SKF and ABB have signed a cooperation agreement in process automation. Following the success of several projects in SKF’s global manufacturing network, including one in Gothenburg, where a fleet of ABB industrial robots is installed in the bearing manufacturer’s new factory, the two companies are now taking new steps toward collaboration.

As part of the partnership, SKF and ABB will identify and evaluate solutions to improve manufacturing capabilities and support customer production efficiencies. As a first step, SKF has announced investments in automation and clean manufacturing processes to reduce CO2 emissions. In the long term, the parties intend to explore new business opportunities in both traditional and new market segments.

Both companies have recently signed contracts for projects in advanced manufacturing automation, robotic random picking of containers or the installation of innovative logistics automation solutions in more complex industrial halls within SKF’s manufacturing footprint, demonstrating how robots can deliver quality parts management.

SKF Sweden has 140 offices in 32 countries and 18 technical centers around the world. The group employs 46,535 people. In 1907, a Swedish engineer Sven Wingvist invented the first self-aligning double-row bearing, starting the history of Swedish concern SKF, a leader in the production of rolling bearings, lubrication systems, rotary units, elastomeric seals, and related products. Factory Aktiebolaget Svenska Kullagerfabriken was founded on February 16, 1907 in Gothenburg.

ABB is a global technology leader, which has contributed to the digital transformation of industries for many years. The company boasts a rich history of innovation spanning more than 130 years. ABB is a Swiss-Swedish corporation specializing in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and information technology. The key directions of activity of the company are power engineering and technologies of automation. The company was founded in 1988 by merging the Swedish company ASEA (founded in 1883), and Swiss Brown, Boveri & Cie (founded in 1891).