SKF and ABB have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the possibilities for a collaboration in the automation of manufacturing processes. The MoU was signed at ABB's Robotics Experience Center in Västerås, Sweden, by SKF CEO Rickard Gustafson and ABB CEO Björn Rosengren. Following the successful delivery of a number of projects in SKF's global manufacturing network, including in Gothenburg, where a fleet of industrial robots from ABB are installed in the bearing manufacturer's factory, the two companies are now taking the next step in their collaboration.

Through the partnership, SKF and ABB will identify and evaluate solutions to improve manufacturing capabilities and support clients' increased production efficiency. As a first step, SKF's investments in automation and clean manufacturing processes will act as a testbed, focused on decreasing CO2 emissions from SKF's operations. Longer-term, the parties intend to explore new business opportunities in both traditional and new market segments, where both companies bring experiences within a wide range of industries.