News

Robot sales on record-setting pace in North America

Robot orders and shipments in North America set new records in the first nine months of 2014, according to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA). A total of 21,235 robots valued at $1.2 billion were ordered from North American companies through September, an increase of 35% in units and 22% in dollars for the same period in 2013.

Robot shipments to North American customers totaled 18,490 robots valued at $1.1 billion, breaking the previous record set in 2013 by 5% in units and 2% in dollars.

Sales activity continued to be especially strong in the automotive industry, with orders up 48% year-to-date compared to 2013. Non-automotive industries, such as electronics, food and consumer goods, and metals also posted double-digit growth in the first nine months of the year.

“The robotics industry in North America is having its best year ever in 2014,” says Jeff Burnstein, president of RIA. “Along with record performance, we are seeing more interest in robotics and related technologies than ever before. Companies of all sizes continue to recognize that automation makes them stronger global competitors.”

“We’ve seen substantial growth in robot applications across the board,” adds Alex Shikany, RIA director of market analysis. “Spot welding (76%), arc welding (39%), and assembly (29%) applications have recorded the highest year-over-year growth through September.” www.robotics.org

Automate 2015

Robotics producers hope to build on 2014’s momentum at the Automate 2015 trade show. To be held March 23-26, 2015, at McCormick Place in Chicago, the show will feature 40% more floor space than the 2013 edition. For more information, visit www.automateshow.com.

Fiat Chrysler to spin off Ferrari into its own company

After merging Chrysler and Fiat, the combined company decided that iconic Italian supercar brand Ferrari no longer fits its portfolio.

The separation will be effected through a public offering of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) interest in Ferrari equal to 10% of Ferrari’s outstanding shares and a distribution of FCA’s remaining Ferrari shares to FCA shareholders. FCA hopes to complete the spinoff in 2015, listing Ferrari shares on U.S. or European stock exchanges.

“Coupled with the recent listing of FCA shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the separation of Ferrari will preserve the cherished Italian heritage and unique position of the Ferrari business and allow FCA shareholders to continue to benefit from the substantial value inherent in this business,” says John Elkann, chairman of FCA.

FCA’s CEO Sergio Marchionne adds, “As we move forward to secure the 2014-to-2018 business plan and work toward maximizing the value of our businesses to our shareholders, it is proper that we pursue separate paths for FCA and Ferrari.” www.fcagroup.com

Automotive aluminum investments grow

Officials from two major global aluminum companies announced more than $2.4 billion in investments in late 2014 to make more sheet products for exterior automotive components.

Netherlands-based Constellium officials announced plans to buy Wise Metals in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, for $1.4 billion and immediately announced plans to spend another $750 million to expand its production capabilities, specifically for automotive customers. The company expects to complete the last of its plant upgrades at Wise by the end of 2022.

Executives at Cleveland-based Aleris International plan to invest $350 million in its Lewsiport, Kentucky, plant to expand automotive aluminum production there. In recent years, Aleris has spent heavily to support automotive aluminum use in Europe, but the Kentucky expansion is its biggest bet on North American lightweight automotive metal use.

“We have partnered with customers in the premium automotive segment from our Duffel, Belgium, facility for years to develop and produce some of the most technically advanced lightweight aluminum solutions available today,” says Steve Demetriou, Aleris chairman and CEO. “We are excited to bring these capabilities to our Lewisport, Kentucky, facility to serve automotive customers in North America as they shift toward significantly greater aluminum use.”

With Ford’s aluminum-bodied F-150 going on sale at the end of 2014, many industry watchers are waiting to see what the public reaction will be to new metal choices in vehicles. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters at a European auto show that his company is seriously considering slashing weight on the next generation Jeep Wranger by using aluminum body panels. www.aleris.com; www.constellium.com