Power and automation technology corporation ABB says it will start producing robots in the US, a move the company says makes it the first global industrial robotics company to fully commit and invest in a North American robotics manufacturing footprint.

ABB made the announcement at the opening of a new robotics plant at its facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Production is to commence immediately.

The new plant is ABB’s third robotics production facility, alongside Shanghai, China, and Västerås, Sweden, and will manufacture ABB robots and related equipment for the North American market.

ABB says the US is its largest market with about $7.5 billion in sales. A continued investment in the North American value chain and manufacturing is a significant part of the company’s growth strategy.

“Today, we are marking and celebrating the next stage of our commitment and growth in North America with the start of local robot manufacturing in Auburn Hills, US,” said Ulrich Spiesshofer, ABB CEO. “ABB is the first global automation company to open a robot manufacturing facility in the US. Robotics is a fundamental enabler of the next level of North American industrial growth in an increasingly competitive world. With our continued commitment and investment, our local team is well positioned to support our customers with robotics solutions made in the United States. Our leading technology of web-enabled, collaborative and safe robots will contribute to job security and quality of work.”

 The portfolio of products manufactured at the new facility will expand in phases, with the goal that most ABB robots and robot controllers delivered in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be manufactured in Auburn Hills.