Key facts
- Ecorobotix has opened a new factory in Lyons, Kansas, for U.S. production of its ARA sprayer.
- The investment in the new U.S. facility totals $50 million.
- The company cited high shipping costs and U.S. tariffs as reasons for establishing U.S. manufacturing.
- The ARA sprayer uses algorithms to identify and spray weeds precisely, reducing input costs for farmers.
- The current sprayer width is 20 feet, focusing on high-value specialty crops.
Swiss precision crop sprayer company Ecorobotix has established a new manufacturing facility in Lyons, Kansas, marking a significant step in its North American expansion. The $50 million investment will be used to produce the company's flagship ARA ultra-high precision sprayer for the U.S. market. This strategic move addresses the high costs associated with international shipping and mitigates the impact of U.S. tariffs on imported goods. The decision aligns with a broader pledge by Swiss companies to invest $200 billion in the U.S. by the end of 2028, following a reduction in tariffs on Swiss industrial and agricultural products to a maximum of 15%. The ARA sprayer is designed for selective weed spraying, scanning fields and applying crop protection products only where needed, thereby reducing input costs for farmers. While the current 20-foot wide machine is optimized for high-value specialty crops, Ecorobotix is actively developing larger booms and new algorithms to expand its applicability to a wider range of crops.