Automation expert ABB and China’s leading automotive parts supplier, HASCO Co., Ltd., have created a joint venture to drive the next generation of smart manufacturing in China’s automotive industry.

The joint venture will leverage on the existing successful relationship between the two companies. This will lead to the crucial development of highly flexible and sustainable auto parts manufacturing within HASCO’s China-based operations.

ABB will hold 40 percent stake in the joint venture.

Road to Electric Vehicles

The automotive industry’s transition towards electric vehicles gathers pace. Amid this, parts manufacturers must increasingly invest in flexible facilities that can respond to rapidly changing demands and trends. The partnership between ABB Robotics and HASCO will expand the use of smart technologies and artificial intelligence within the industry. 

“The automotive industry faces its greatest transformation since its inception. Moreover, sales of electric vehicles set to overtake combustion vehicles in many parts of the world by 2035. Thus, there is a clear need to support the transition of the industry,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation.

“This joint venture will enable us to further develop HASCO’s leading position with automated solutions that benefit customers in China,” continued Atiya. China will play a pivotal role in delivering a sustainable transport future being one of the largest automotive manufacturing marketplaces.

Boost Manufacturing Efficiency

The new joint venture is expected to commence operation in the second quarter. It will build on the expertise and manufacturing experience of both partners to realize the enormous potential for increasing efficiency within the auto parts industry.

Customers in a range of industries, from vehicle body to chassis systems, power and battery electronics to e-drive systems, will benefit from new, highly efficient and environmentally sustainable manufacturing methods.

First to Localize Robot Supply Chain

ABB is the first multinational robot supplier in China to localize its full value chain, from R&D, manufacturing, sales, engineering, and system integration.

This year, ABB is set to open the world’s most advanced Robotics factory in Shanghai. The new factory will host an onsite research and development center, accelerating innovations in product development, artificial intelligence, and customer collaboration on automation solutions.