Japanese technology group Yaskawa has anno[ds_preview]unced that it will intensify its presence in Europe. The goal is it to become a leading manufacturer of industrial robots.
According to Yaskawa it is expanding its European activities through investments in the existing robot business as well as electric drive technology. The company most recently extended its business model through strategic acquisitions in the fields of industrial control technology and »Green Energy«.
Yaskawa plans to expand its production capacities and open a new robot manufacturing plant and a new European robotics development centre in Slovenia in addition to its existing production facilities in Japan and China. 200 additional jobs should be created.
The first Yaskawa Motoman robots from all-European production are expected to roll off the production line in 2018. The factory should satisfy about 80 % of the European demand for robots. Total investments are estimated to be in the order of 25 mill €.
Acquisition of Switch
The announced investment plan follows a successful first wave of expansion initiated in 2014, which included the acquisition of Switch. Switch is one of the leading manufacturers of advanced drive train technology for the marine, wind energy and industrial sectors.
