ABB acquires SVIA automation solutions

ABB has acquired SVIA, a provider of robot automation cells for machine tending. SVIA, headquartered in Jönköping, Sweden, builds automated solutions for machine tending processes, using robots to feed components to lathes and mills, and to secondary processes like assembly, washing and part marking. The parties agreed not to disclose the value of the transaction.

The acquisition expands ABB’s machine tending portfolio with a wider variety of advanced and vision-integrated applications for industries including automotive, plastics and electronics, such as smart phone manufacturing. The expanded offering will benefit machine OEMs and established CNC machine users as well as ABB’s global network of channel partners.

“SVIA already uses ABB robots across its portfolio of machine tending solutions,” said Pekka Tiitinen, president of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion division. “Together, we will enhance growth through our strong commitment to customer focus and by providing integrated, complete solutions based on the IoTSP (Internet of Things, Services and People). This approach has been the cornerstone of SVIA’s success and is a key part of ABB’s Next Level growth strategy.”

Interest in robotic machine tending automation is being driven by the need to enhance productivity and flexibility as production shifts towards smaller lots of more diverse products. Robot automation can also improve safety by protecting workers from fast-moving machinery. SVIA’s solutions portfolio, combined with ABB’s machine tending software, are claimed to reduce engineering costs that are the most significant expense when installing a new machine.

SVIA will become part of the Robotics business unit of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion division, and its global application centre for machine tending.