ABB today announced that it is investing $280 million to expand its manufacturing footprint in Europe and build a new ABB Robotics European Campus in Västerås, Sweden. It will serve as the European hub for the company offerings, including artificial intelligence-enabled collaborative and industrial robots.
The campus will also provide digital solutions to support flexible automation as part of the ABB’s “local for local” production strategy. The new campus will replace existing robotics facilities at the site, and the company said it expects to open it in late 2026.
“The investment in our new campus is driven by customer demand and projected market growth,” said Björn Rosengren, CEO of ABB. “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.”
“Already today, around 95% of the robots ABB sells in the region are manufactured here,” he said in a release. “This is a strong commitment not only to our 'local for local' strategy, but [also] to all our robotics customers across Europe.”
ABB grows global production capacity
ABB claimed that the investment in its Robotics Campus in Västerås will enhance its global robotics and automation leadership. The company plans to expand its production capacity by 50% and strengthen its capabilities to supply the European market, whose shipments Interact Analysis predicted will experience a 7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2027.
When the new campus is completed, ABB said it will have invested $450 million in its three robotics plants since 2018. That figure included its mega factory in Shanghai, which supplies customers in Asia, and its facility in Auburn Hills, Mich., which supports the Americas.
“This is a great time to invest in robotics and automation,” said Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area. “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.”
“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,” he said.
Campus to enable collaboration
ABB added that its new campus will enable close collaboration with customers and partners to develop systems in a safe and functional environment. Customers will be able to test their ideas 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,” said ABB.
“Our new, sustainable facility in Sweden will be located at the cradle of ABB Robotics' global innovation, starting with ABB’s development of the world's first commercial all-electric robot nearly 50 years ago,” noted Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics. “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.”
The 65,000 sq. m (699,654 sq. ft.) campus will be a modern workplace for ABB Robotics’ staff of 1,300 in the area and include a new factory, offices, a research-and-development center, an experience center and a training center. The new factory will also feature autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to transport materials and products between the warehouse, assembly stations, and assembly departments.
Consolidating a Swedish robotics cluster
ABB said it plans to begin construction in 2024. The new center will replace the nine separate buildings that have grown organically since 1974 and currently constitute ABB's robotics operations in Sweden, thus further strengthening cross-functional synergies.
The new center will make the Västerås area an automation cluster, keeping ABB close to customers, suppliers, academia, and partners, said the company. It will provide an opportunity to develop the ecosystem while maintaining rapid lead times, with shorter transports and a reduced carbon footprint, it asserted.
ABB Robotics said the ABB European Robotics Campus also allows to use competencies and capabilities that it has cultivated 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.
About ABB Robotics
ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation claimed that it the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, AMRs, and machine automation, designed and orchestrated by its software.
The company said it helps companies of all sizes and sectors – from automotive and electronics to logistics – become more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics employs about 11,000 people at over 250 locations in more than 50 countries.
A leader in electrification and automation technologies, ABB said its systems connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered, and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, the company said its approximately 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.
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