Forkardt Hardinge Taps Ramy Shatoot to Steer Next Growth Chapter

ELMIRA, N.Y. – May 01, 2026 – Forkardt Hardinge, a cornerstone of the industrial manufacturing world for over a century, has appointed veteran executive Ramy Shatoot as its new Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors. The move signals a deliberate strategy to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial technology and accelerate the company's next phase of global growth.

Shatoot steps into the role at a pivotal moment for the 130-year-old designer and manufacturer of high-precision workholding solutions. Backed by private investment firm Centre Lane Partners, Forkardt Hardinge is positioning itself to not only build on its legacy but also to aggressively pursue innovation in a market increasingly defined by automation, data, and efficiency.

A New Era of Leadership

Ramy Shatoot is not a newcomer to the complexities of global industrial operations. His career spans more than two decades and includes senior leadership positions at some of the sector's most respected names, including GE Energy, Danaher's Videojet, Fortive's Qualitrol, and most recently, as Group President of Electronics at Standex International. This extensive background provides him with a unique perspective, having managed businesses across industrial automation, electronics, energy, and aftermarket services.

His experience at conglomerates like Danaher and Fortive is particularly noteworthy. These companies are renowned for their rigorous, data-driven business systems that emphasize operational excellence and continuous improvement. This background suggests Shatoot brings a playbook focused on optimizing processes, enhancing product quality, and driving commercial transformation—skills directly aligned with the challenges and opportunities in today's manufacturing sector. In his most recent role at Standex, he led a global segment with a dozen plants across three continents, giving him current, hands-on experience in managing complex international supply chains and operations.

Quinn Morgan, Chairman of the Board and a Managing Director at Centre Lane Partners, highlighted this specific expertise in the company's announcement. "We look forward to partnering with Ramy as Forkardt Hardinge enters its next chapter of growth," Morgan stated. "He brings deep operating leadership experience along with a strong focus on product quality, innovation, and customer partnerships."

Navigating a Shifting Industrial Landscape

The workholding market, while foundational to manufacturing, is undergoing a profound transformation. The rise of Industry 4.0, the integration of robotics, and the demand for ever-tighter tolerances are forcing legacy companies to adapt or risk being left behind. The market for workholding devices, projected to grow at a steady CAGR of over 5%, is increasingly rewarding companies that can deliver intelligent, automated, and flexible solutions.

Key competitors like SCHUNK and HAINBUCH are already pushing the boundaries with smart toolholders that monitor performance in real-time and fully automated chuck-changing systems designed for lights-out manufacturing. The new industry standard is no longer just about holding a part securely; it's about providing a solution that integrates seamlessly into a digital, automated workflow, reducing setup times, minimizing downtime, and providing valuable data.

This is the competitive environment Shatoot enters. His appointment is a clear signal that Forkardt Hardinge intends to compete at the highest level of technological innovation. His expertise in industrial automation and business systems will be critical in steering the company's product development and strategic investments to meet the demands for smart, connected workholding solutions that modern factories require.

The Private Equity Playbook

This leadership change is also a classic move from the private equity playbook, specifically that of Centre Lane Partners. Since its founding in 2007, the firm has built a reputation for its operationally focused, solutions-oriented approach to investing in North American middle-market companies. Rather than acting as passive financial investors, Centre Lane partners with management to implement its proprietary "CLP Value Creation Framework," aimed at driving tangible improvements and long-term growth.

Acquiring a majority stake in a company like Forkardt Hardinge and then installing a seasoned executive like Shatoot is a direct reflection of this strategy. The goal is to inject new leadership with a specific, proven skillset to unlock a company's potential, especially during a period of market transition. Centre Lane's role is not just to provide capital, but to serve as a strategic partner, leveraging its expertise to help its portfolio companies navigate complexity and execute on ambitious growth plans.

Building on a 130-Year Legacy

For all the focus on the future, the foundation of Forkardt Hardinge remains its formidable 130-year legacy. The company's extensive portfolio—from Swiss collets and power chucks to rotary tables—is a staple in machine shops and factories across every major industry and region. This history provides a deep well of engineering expertise, a globally recognized brand, and a loyal customer base.

The challenge for Shatoot will be to merge this legacy of quality and reliability with the pace of modern technological change. In his own statement, Shatoot acknowledged this balance. "I am honored to step into the role of CEO at Forkardt Hardinge and build on Forkardt's legacy as a globally respected brand," he said, "while continuing our unwavering commitment to deliver on quality and value for our customers."

His mission is clear: to harness the company’s historical strengths while infusing it with the operational agility and forward-thinking innovation necessary to lead in the 21st-century industrial economy. The industry will be watching closely as Shatoot takes the helm, steering this manufacturing stalwart into its next chapter.