B&R now ABB's centre for machine and factory automation

B&R is now ABB's global centre for machine and factory automation. Following approval by EU competition authorities, the acquisition of B&R by ABB became legally effective on July 6, 2017. B&R will operate as an independent business unit within the ABB Group's Industrial Automation division. Division president Peter Terwiesch and B&R managing director Hans Wimmer announced an array of investments that will strengthen R&D activities and expand production capacity.

"Building close relationships with our customers is and remains essential to who we are as a company", affirms Wimmer on announcing finalization of the acquisition process. "We will continue to work hand-in-hand with our customers to develop the most innovative solutions, and they will see no changes in their day-to-day points of contact".

B&R's primary focus will stay centered on the OEM market, accompanied by expansions to its factory automation portfolio. With B&R building on ABB's global presence and complementary offerings, customers will see substantial benefits from the merger. B&R will also be intensifying its activities in the Industrial IoT arena and expanding on ABB's industry-leading portfolio of digital solutions.