(Yicai Global) Dec. 2 -- Swiss multinational ABB’s USD150 million mega factory in Shanghai began output today after three years of construction. As one of the firm’s three main production bases, the factory will serve clients in Asia.

The factory covers 67,000 square meters and is able to develop and make products. It will use digital and automation technologies to produce new-generation robots, The Paper reported today, with over 90 percent of ABB’s products sold in China to be produced by the factory. 

Zurich-based ABB also has a production base in Vasteras, Sweden and one in Michigan, the United States to serve clients in Europe and America, respectively

The company expects the robot sales worldwide to jump from USD80 billion now to USD130 billion in 2025, and China is the world’s largest robot market with 51 percent of the globe’s total installations last year, the report noted.

ABB entered China nearly 30 years ago and has worked in the auto, electronics, metals, plastics, and logistics fields, Liang Rui, president of ABB China, said at the factory’s opening ceremony.

The new factory will benefit from surging demand in China, especially in emerging fields such as new energy vehicle manufacturing, wearable electronic devices and service robots, he added.

ABB has 27 local firms in China with around 15,000 employees to develop, produce and sell products and provide engineering services.

Editor: Tom Litting