Global robotics giant ABB will acquire a privately-owned company in Turkey specialising in robotic welding.

AB Rotech has about 20 years’ experience in robotic welding solutions and services for the automotive industry.

The acquisition will boost ABB’s robotic welding solutions for all tiers in the growing automotive segment.

The deal is expected to be finalised later this year, subject to regulatory approval. ABB has not disclosed the financial details of the acquisition.

When completed, AB Rotech will become part of ABB’s Robotics and Motion division and a new regional application centre focusing on welding solutions for the automotive industry in Turkey and South Eastern Europe.

Turkey’s vehicle production is expected to grow faster than its Gross Domestic Product as the country aims to grow its economy through exports.

AB Rotech’s engineering team covers the entire robotics welding lifecycle, from design and commissioning to electrical engineering and customer service.

According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the automotive sector remains the world’s largest robotics market with a record 21 percent growth in 2017. Earlier this year, the IFR revealed that 125,200 units were sold in this segment last year.

Clear competitive differentiator

“This acquisition strengthens our position as partner of choice for automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in Turkey and beyond. It further strengthens our leading robotic solutions and customer intimacy, which is a clear competitive differentiator of ABB,” says Per Vegard Nerseth, Managing Director of Robotics for ABB.

“This acquisition is also fully aligned with ABB’s strategy of close solution-based collaboration with our customers, wherever they call home.”

AB Rotech has been an ABB system integrator under ABB’s Authorized Value Provider program and has grown its business to become a well-established national robot integrator in the automotive sector.

Located close to one of the largest Turkish automotive hubs, AB Rotech has expertise in robot welding, including arc, spot and laser welding. The company also provides machining and tooling capabilities.

“This is the perfect time and ABB is the perfect partner for us to further advance our expansion into the regional automotive industry,” says Ömer Sanda, CEO of AB Rotech.

“This deal will allow us to grow substantially through access to ABB’s regional footprint and its strong account management programs.”

The new acquisition will help ABB provide enhanced robotic welding services across the entire European region.