detroit, brings more than 20 years of experience working at industrial automation and testing companies.

He has worked for Schneider Electrics, National Instruments and Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, where he served in project engineering roles and as a strategic sales executive.

His guidance will be critical in an era of competition and innovation in the automotive space, according to Beckhoff.

He will report to Emory.

"Joining Beckhoff means I get to work in a world-class team and be at the forefront of industrial technology advancements with an automation leader that values individual initiative, creativity and continuous improvement," Ehlers said. "The automotive industry is going through a major transformation due to rapid advancements in EVs, autonomous driving, connected cars and advanced safety features—as well as manufacturing technologies—that will shape the future of mobility.

"Both the industry disruptors and the established household brands recognize how Beckhoff is uniquely positioned to help bring new technologies to market better, faster and more cost-effectively."