Japanese robot manufacturer Yaskawa Electric is contemplating a substantial investment of around USD 200 million in the United States, with plans to establish local production of industrial robots. This move comes as part of Yaskawa’s strategy to capitalize on the growing demand for automation across various sectors.
Yaskawa Electric, renowned for being the world’s top maker of servo motors, is considering a strategic investment to initiate localized production of industrial robots in the United States. The move aligns with the company’s vision to provide its customers with a sense of security and reliability by manufacturing closer to the end-users.
While Japanese competitor Fanuc dominates the automotive industry’s factory robots segment in the U.S., Yaskawa aims to broaden its reach by riding the wave of automation in sectors beyond automotive manufacturing. The company sees an opportunity to meet the rising demand for industrial robots in diverse industries.
Yaskawa Electric’s President, Masahiro Ogawa, stated that the potential USD 200 million investment would primarily focus on expanding U.S. production to include modules that incorporate the company’s high-precision servo motors. This move comes as Washington emphasizes boosting high-end manufacturing capabilities and securing control over supply chains, especially in advanced technologies like semiconductors.
Yaskawa Electric’s investment consideration aligns with a broader trend of foreign manufacturers enhancing their production capacity in the U.S. Toyota Motor and chipmakers TSMC and Samsung Electronics are among the companies expanding their footprint in the U.S., driven by the need for localized manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
President Masahiro Ogawa mentioned that Yaskawa Electric is exploring the possibility of subsidies to partially fund the expansion’s costs. This strategic move reflects the company’s commitment to navigating the complex landscape of global trade tensions and economic challenges.
Yaskawa Electric’s potential investment signals a proactive approach to cater to the evolving dynamics of the global industrial landscape. By establishing localized production, the company aims to strengthen its market presence, enhance customer satisfaction, and contribute to the broader objectives of securing critical supply chains.
