Ericsson Announces European Smart Manufacturing Center

Ericsson has announced its plans to establish a smart manufacturing and technology hub in Tallinn, Estonia.

The $169 million facility comprising test labs, warehouses, production lines and offices will occupy 160,000 square feet and will be built with “sustainability and operational efficiency” in mind.

The company said the new site will be used “for co-developing cellular ecosystems and production techniques” with a primary focus on European customers.

Ericsson has signed an agreement to acquire property to build the smart hub, with this transaction expected to be finalized at the end of 2024. Construction of the site is anticipated to take around two years, with the new hub slated to begin operations in early 2026.

According to Ericsson, the new facility’s sustainable build will reduce its overall carbon emissions by up to 70%, deploying several energy-saving tools such as a roof-top solar array and “low-embodied carbon wooden beams”.

“This smart hub will be powered 100% by renewable electricity and built with optimal efficiency through AI, machine learning, robotics and other advanced Industry 4.0 technologies,” said Fredrik Jejdling, Ericsson’s executive vice president. “In addition, we aim to attract local and European talent by creating an environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.”

The site will also use 5G networks to improve communications capabilities across the site and promote operational efficiency.

“This move is in line with Ericsson’s long-term strategy for a more resilient and sustainable supply chain, significantly reducing our carbon footprint and harnessing the power of 5G for smart manufacturing,” said Jejdling. “Our entire production landscape globally is being digitalized and, as we have done in the U.S., this will strengthen the link between our R&D and new product introduction to ensure every product we manufacture not only benefits our customers but is also produced with as low environmental impact as possible.”