150-million-dollar investment
ABB builds robot factory in China
ABB is investing 150 million US dollars in the construction of what it claims to be the world's most advanced, most automated and most flexible robot factory in Shanghai. In the future, it will play a key role in ABB's global robotics supply system.
The new Kangqiao production facility is located near the existing ABB robotics campus.
© ABBThe new factory in Shanghai is expected to commence operations at the end of 2020 and will feature self-learning machines as well as digital and collaborative solutions. A research and development laboratory integrated into the site is intended to accelerate innovation cycles in the field of artificial intelligence. According to ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer, the new site will help to significantly expand robot production both in terms of breadth (robot types) and depth (variants for each robot type) as part of the new portfolio strategy recently presented by ABB.
ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer: "China's commitment to transforming its manufacturing industry is exemplary for the rest of the world."
© ABBThe announcement also represents an important milestone for ABB in China and a significant growth investment in the world's largest robotics market. With a total of almost 138,000 units, one in three robots worldwide was sold to China in 2017. Today, ABB employs around 5,000 people in Shanghai and more than 2,000 engineers, technology experts and project managers at 20 robotics sites across the country. Since 1992, ABB has invested a total of more than 2.4 billion US dollars in China and employs 18,000 people locally.
In addition, ABB and the Shanghai Municipal Government today signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement to support industry, energy, transportation and regional infrastructure, as well as the 'Made in Shanghai' manufacturing initiative.
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