JR Automation has announced the appointment of Farid Bichareh as its new chief technology officer.
Bichareh has more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning industrial automation, robotics, simulation, digital engineering, digital twin, digital thread technology, and AI-driven manufacturing transformation.
Throughout his career, Bichareh has developed and executed multiyear global technology strategies, modernized engineering and manufacturing organizations, and unified mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and AI disciplines into cohesive, scalable automation architectures. His work has consistently helped companies accelerate innovation, improve performance, and adopt future-ready manufacturing technologies.
“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,” said Dave DeGraaf, chief executive officer for JR Automation and general manager for the Hitachi Automation Division. “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.”
As part of the Hitachi Group, JR Automation benefits from the combined strength of Hitachi’s IT and OT capabilities. By integrating advanced digital technologies, including industrial AI, Physical AI, data analytics, and digital twin tools, with deep expertise in operational systems and automation, JR Automation can deliver more connected, intelligent, and scalable solutions. This alignment enables the company to unify the shop floor with the enterprise and support customers as they accelerate their digital transformation.
Bichareh has played a prominent role in shaping the future of smart manufacturing on a global scale. He has served as Smart Factory Chair and Steering Committee Member for the Industry IoT Consortium, merged into Digital Twin Consortium, helping to define frameworks, standards, and best practices for interoperability, digital transformation, and next generation industrial automation.
“I’m honored to join JR Automation and Hitachi group at such a pivotal moment for the company and the industry,” Bichareh said. “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. I’m excited to work with our talented teams to build the next generation of intelligent, connected automation that helps our customers achieve new levels of performance, flexibility, and value.”
JR Automation is in the midst of building its new $72.8 million global headquarters on a 45.5-acre site at the southwest corner of Riley Street and 84th Avenue at the eastern edge of the Zeeland city limits. The project includes development of a 210,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and a two-story headquarters building with about 40,000 square feet on each level.
Bichareh has more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning industrial automation, robotics, simulation, digital engineering, digital twin, digital thread technology, and AI-driven manufacturing transformation.
Throughout his career, Bichareh has developed and executed multiyear global technology strategies, modernized engineering and manufacturing organizations, and unified mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and AI disciplines into cohesive, scalable automation architectures. His work has consistently helped companies accelerate innovation, improve performance, and adopt future-ready manufacturing technologies.
“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,” said Dave DeGraaf, chief executive officer for JR Automation and general manager for the Hitachi Automation Division. “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.”
As part of the Hitachi Group, JR Automation benefits from the combined strength of Hitachi’s IT and OT capabilities. By integrating advanced digital technologies, including industrial AI, Physical AI, data analytics, and digital twin tools, with deep expertise in operational systems and automation, JR Automation can deliver more connected, intelligent, and scalable solutions. This alignment enables the company to unify the shop floor with the enterprise and support customers as they accelerate their digital transformation.
Bichareh has played a prominent role in shaping the future of smart manufacturing on a global scale. He has served as Smart Factory Chair and Steering Committee Member for the Industry IoT Consortium, merged into Digital Twin Consortium, helping to define frameworks, standards, and best practices for interoperability, digital transformation, and next generation industrial automation.
“I’m honored to join JR Automation and Hitachi group at such a pivotal moment for the company and the industry,” Bichareh said. “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. I’m excited to work with our talented teams to build the next generation of intelligent, connected automation that helps our customers achieve new levels of performance, flexibility, and value.”
JR Automation is in the midst of building its new $72.8 million global headquarters on a 45.5-acre site at the southwest corner of Riley Street and 84th Avenue at the eastern edge of the Zeeland city limits. The project includes development of a 210,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and a two-story headquarters building with about 40,000 square feet on each level.
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Holland to Holland Tour Seeks to
Trace West Michigan’s Dutch Roots
Thousands of visitors each year trek to West Michigan for a Dutch experience. However, the public is now invited to travel across the Atlantic to discover the roots of the town’s Dutch identity on a “Holland to Holland” tour.
The nine-day trip in October will focus on locations relevant to West Michigan’s Dutch connections.
The tour is being coordinated by the Holland Visitors Bureau, Windmill Island Gardens, and Holland Tasting Tours in conjunction with Witte Travel.
Matt Helmus, manager of Windmill Island Gardens, sees value in the trip for both travelers and the community.
“Keeping Dutch-American heritage relevant includes knowledge of and connection with the Netherlands. We think those on the trip will come home with a deeper appreciation of Dutch culture in Europe and Michigan,” said Helmus, who will serve as one of the trip’s guides along with Linda Kaiser, an experienced tour guide and owner of Holland Tasting Tours.
One tour day will center on locations relevant to Holland’s founder, Albertus van Raalte. Other highlights include visiting the newly built windmill in Vinkel (the former home of Holland’s de Zwaan windmill), discovering how thousands of bulbs are procured each year for the tulip festival, and touring a Delftware business with locations in the Netherlands and downtown Holland.
While there will be some overlap with standard tours of the Netherlands, the new tour will focus on less-visited areas from which many immigrants originated such as Groningen, Drenthe and Zeeland.
More information, including a full itinerary, as well as registration details can be found at hollandtoholland.com.
An informational meeting for those interested in the tour will take place at 6 p.m. next Tuesday at Windmill Island Gardens. Potential travelers are asked to register for the meeting at Eventbrite via windmillisland.com.
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Coloring Contest Planned for
Child Abuse Prevention Month
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, Arbor Circle and the Ottawa County Stop Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Council are inviting community members of all ages to participate in a coloring contest designed to raise awareness and promote safe, supportive environments for children and families.
The coloring contest aims to engage children, families, and community members in a simple but meaningful activity that sparks conversations about child wellbeing and prevention. Participants can pick up coloring sheets at various locations throughout the community or download them online for easy access at home.
Completed entries will be entered into a giveaway, with the winner receiving a Family Fun Pack filled with games and other exciting goodies. Submissions will be accepted through April 29, and the winner will be contacted via phone or email.
“Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to come together as a community and reinforce the importance of supporting children and strengthening families,” said Leigh Moerdyke, Prevention and Advocacy Program Director at Arbor Circle. “This coloring contest is a fun and accessible way for people of all ages to get involved and show their commitment to creating safe, nurturing environments.”
Coloring sheets will be available at Herrick North Branch and Georgetown Township Library, as well as online at arborcircle.org/ scan. Participants are encouraged to return their completed sheets to these same locations or submit them digitally.
For more information about the coloring contest and how to participate, visit arborcircle.org/scan.
The coloring contest aims to engage children, families, and community members in a simple but meaningful activity that sparks conversations about child wellbeing and prevention. Participants can pick up coloring sheets at various locations throughout the community or download them online for easy access at home.
Completed entries will be entered into a giveaway, with the winner receiving a Family Fun Pack filled with games and other exciting goodies. Submissions will be accepted through April 29, and the winner will be contacted via phone or email.
“Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to come together as a community and reinforce the importance of supporting children and strengthening families,” said Leigh Moerdyke, Prevention and Advocacy Program Director at Arbor Circle. “This coloring contest is a fun and accessible way for people of all ages to get involved and show their commitment to creating safe, nurturing environments.”
Coloring sheets will be available at Herrick North Branch and Georgetown Township Library, as well as online at arborcircle.org/ scan. Participants are encouraged to return their completed sheets to these same locations or submit them digitally.
For more information about the coloring contest and how to participate, visit arborcircle.org/scan.
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Community Foundation Awards Grants
for Education Programs
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland has awarded more than $102,000 to three area programs supporting early childhood education and educator training.
Receiving grants are Ready for School’s “Reach Out and Read” expansion ($46,600), the Ignite the Classroom program through the Ron Clark Academy ($40,000), and the Little Buds Club ($16,202).
Data about student achievement in our community shows gaps in reading and math skills across all grades and increased chronic absenteeism and disengagement among middle and high school students.
“We believe every child deserves access to opportunities to achieve their full potential,” CFHZ Director of Community Impact Yadah Ramirez said in a news release. “These grants invest across critical stages of a student’s development – from early childhood all the way through high school – by supporting organizations that are stepping in to help students learn and engage.”
The Reach Out and Read program partners with doctors and health care offices who talk with caregivers about the benefits of reading aloud as part of a well-child visit. ROR also gives free books to families to encourage them to make reading together a daily habit. This helps children start school ready to learn and with a strong foundation for success.
“This support from CFHZ makes it possible to meet families earlier and more intentionally, at a moment when small interactions have a lasting impact on a child’s development. By expanding Reach Out and Read to begin at birth and strengthening how providers support developmental needs, we are helping families build daily reading routines that support healthy development. Reach Out and Read interim executive director Heather Boswell said.
The Ignite the Classroom program grant will provide scholarships for ten Holland Public Schools educators to attend the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) EXP and a year-long cohort. This high-energy training equips teachers with proven culture and engagement practices that help improve daily attendance and student participation in the classroom.
Statewide data shows an average of 29 percent of students are considered chronically absent each academic year, missing 10 percent or more of scheduled school days. Research shows that programs like the Ron Clark Academy help teachers make learning more engaging, which in turn reduces absenteeism. Huntington Bank, a partner of the Ron Clark Academy, was instrumental in leading local efforts to bring this program to Holland Public Schools.
“The program includes an immersive learning experience at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta and professional development training and support throughout the year to help Holland-area educators create engaging classrooms and prepare students for future success,” Huntington Bank Greater Michigan Region president Lauren Davis said.
The Little Buds Club grant will be used to support staffing for its early childhood cohorts and inclusive community programming. Little Buds focuses on small-group early learning literacy and math programs for young children and the adults who care for them. Their programs strengthen early learning foundations, caregiver connections, and offer equitable access to high-quality experiences that support long-term success for students.
The Little Buds Club expects to reach 260 children and 520 caregivers in the Holland-Zeeland area this year.
“This grant allows Little Buds Club to expand our nature-based early learning programs, offering scholarships for families with young children,” program co-founder Jenny Schlubatis said. “Families gain access to play-based, outdoor learning experiences while also receiving guidance and resources to support their child’s development at home.”
More information about grantmaking is available online at cfhz.org/nonprofits.
Zeeland Record
The Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland has awarded more than $102,000 to three area programs supporting early childhood education and educator training.
Receiving grants are Ready for School’s “Reach Out and Read” expansion ($46,600), the Ignite the Classroom program through the Ron Clark Academy ($40,000), and the Little Buds Club ($16,202).
Data about student achievement in our community shows gaps in reading and math skills across all grades and increased chronic absenteeism and disengagement among middle and high school students.
“We believe every child deserves access to opportunities to achieve their full potential,” CFHZ Director of Community Impact Yadah Ramirez said in a news release. “These grants invest across critical stages of a student’s development – from early childhood all the way through high school – by supporting organizations that are stepping in to help students learn and engage.”
The Reach Out and Read program partners with doctors and health care offices who talk with caregivers about the benefits of reading aloud as part of a well-child visit. ROR also gives free books to families to encourage them to make reading together a daily habit. This helps children start school ready to learn and with a strong foundation for success.
“This support from CFHZ makes it possible to meet families earlier and more intentionally, at a moment when small interactions have a lasting impact on a child’s development. By expanding Reach Out and Read to begin at birth and strengthening how providers support developmental needs, we are helping families build daily reading routines that support healthy development. Reach Out and Read interim executive director Heather Boswell said.
The Ignite the Classroom program grant will provide scholarships for ten Holland Public Schools educators to attend the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) EXP and a year-long cohort. This high-energy training equips teachers with proven culture and engagement practices that help improve daily attendance and student participation in the classroom.
Statewide data shows an average of 29 percent of students are considered chronically absent each academic year, missing 10 percent or more of scheduled school days. Research shows that programs like the Ron Clark Academy help teachers make learning more engaging, which in turn reduces absenteeism. Huntington Bank, a partner of the Ron Clark Academy, was instrumental in leading local efforts to bring this program to Holland Public Schools.
“The program includes an immersive learning experience at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta and professional development training and support throughout the year to help Holland-area educators create engaging classrooms and prepare students for future success,” Huntington Bank Greater Michigan Region president Lauren Davis said.
The Little Buds Club grant will be used to support staffing for its early childhood cohorts and inclusive community programming. Little Buds focuses on small-group early learning literacy and math programs for young children and the adults who care for them. Their programs strengthen early learning foundations, caregiver connections, and offer equitable access to high-quality experiences that support long-term success for students.
The Little Buds Club expects to reach 260 children and 520 caregivers in the Holland-Zeeland area this year.
“This grant allows Little Buds Club to expand our nature-based early learning programs, offering scholarships for families with young children,” program co-founder Jenny Schlubatis said. “Families gain access to play-based, outdoor learning experiences while also receiving guidance and resources to support their child’s development at home.”
More information about grantmaking is available online at cfhz.org/nonprofits.
