ABB acquires SVIA automation solutions

ABB has acquired Swedish firm SVIA. Headquartered in Jönköping, SVIA 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. SVIA has a portfolio of over 800 machine tending cell solutions that integrate robotic automation to increase the productivity, flexibility and quality of manufacturing. 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 smartphone manufacturing. The expanded offering will benefit both machine OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and established CNC (computer numeric control) machine users as well as ABB’s global network of channel partners.

“SVIA’s pioneering automation solutions fit perfectly into ABB’s leading global Robotics business unit. SVIA already uses ABB robots across its innovative portfolio of machine tending solutions. We co-developed ABB’s FlexMT robot automation cell, which can increase machine tool utilisation by up to 90%, compared to 50% utilisation with manual machine tending,” 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… this approach has been the cornerstone of SVIA’s success and is a key part of ABB’s Next Level growth strategy.”

The strong 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 improve safety by protecting workers from fast-moving machinery. SVIA’s complete solutions portfolio, combined with ABB’s dedicated machine tending software, reduce engineering costs — the most significant expense when installing a new machine.

SVIA supports simplicity in its solutions and offers an intuitive mobile software app that provides real-time reports on production rates, machine status and stoppage alerts. 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.