ABB Invests $280M in European Robotics Factory

ABB is investing $280 million into a new robotics factory in Sweden.

The company said the site will act as a hub for its European operations and work as part of its “local for local” strategy creating local manufacturing hubs to serve its customers with industrial robots. 

Construction will begin in 2024 and it’s expected to open in late 2026, replacing the robotic facilities currently located at the site.

The campus will feature a new 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 to transport materials and products among the warehouse, assembly stations and assembly departments. 

“The investment in our new Campus is driven by customer demand and projected market growth,” said Björn Rosengren, ABB’s CEO. “Following important investments in China and the U.S., the new facility in Sweden will strengthen our capabilities in serving our customers in Europe with locally manufactured products in a growing market.”

ABB says the new facility will enable a 50% production expansion and boost the company’s European market standing. 

“Already today, around 95% of the robots ABB sells in the region are manufactured here,” Rosengren said. “This is a strong commitment not only to our ‘local for local’ strategy but to all our robotics customers across Europe.”

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The new campus brings ABB’s total investment in robotics facilities since 2018 to $450 million. Additional campuses include its factory in Shanghai, which serves Asia and the Auburn Hills facility that supports the Americas.

“This is a great time to invest in robotics and automation,” said Sami Atiya, ABB’s president of robotics and discrete automation business area. “This new campus is … key in supporting our European customers as they accelerate investment in robotics and AI due to the reshoring of industry, the move to more sustainable supply chains and long-term labor shortages.” 

ABB said the campus will serve a range of sectors, including automotive, electronics, logistics, health care, e-commerce and pharmaceuticals.