Rockwell Automation Software Selected for New Electric Vehicle Plant in Saudi Arabia
Saudi EV manufacturer adopts Rockwell systems for automation and digital integration at a major new facility
Rockwell Automation’s industrial automation and software solutions have been chosen to support operations at a new electric vehicle manufacturing plant under development in Saudi Arabia, company and regional sources said.
The selection of Rockwell’s platform for automation, control and data analytics is part of broader efforts by Saudi authorities and private investors to build an electric vehicle industry aligned with economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.
The facility is being developed by a Saudi automotive venture that received significant backing from local investors and government-linked industrial funds.
The project aims to produce electric vehicles for domestic and export markets, contributing to the kingdom’s strategy to expand manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on hydrocarbon revenues.
Rockwell’s software is expected to be used for digital control systems, real-time data integration and predictive maintenance across production lines.
Executives from Rockwell Automation said the deployment will focus on scalable automation architecture designed to optimise throughput, quality control and operational efficiency.
The software suite selected includes programmable automation controllers, human-machine interface systems and factory data platforms that support interoperability with robotics and other advanced manufacturing technologies.
Rockwell representatives emphasised the company’s experience in automotive industry automation projects in Europe, North America and Asia as a factor in the contract award.
Saudi officials have in recent months signed a series of memoranda of understanding and investment agreements with international technology and manufacturing partners to accelerate industrial development in strategic sectors, including mobility, energy storage and advanced electronics.
The new electric vehicle plant is among several high-profile facilities being planned or constructed as part of an industrial expansion drive that includes incentives for localisation of supply chains and talent development.
Industry analysts said the integration of established automation software from global suppliers like Rockwell reflects a trend among Gulf manufacturing projects to adopt digital solutions that can enhance competitiveness and meet quality benchmarks demanded by global automotive markets.
Rockwell’s engagement also aligns with broader trends of foreign technology firms increasing their presence in the Middle East’s growing industrial and digital infrastructure landscape.
Officials involved in the project said the first phase of the electric vehicle plant is targeted for initial production in the mid-2020s, with phased capacity expansion planned thereafter.
The initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to attract direct investment, create skilled jobs and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts through the production of zero-emission vehicles and related technologies.