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The West Campus facility is part of FANUC’s plan to support robotics in North America. Source: FANUC America
FANUC America Corp. today officially unveiled its 650,000-sq.-ft. (60,386-sq.-m) West Campus in Auburn Hills, Mich. It said the facility expands its total footprint in Michigan to more than 2 million sq. ft. (185,806 sq. m) and is part of its strategic investment to advance industrial automation in North America.
FANUC America said it has invested $110 million in the West Campus, which is built on 67 acres (27.1 hectares). The company‘s new facility includes advanced product manufacturing and customized automation, as well as warehouse space for more than 6,000 quick-delivery robots and tens of thousands of parts.
“This major expansion represents our growth strategy in the U.S. and our steadfast commitment to the future of the automation and robotics industry,” stated Mike Cicco, president and CEO of FANUC America. “While manufacturers continue to adapt to changing market demands, our ongoing upward trajectory allows us to better support our customers with cutting-edge robotic and automation solutions, helping to drive more efficiency across all industries.”
Robot maker invests in North American production
Since 2019, FANUC has invested more than $187 million, including a 461,000-sq.-ft. (42,828-sq.-m) North Campus facility in 2019, and new headquarters in Mexico and Canada in 2023.
“We are excited that FANUC continues deploying and investing its world-class technologies in Michigan,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. “We know the future will be built by innovators, risk-takers and hard-working Michiganders – and it’s clear FANUC knows this too.”
“As Team Michigan continues to execute its ‘Make It In Michigan’ economic development strategy focused on people, places, and projects, we are enthusiastic about the ongoing impact that FANUC will have, as their continued successful investment in our state enables more Michiganders to ‘Make It in Michigan,'” he said.
The grand opening ceremony for FANUC America’s West Campus also included remarks delivered by several state and local dignitaries such as David Coulter, Oakland County executive, and Brian Marzolf, mayor of Auburn Hills.
Other companies that have recently expanded their North American presence include ABB Robotics, AutoStore, Exotec, igus, and Swisslog.
FANUC says industry growth and customer demand helped create over 400 jobs in Michigan since 2019. Source: FANUC America
FANUC America customer training facility to come
FANUC America said its investment will continue with the renovation of a former law school at the West Campus site that will soon become the FANUC Academy, an advanced automation customer training center.
“Advanced automation requires new skills, and training is key to keeping manufacturing strong in North America,” added Cicco. “The FANUC Academy will become the largest corporate robotics and industrial automation training facility in the U.S.”
After completion of the new FANUC Academy and other infrastructure projects, FANUC America will have invested over $250 million in North America, fortifying its position as an industry trailblazer.
The subsidiary of Japan-based FANUC Corp. provides CNC systems, robotics, and factory automation. FANUC claimed that its technologies and expertise can help manufacturers in the Americas maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability. Last year, it shipped its 1 millionth industrial robot, which won it a 2024 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award.
FANUC added that its robots and automation used industries including automotive, aerospace, agricultural, consumer products, food, pharmaceuticals, and warehousing. For instance, it recently launched the CRX-10iA/L collaborative robot for painting.
The 650,000 sq. ft. West Campus represents a $110M investment built on 67 acres. Source: FANUC America
This is a huge investment for North American manufacturers, which is necessary to reshore.