Swiss engineering and technology group ABB has invested $280 million for robotics factory in eastern Sweden, anticipating a surge in demand. ABB aims to address the growing European robotics and automation market, expected to grow by 7% annually between 2023 and 2027.
The new factory, slated to be operational by 2026, will boast 50% more production capacity than its predecessor and employ approximately 1,300 individuals. ABB CEO Björn Rosengren affirmed that this substantial investment is motivated by escalating customer demand and projected market growth.
ABB faces competition from major players like Japan’s Fanuc Corp and China’s Kuka. In response to factors, such as increased government incentives and geopolitical tensions, companies like ABB are opting to relocate their production operations nearer to their domestic markets.
Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Robotics and Discrete Automation Business Area, emphasized that the new Robotics Campus will be significant in supporting European customers as they accelerate investments in robotics and artificial intelligence.
ABB Robotics’ New Campus in Sweden for Sustainability and Efficiency
ABB Robotics is building a 65,000 square meter campus in Västerås, Sweden. The new space will be a modern workplace for its 1,300 employees and include a factory, offices, a research and development center, an experience center, and a training center for customers and visitors. It will also use autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to move materials around. Construction starts in 2024 and will replace the nine old buildings the company has been using since 1974.
By creating this campus in Västerås, ABB is making the area a hub for automation, which means they’ll be close to customers, suppliers, schools, and partners. According to ABB, the proximity will help them work faster, with fewer transport needs, and be better for the environment. The manufacturer has been building robotics expertise in Sweden for 50 years, and this campus will help them continue that work.
The campus will also follow ABB’s 2030 Sustainability Targets, trying to reduce emissions and save resources. It will use eco-friendly materials and processes, as well as solar panels on the roof.
Last week, ABB Robotics unveiled an expansion of its large robot portfolio, introducing four new models and 22 variants to cater to industrial applications. The robots offer diverse payload capacities and reach options, enhancing flexibility and performance for industries like automotive and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.
Source: mPost
