ABB, the world’s leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth $52 million to boost the flexibility and efficiency of Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd.\u2019s new production facility in Harbin, China. The robots will be used to make Ford\u2019s new Focus model. ABB will provide robots including the IRB 6700 and IRB 7600 for Changan Ford\u2019s new highly-automated \u201cBody in White\u201d welding production line. Included in the order is ABB\u2019s GateFramer car body framing positioning system, capable of producing up to six vehicle models on the same line, with just 18 seconds needed to switch to a different model.
\nABB robots at the new Changan Ford plant will bolster the carmaker\u2019s flexible manufacturing allowing it to respond swiftly to changing consumer sentiment and demand while simultaneously reducing investment costs compared to traditional production lines. ABB has worked with Changan Ford since 2007, with ABB robots producing the joint venture\u2019s Ford Mondeos at manufacturing plants in Chongqing. \u201cChangan Ford and ABB have a longstanding relationship, and we are pleased to see ABB\u2019s solid reputation for providing outstanding and reliable technology and excellent project management capabilities gain customer recognition once again,\u201d said Pekka Tiitinen, president of ABB\u2019s Discrete Automation and Motion division. \u201cImproving industrial productivity is one of the major drivers of ABB\u2019s business growth under the \u2018Next Level\u2019 strategy. ABB\u2019s flexible, intelligent manufacturing technologies help customers effectively reduce their investment costs and enhance their productivity and respond to the market needs in a timely fashion.\u201d
\nThe IRB 6700 robot family, a new generation of large industrial robots, was introduced to the market in 2013. More robust and 15% more energy efficient than its predecessor, its maintenance has been simplified, making it the highest performing robot for the lowest total cost of ownership in the 150-300 kg class. ABB also will provide Changan Ford with comprehensive and advanced Body-in-White solutions, including a flexible car body conveying system and laser welding system, as well as the robotic Roller Hemming system which is used for the production of the vehicles\u2019 four doors and roof. ABB\u2019s industrial robot technologies cover the entire automobile production process, including stamping, Body in White, painting, and powertrains.
\nAutomobile customers include international automakers such as BMW, Honda, Volvo and Great Wall Automobile. ABB Robotics is a leading supplier of industrial robots – also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, e lectronics, machine tools, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 250,000 robots worldwide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ABB, the world’s leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth $52 million to boost the flexibility and efficiency of Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd.\u2019s new production facility in Harbin, China. The robots will be used to make Ford\u2019s new Focus model. ABB will provide robots including the IRB 6700 and IRB<\/p>\n