KUKA's goal is to become the number one robotics in China. In order to achieve this, KUKA will first have to edge out Japanese market leaders FANUC and ABB. KUKA intends to implement its growth plans in cooperation with the Chinese Midea Group.
Robot park in Shunde
"In 2018, our focus will be on expanding our innovation leadership and the growth market in China," Dr. Till Reuter, CEO KUKA AG. The plan is to build in China, for China. In order to be able to increase its capacities there, KUKA is building a new robot park as part of a joint venture with Midea in South China's Shunde.
Largest market for robotics continues to grow
With its new products, KUKA will open up new market segments and increase market penetration. Together with Midea, KUKA should be able to meet the high demand for robot systems in China and expects the largest market for robotics to grow by around 20 percent by 2024. KUKA plans to invest 400 million euros in the robot park during this time, led by the joint venture “Midea KUKA Robotics”.
In the partnership, each group will hold a 50% stake, with the operational management lying with KUKA. Dr. Till Reuter will hold the position of chairman, and the products will carry the name KUKA. The reason for this, Reuter emphasizes, "there is only one robot brand in the KUKA Midea cooperation: KUKA."
Augsburg benefits from global growth
Global growth also helps the Augsburg location’s stability, according to Reuter. "We benefit in Augsburg from being number one in China," he explains. In addition, KUKA is also investing in the Augsburg location. By 2025, a new production hall and an education center are planned. In addition, a new parking garage at the location will be completed by July 2018 with approximately 1,000 parking spaces and 20 charging stations for electric cars.
