Japanese giant in Wroclaw [PHOTOS]

Yaskawa, one of the leading manufacturers of industrial robots worldwide, had been seeking a suitable location for its Polish office for two years. They finally settled for Wroclaw Technology Park.

"This is Yaskawa's first office in Poland. They will be using our office and lab space to develop their projects in Poland," says Maciej Potocki, President of the Board at Wroclaw Technology Park. He also adds that Yaskawa is WTP's first Japanese partner.

Poland in need of robots

Yaskawa specialises in robots manufacturing, their primary focus being on industrial robots such as Motoman and driving and control system technologies. Around 800 Yaskawa's robots are now in use throughout Poland. With a new office in Poland, the Japanese company is looking forward to striking lucrative deals. It is estimated that there might be between 10 to 500 robots per 10 thousand employees in industry worldwide. Japan and Korea have 400 robots per 10 thousand employees, and Germany between 250 and 300. Poland has only 20 such robots.

"Our decision to open an office in Poland, in Wroclaw TEchnology Park, is a milestone in realising our strategy that is intended to strengthen our market position in Europe," says Manfred Stern, Yaskawa Europa GmbH.

Yaskawa at WTP

Yaskawa has been operating since 1915. The company has been present in German and European markets since 1976. Yaskawa has over 60 branches worldwide that provide jobs to 15 thousand employees. The business turns out 25 thousand robots annually.

"We are not planning to manufacture robots in Wroclaw because we primarily make them in Japan. We are going to have an office and training centre in WTP. This is going to boost our rapport with the clients. The Wroclaw branch will give jobs to 15 people. The entire investment is estimated at 300 thousand euros," says Mariusz Górecki, Business Development Director at Yaskawa Polska sp. z o.o.

Yaskawa serves leading automotive and food producers as well as lift manufacturers. Their clients in Poland include such giants as KGHM and Orlen.

Photographs: Jarek Ratajczak