ABB to Expand U.S. Production Facility

Automation supplier ABB has begun construction on an expansion of its existing North American robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Mich. Expected to be completed in November, the project represents an investment of $20 million that’s projected to create 72 new jobs. ABB was awarded a $450,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant to help fund the development.

ABB says the plant will utilize flexible, modular production cells that are digitally connected and served by autonomous mobile robots. AI-powered robotic systems will take on tasks such as screw driving, assembling and material handling. The company says that with this investment, approximately 90% of robots delivered to customers in North and South America will be made in Auburn Hills.

The plant expansion and renovations to other areas of the plant will be completed within the existing building, an ABB spokesperson told Plastics Technology, with functions that were formerly conducted in to-be manufacturing areas moved elsewhere. Most every portion of the building will be upgraded in some way, the spokesperson said, adding state-of-the-art design concepts and the latest tools and amenities. Areas to be renovated include the Robot Studio for customers; a new training space and lab with classrooms; and a demo and manufacturing center where ABB engineers will collaborate with customers. 

ABB has invested $14 billion in the U.S. since 2010. The company moved into its 538,000-ft² building in 1993, opening the manufacturing plant in 2015. ABB says this latest investment is in response to increased demand for automation. ABB Robotics’ survey of 1610 executives in June 2022 found that 70% of U.S. businesses are looking to bring production closer to home. While ABB would not quantify the exact increase in output that will result from the investment, the spokesperson said it will increase capacity by more than 50%.