Zurich-based ABB said today that it is starting to manufacture robots in Auburn Hills, Mich., and claimed that it is “the first global industrial robotics company to fully commit to and invest in a North American robotics manufacturing footprint.”
The existing facility in the U.S. has about 500 employees and joins production at ABB factories in Shanghai, China, and Vasteras, Sweden.
In a press release, ABB said that the U.S. is its largest market, with $7.5 billion in sales. Since 2010, the company has invested more than $10 billion in research and development, capital expenditure, and acquisitions, and it has increased its staff from from 11,500 to 26,300.
“ABB is the first global automation company to open a robot manufacturing facility in the United States” said CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. “Robotics is a fundamental enabler of the next level of North American industrial growth in an increasingly competitive world.”
More on ABB and Industrial Automation
- ABB Buys Gomtec, Expands Co-Robot Offerings
- Teradyne Buys Co-Robot Maker Universal Robots for $285 Million
- China’s Industrial Robot Boom Amazes Experts
- Swisslog — er, KUKA — Acquires Forte Industries. Why?
- Robotic Welding to Benefit From Updated Controls, Clearer Vision
- ABB Opens Regional Robotics Hub in Singapore
Gradually Expanding Operations ABB, which has installed more than 250,000 robots worldwide, said it plans to expand its portfolio of industrial automation products made in Auburn Hills in phases so that eventually most robots and controllers that it sells in North America are made there.
“The new North American manufacturing presence elevates our offering and service to robotics customers in the United States, Mexico and Canada, allowing us to achieve best-in-class delivery schedules and technical support in North America,? said Per Vegard Nerseth, managing director of ABB Robotics. “Thanks to the strong robotics market, I’m confident we will expand our workforce here to a total of 1,000 highly skilled employees in the not-too-distant future.”
