ABB, a supplier of industrial robots and software, has announced that it will be expanding its North American robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
It expects works on the site to be completed by November 2023, with the project costing US$20m (£16.45m).
According to ABB, the expansion will create 72 highly-skilled new jobs in the area and is supported by a US$450,000 (£370.4m) Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
“Our investment is a significant step in accelerating ABB Robotics’ global leadership in developing and manufacturing cutting-edge robotic solutions in the US, for the Americas,” said Sami Atiya, president of ABB Robotics and Discrete Automation.
“As the global mega trends of labor shortages, uncertainty, the near and reshoring of production, and a desire to operate more sustainably accelerate, more businesses are turning to automation to build resilience while improving efficiency and flexibility. Our expanded facility will help us to better serve customers in the US and across the Americas, giving them access to innovative automated solutions.”
The company hopes this newest investment in its robotics headquarters and factory will benefit customers across the Americas, particularly those in growth sectors including electric vehicles, healthcare, packaging and logistics.
What’s more, the expansion is set to grow the factory’s production capacity and see an increased use of automation across the site. Some of these technologies include modular production cells that are digitally connected and networked and served by intelligent autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
In addition, robotic systems powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will take on tasks such as screw driving, assembling and material handling, relieving people from these tasks and enabling more rewarding work.
The company expects that close to 90% of its robots delivered to customers in the US, Canada, Mexico and South America will soon be made in Auburn Hills.
