ABB has announced an investment of $280 million to expand its manufacturing footprint in Europe. Particularly, the automation company aims to build a new state-of-the-art ABB Robotics European Campus in Västerås, Sweden. The Campus will serve as the hub for ABB Robotics’ offering in Europe. Thus, providing customers with AI-enabled collaborative and industrial robots, as well as digital solutions. Furthermore, it will also support flexible automation as part of the company’s “local for local” production strategy.

Replacing the existing robotics facilities at the site, the new Campus is planned to open in late 2026.

“The investment in our new Campus is driven by customer demand and projected market growth,” said Björn Rosengren, ABB 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. Presently, around 95 percent of the robots ABB sells in the region are manufactured here. This is a strong commitment not only to our “local for local” strategy, but to all our robotics customers across Europe.”

Enhance Automation Leadership

ABB’s investment in the Robotics Campus in Västerås will enhance its robotics and automation leadership globally. With the facility, ABB will expand production capacity by 50 percent and strengthen its capabilities to supply the European market. The industry expects the market to grow at seven percent CAGR through 2027¹. Thus, upon the completion of the campus, ABB will have invested $450 million in its three robotics facilities since 2018. This includes its mega factory in Shanghai that supplies customers in Asia and the Auburn Hills facility that supports the Americas.

“This is a great time to invest in robotics and automation. This new Campus is a significant part of our global growth story and 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,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area.

Furthermore, Atiya said, “Our Robotics Campus will help us to serve our customers more efficiently and support new and existing sectors like automotive, electronics, logistics, healthcare, e-commerce and pharmaceuticals to unlock the full potential of automation.”

ABB’s new Campus will enable close collaboration with customers and partners to develop robotics and automation solutions in a safe and functional environment. Customers will be able to test their solutions and experiment with the latest automation innovations on-site. In addition, employees, visitors, and students alike will be able to take part in an open and lively Campus, both during and after office hours.

Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics, said, “In our new R&D center, we are focusing on the development of new digital and AI-enabled technologies, making robots increasingly accessible while lowering the entry barrier for applications in all industries.”

Strengthens Synergies

The 65,000 m² Campus will be a modern workplace for ABB Robotics’ workforce of 1,300 in the area. In addition, it will include a new factory, offices, a research and development center, an experience center and a training center for customers and visitors. The new factory will also feature autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) as a key component in transporting materials and products between the warehouse, assembly stations and assembly departments.

The construction will likely start in 2024 and will replace the nine separate buildings that have grown organically since 1974 and currently constitute the robotics operations in Sweden. Thus, further strengthening cross-functional synergies.

By building the Campus in Västerås, ABB continues to consolidate the area as an automation cluster, staying in important proximity to customers, suppliers, academia, and partners. Furthermore, the Campus will provide a unique opportunity to develop the ecosystem while maintaining rapid lead times. Most importantly, it will also further allow ABB to leverage competencies and capabilities cultivated by ABB Robotics in Sweden over the past 50 years.

The campus will be constructed in line with ABB’s 2030 Sustainability Targets that aim towards carbon neutrality within ABB’s operations by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing preservation of resources. To support this, consideration will be made in the selection of building materials and construction processes as well as in the use of solar panels on the roof.

¹ Shipments. Source: Interact Analysis