The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Italian automation specialist Comau have signed a €50m finance contract to support Comau’s research, development and innovation programme in robotics, advanced automation, machine tool development and digital technologies across multiple industrial sectors.
Comau said the R&D work supported by the financing will target applications spanning batteries (automotive and stationary), aerospace, construction, renewable energy and logistics.
According to Comau, the operation is backed by InvestEU, the European Union’s investment programme, and is aligned with TechEU, the EIB Group’s initiative that aims to mobilise €250bn in investment by 2027 to support innovation and scale-up financing across Europe.
EIB vice president Gelsomina Vigliotti said the financing is intended to support Europe’s industrial transition toward “a more digital, sustainable and competitive production model”, and argued that investment in advanced robotics, automation and e-mobility can contribute to technology leadership and skilled job creation.
Comau said activity funded under the contract will be concentrated primarily at its Italian facilities in Turin and Bari, and is intended to develop automation solutions while strengthening know-how in advanced manufacturing technologies.
A specific element of the investment plan is an expansion of Comau’s applications in renewable energy and hydrogen fuel cell sectors. In parallel, it said the financing will support a reorientation of automotive-related activity toward advanced manufacturing automation for batteries and battery recycling.
The company also said the EIB financing will diversify its funding sources and provide longer maturities, which it expects to support execution of its business plan.
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