In a major development for the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, Rockwell Automation has announced a strategic partnership with Lucid Motors to support Lucid’s EV manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia with advanced digital and software solutions.
The plant, located in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), is considered Saudi Arabia’s first automobile manufacturing facility and plays a key role in the Kingdom’s long-term industrial strategy.
This collaboration goes beyond a simple technology deal—it reflects the growing importance of smart manufacturing, automation, and digital factories in the future of EV production, while also supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Company Profile: Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. is a US-based global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. The company helps manufacturers improve productivity by connecting machines, people, and data through advanced software and automation systems.
- Headquarters: United States
- Global presence: Operations in over 100 countries
- Core expertise: Industrial software, automation systems, smart factory solutions
Rockwell Automation is widely known for its FactoryTalk® software suite, which is used across automotive, electronics, and heavy industries to improve operational efficiency and quality.
Company Profile: Lucid Motors
Lucid Motors is a premium electric vehicle manufacturer recognized for its high-performance, long-range luxury EVs. The company operates in the premium EV segment and is often seen as a strong competitor to Tesla in advanced EV technology.
- Industry: Electric Vehicles
- Focus: Technology-driven, premium EVs
- Global strategy: Expanding beyond the US with a major manufacturing footprint in the Middle East
Saudi Arabia plays a strategic role in Lucid’s global expansion, making the KAEC plant a key production hub for both regional and international markets.
What Is the Deal About?
Under this partnership, Rockwell Automation will deploy its FactoryTalk® Manufacturing Execution System (MES) at Lucid’s Saudi EV manufacturing facility.
The system will digitally manage and monitor the entire production process in real time, including:
- Body shop operations
- Paint shop processes
- Final vehicle assembly
- Quality inspection and compliance
In simple terms, FactoryTalk MES will act as the digital control center of the factory, ensuring smooth, efficient, and high-quality production.
How Lucid Motors Benefits
For Lucid Motors, the integration of advanced manufacturing software offers several advantages:
- Faster and more efficient EV production
- Improved vehicle quality and process consistency
- Full traceability across every stage of manufacturing
- Reduced production delays and operational errors
The Saudi plant is expected to become a critical hub for Lucid’s global supply chain, helping the company scale production while maintaining premium quality standards.
Why This Matters for Rockwell Automation
The partnership strengthens Rockwell Automation’s position in one of the fastest-growing industrial segments:
- Deeper presence in EV manufacturing, a future-ready sector
- Expansion of digital factory solutions in the Middle East
- Strong alignment with Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing trends
As EV production becomes more software-driven, Rockwell’s role as a technology enabler continues to grow.
Impact on Saudi Arabia
The project delivers multiple strategic benefits to Saudi Arabia:
- Supports Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy beyond oil
- Creates high-tech manufacturing jobs
- Enables workforce upskilling through digital and automation training
- Positions the Kingdom as a potential EV manufacturing hub in the region
Rockwell Automation will also provide on-site and virtual training to develop local technical talent, strengthening long-term industrial capabilities.
What Is FactoryTalk MES?
FactoryTalk MES is advanced manufacturing software that:
- Connects machines, systems, and workers on a single platform
- Provides live production data and performance insights
- Detects issues early and reduces manufacturing errors
- Automates quality checks and compliance reporting
In short, it helps factories operate faster, smarter, and more reliably.
Why This Partnership Is Significant
This collaboration is a clear win-win-win:
- Lucid Motors gains a smart, scalable EV factory
- Rockwell Automation strengthens its footprint in EV and Middle East markets
- Saudi Arabia accelerates industrial growth, technology adoption, and job creation
As EV manufacturing increasingly depends on digital intelligence, partnerships like this are setting new benchmarks for the industry.
Outcome
The partnership between Rockwell Automation and Lucid Motors highlights how the future of EV manufacturing will be driven not just by machinery, but by advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
For Saudi Arabia, this project marks a significant step toward becoming a globally competitive player in next-generation automotive manufacturing.
Source: prnewswire , Rockwellautomation press
