Automation company ABB and Chinese automotive parts supplier HASCO have announced a joint venture to drive the next generation of smart manufacturing in China’s automotive industry.
The joint venture will build on the existing relationship between the two companies, leading to the development of flexible and sustainable auto parts manufacturing within HASCO’s China-based operations.
The partnership between ABB Robotics and HASCO, which includes a 40% stake by ABB in the joint venture, will expand the use of smart technologies and AI within the industry, resulting in efficient and environmentally sustainable manufacturing methods.
“With the automotive industry facing its greatest transformation since its inception and sales of electric vehicles set to overtake combustion vehicles in many parts of the world by 2035, 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 which – as one of the largest automotive manufacturing marketplaces – will play a pivotal role in delivering a sustainable transport future.”
The new joint venture, expected to commence operation in Q2 2022, will serve customers in a range of industries, from vehicle body to chassis systems, power and battery electronics to e-drive systems.
In 2022, ABB will open a robotics factory in Shanghai hosting an onsite R&D centre to accelerate innovations in product development, AI and customer collaboration on automation solutions.
