Martin Erni is a seasoned sales and business development leader with over 30 years of experience in engineering and project management in the automation and manufacturing industries. As the Director of Sales at Fori Automation, he leads the company’s sales operations across domestic and international markets, driving business growth and overseeing client relationships. His collaborative approach integrates sales, engineering, and production to create seamless solutions for clients.
Martin’s career at Fori Automation began in 2002, where he advanced through various roles, including Director of Business Development for Non-Automotive and Senior Project Manager. He has been instrumental in expanding Fori’s presence outside the automotive sector, fostering strategic partnerships, and increasing customer retention across industries. Notably, Martin led major German OEM projects, coordinating efforts across teams in the U.S., Germany, China, and Korea to deliver complex automation solutions.
Before Fori, Martin held leadership positions at HGS Aerospace and contributed significantly to the sales and business development efforts in the aerospace sector. Earlier in his career, Martin gained valuable international experience as an International Sales Executive and Engineering roles across multiple countries. His technical expertise spans engineering, project management, and sales leadership, supported by a strong foundation in mechanical engineering.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Applied Sciences in Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), and has further certifications in project management, supervisory skills, and business communication. A dedicated professional, who is fluent in English, Swiss, German, and has a basic proficiency in French.
In his personal achievements, Martin has received various accolades, including an honorable discharge from the Swiss Air Force and the “Best Thesis” award for his work in automation at the University of Applied Sciences. He is an active member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and continues to be a strong advocate for innovation in automation and engineering.
