BIZCHINA / Center
ABB starts robot production
By Jin Jing (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-04-18 08:32
SHANGHAI: ABB, the world's leading power and automation technology group
based in Switzerland, yesterday began production of its latest robot in
China, after it relocated its global robotics headquarters to Shanghai in
April last year.
ABB has received 15 initial orders for the new robots from China and
countries such as South Korea and Australia. The robots can be used in
the automotive, electronics, consumer products, foundry and food
industries.
"We will continue to expand our operation in the China market and will
double the production capacity here this year," said Per Vegard Nerseth,
head of ABB's Robotics Division, China. "The total capacity in China will
amount to 2,000 units this year after the production expansion," he said.
The new robots, described by ABB as "an effective way to improve quality
and reduce cost", will mostly sell in the Asia-Pacific region. Most of
them will be used in the auto industry, according to Jeffery Zhou, sales
and marketing manager at the division.
"The new production line for the robots can greatly shorten delivery time
and provide technical support and quick response," said Nerseth.
ABB's revenue in 2006 was $1.3 billion, of which 50 percent was from
Europe, 35 percent from South America, and only 15 percent from Asia.
"China is currently fairly small in our total revenue, but it will have a
rapid growth," said Nerseth.
He said the Chinese robots market is growing at a speed of more than 40
percent annually, and ABB will "follow it".
ABB is currently the only international company manufacturing industrial
robotics locally in China. It has sold more than 4,000 robots in China,
while its global sales amounted to 150,000 units.
The auto industry is still the largest user of ABB robots. ABB now has
many clients in China such as DaimlerChrysler, PSA, Honda, Geely and
Great Wall.
ABB established corporate research and development centers in Beijing and
Shanghai in April 2005, focusing on robotic technology and customized
applications.
(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)
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