ABB to build production and development centre in Mošnov

ABB Czech Republic has presented the project of a new production and development centre, which is being built in the OSTRAVA AIRPORT MULTIMODAL PARK (OAMP) in Mošnov. The total investment will exceed CZK 300 million and will initially bring approximately 120 skilled jobs. The centre will open in the first half of 2022 and will use state-of-the-art automated and digital production processes.

The new manufacturing and development centre, which significantly expands ABB's robotics footprint in Ostrava and also houses its existing Global Robot Repair and Overhaul Centre, will use state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, including machine learning and digital and collaborative solutions. It will focus on high-tech manufacturing and the development of robotic peripherals, which are key parts of the robot that are located at the end of its arm, such as pneumatic grippers, vacuum suction cups or camera systems.

"We bring a sophisticated, high value-added manufacturing program to customers who are from the world's most demanding markets. It is no coincidence that the new centre will be established in the Czech Republic and Ostrava. We have built a strong base of technically and project-oriented top professionals here, and this is also supported by our long-standing close cooperation with schools, led by VŠB-TU," said Vítězslav Lukáš, CEO of ABB in the Czech Republic, adding, "We are a leader in the Ostrava region and across ABB. We have very strong robotic units elsewhere, but this one is unique in its complexity. Our programmes here include sophisticated development, for example of laser robotic applications, as well as the manufacture of sophisticated robot peripherals and a global repair centre."

"It confirms that our region is a great and interesting place for major investors. ABB already has an engineering centre and a global robot refurbishment centre here, with a new unit based on digitalisation and robotic manufacturing to be added from next year. This is undoubtedly good news for our region and its inhabitants. More new and interesting job opportunities will be created here and our region will once again move forward in its transformation," said Ivo Vondrák, the Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region.

"The knowledge economy must be the backbone of Ostrava's socio-economic transformation in the era of the shift away from heavy industry and coal. We have great potential for its development thanks to our two-hundred-year industrial history and the technical and technological education of local people. I believe that the development of innovative technological solutions, which ABB is dedicated to, will help to create a favourable environment for retaining local or attracting new talent, which is what we are striving for in our activities," said Mayor Tomáš Macura.

A significant factor in the site selection was the location and capabilities of OAMP, which is at the intersection of air, rail and road routes. In particular, the forthcoming rail connection of the site across the Eurasian landmass is not only competitively interesting but also beneficial from a sustainability perspective. 

In particular, the new robotics production and development facility will gain strong synergies with the industrial robot repair centre, which is increasingly taking on competencies within ABB on a global scale. The Ostrava centre is part of ABB's network of global robot repair and overhaul centres, which also includes Auburn Hills (Michigan, USA) and Shanghai (China).