Ericsson said it is planning to build a 300,000 sq. ft. automated smart factory facility in Lewisville, Texas.
The smart factory will produce 5G and antenna system radios in order to boost network capacity and coverage for 5G deployments in North America. Ericsson originally stated that its new factory, which will be its first in the U.S., will begin operations in early 2020 and will allow for operations and production of 5G products.
The factory will include automated warehouses, connected logistics, automated assembly, packaging and product handling as well as the use of autonomous carts.
Ericsson said the factory along with other investments in North America will accelerate 5G innovations and develop the ecosystem around Industry 4.0 in the region. Using 5G, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence and machine learning will help to foster innovation to drive rapid deployment and adoption of 5G in the U.S., the company said.
The smart factory is designed to be up to 28% more energy efficient than other buildings. Ericsson said it will aim to reduce energy costs and consumption by switching to devices such as friction-free magnetic levitation chillers and thermal energy storage banks that hold ice made at night and that melt during the day to provide cooling. The smart factory in Texas will also install solar panels to generate renewable energy and 26,000 gallon tanks to collect and reuse rainwater.
The facility will initially employ about 100 people with highly automated operations and Ericsson is investing about $100 million of direct investment to ramp up and roll out 5G equipment quickly.
