ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, has revealed its plans to invest $280 million in expanding its manufacturing capabilities in Europe. This investment includes the construction of a new ABB Robotics European Campus in Västerås, Sweden. The Campus will act as a hub for ABB Robotics in Europe, offering AI-enabled collaborative and industrial robots, as well as digital solutions to support flexible automation.
The decision to build a new Campus in Sweden is driven by customer demand and projected market growth. Björn Rosengren, ABB CEO, emphasizes the company’s commitment to its “local for local” production strategy, with around 95 percent of robots sold in Europe being manufactured in the region. The new facility is expected to open in late 2026 and will replace the existing robotics facilities at the site.
By expanding its manufacturing footprint in Europe, ABB aims to strengthen its robotics and automation leadership globally. The Robotics Campus in Västerås will increase production capacity by 50 percent, allowing ABB to better serve the growing European market. The investment in the Campus aligns with the company’s strategy to meet the rising demand for robotics and AI technologies due to industry reshoring, sustainable supply chain initiatives, and labor shortages.
The new Campus will foster close collaboration with customers and partners, enabling the development of innovative robotics and automation solutions. It will provide customers with the opportunity to test and experiment with the latest automation technologies. Additionally, the Campus will offer a modern workplace for ABB Robotics’ workforce of 1,300, encompassing a factory, offices, research and development centers, as well as training and experience centers.
The construction of the Robotics Campus is planned to begin in 2024, replacing the existing separate buildings and creating a more cohesive and synergistic environment. ABB’s investment in Sweden further solidifies the area as an automation cluster, facilitating proximity to key stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, academia, and partners. The new Campus will also contribute to ABB’s 2030 Sustainability Targets, aiming for carbon neutrality within the company’s operations through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of renewable energy sources.
With this significant investment, ABB is poised to continue its mission of driving industrial transformation through the development of advanced robotics and automation technologies. The company’s commitment to local production and customer-centric innovation positions it at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of robotics.
Source: ABB (No URL provided)