ABB robots help companies in high-cost markets compete

ABB robots have helped a European manufacturer of plastic cable reels and drums to double its revenues - without increasing its workforce - and succeed in a highly competitive global market against companies from low-cost countries.

Within just five years Axjo, a Swedish-based manufacturer of plastic cable reels and drums, has evolved from a company that assembled its range of plastic products by hand to one with a fully automated assembly line tended by six ABB robotic cells.

The transformation in productivity, revenues and competitive strength has been remarkable.

“In five years we have doubled our turnover to 12 million euros without needing to employ new people,” says Jacob Nilsson, the company’s president and joint-owner. “This says a lot about the robotics technology we have heavily invested in during the last five years. Through automation, Sweden becomes a low-cost country.”

Today, Axjo is one of the Europe’s biggest companies in the plastic reel business, producing a broad range of drums, spools, bobbins and reels, as well as niche products like children’s potties and baby-feeding spoons. Customers for Axjo’s cable products include global leaders Ericsson, General Cable, Nexans, NKT and, of course, ABB.


The ABB robotics solution has brought flexible production and fast cycle times to Axjo’s manufacturing process – two crucial factors that allow the company to compete in the global arena against competitors from low-cost countries.

Four IRB 4400 robot cells enable Axjo to produce more than 400 different models and sizes of reels quickly and flexibly, in different colors and to different specifications. Each reel comprises two or three plastic molded pieces , which the robots assemble in an average cycle time of just 45 seconds. The robots also achieve a rapid changeover between product types.

The niche baby products and other specialty items like plastic storage boxes and medical instruments and tools are assembled in two IRB 2400 robot cells.

With this level of automation, Axjo has been able to become an instrumental force in sustainable production. The company’s products are made of just one type of plastic, which makes recycling simple and efficient for its customers in Finland and Sweden, where recycling of plastic reels is mandatory.