UK Manufacturing Gets a Major Boost with New £27M Robotics Hub in Nottingham
The UK’s manufacturing and logistics sectors are set to receive a significant boost with the launch of a new, state-of-the-art robotics facility in Nottingham. Global technology leader ABB has officially opened its £27 million remanufacturing and workshop facility, a move designed to strengthen the UK’s position in the global automation landscape.
This major investment signals a strong commitment to addressing the growing demand for automation across British industries, from food and beverage production to electronics and automotive manufacturing. The facility will serve as a central hub for bringing the latest robotic technology to businesses looking to enhance productivity, tackle labour shortages, and improve their competitive edge.
A Pioneering Approach to a Circular Economy
What makes this facility particularly noteworthy is its strong focus on sustainability. Instead of solely producing new machines, the Nottingham hub will be a centre of excellence for remanufacturing and upcycling existing industrial robots.
This innovative approach breathes new life into used robots, upgrading them with the latest controllers and software to perform new tasks and applications. By giving these machines a second life, the facility not only offers a more cost-effective automation solution for businesses but also champions the principles of a circular economy.
Each remanufactured robot undergoes rigorous testing and is delivered with a comprehensive warranty, ensuring it meets the same high standards of performance and reliability as a new unit. This process significantly reduces waste and the need for new raw materials.
Addressing the UK’s Automation Gap
The opening of this facility comes at a critical time for UK industry. Recent data shows that the UK has historically lagged behind its international competitors in the adoption of robotic automation.
Currently, the UK has a robot density of 111 robots per 10,000 employees, which is below the global average of 141 and significantly behind industrial leaders like Germany, which boasts 415. This new investment is a direct response to this gap, aiming to make automation more accessible and accelerate its adoption nationwide.
By localising production and support, the facility will help businesses overcome common barriers to automation, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive global market.
Key Benefits of the New Nottingham Facility
The strategic investment is poised to deliver a range of advantages for the UK economy and its industrial base.
- Boosting Productivity and Competitiveness: By making advanced automation more accessible, the facility will help UK companies improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and increase their output.
- Promoting Sustainable Solutions: The focus on remanufacturing is a forward-thinking strategy that reduces electronic waste and promotes a more sustainable model for industrial technology. The site is expected to be capable of refurbishing up to 1,000 robots annually.
- Tackling Labour Shortages: Automation provides a reliable solution to ongoing labour shortages in key sectors like logistics and food production, allowing employees to be upskilled for higher-value roles.
- Strengthening the Local Economy: The investment in Nottingham revitalises a key industrial site and creates new, highly skilled jobs, reinforcing the region’s importance as a technology and manufacturing hub.
The Future of UK Manufacturing
This new robotics hub is more than just a factory; it’s a statement of intent for the future of British industry. By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to sustainability, it provides a clear pathway for businesses to modernise their operations. As the UK continues to navigate economic challenges, investments like this are crucial for fostering innovation, driving growth, and securing a resilient and prosperous manufacturing sector for years to come.
Source: https://datacentrereview.com/2025/09/abb-opens-27-million-nottingham-factory/
