安川电机将在美国生产工业机器人

Core Viewpoint - Yaskawa Electric Corporation is investing $180 million to establish a factory in Franklin, Wisconsin, marking the first time a Japanese company will produce industrial robots in the United States. The company aims to double its business scale in the U.S. within ten years [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Details - The new factory will focus on the production of industrial robots and motors, addressing the increasing automation demand across various sectors such as semiconductors, food, and healthcare [1][2]. - The investment will create 700 new jobs, increasing the total number of employees in the U.S. by 30% [2]. - The factory is planned to be built on approximately 800,000 square feet (about 74,000 square meters) of land, with the construction of up to seven buildings over a period of around ten years [1]. Group 2: Market Context - The U.S. currently has an annual robot installation rate of about 40,000 units, which is only one-seventh of China's rate [1][2]. - The industrial robot market in the U.S. is valued at approximately $2.1 billion in 2023, with an expected annual growth rate of around 5% [2]. - The U.S. is experiencing a push for semiconductor domestic production, which is expected to increase demand for essential equipment like wafer handling robots [2]. Group 3: Strategic Outlook - Yaskawa Electric's CEO expressed confidence that U.S. policies encouraging domestic production will positively impact investment levels in the long term [3]. - The company believes that being close to customers is crucial for meeting their needs effectively [3].