Rockwell Automation said it will deploy its FactoryTalk manufacturing execution system (MES) software at Lucid Motors’ electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia, supporting production operations and workforce development at the Kingdom’s first vehicle manufacturing site.
The plant, located at King Abdullah Economic City on the Red Sea coast, is set to produce Lucid’s future midsize electric vehicles. Rockwell Automation said its enterprise software platform will manage production across all five major manufacturing shops at the site: general assembly, paint, stamping, body and powertrain.
The FactoryTalk MES system will provide real-time visibility, traceability and operational control across the facility, with the aim of improving efficiency, quality and scalability as production ramps up. The deployment extends a partnership between the two companies that began at Lucid’s manufacturing operations in Arizona.
“FactoryTalk MES will enable operational efficiency, quality improvements and scalability across Lucid’s Saudi operations,” said Ahmad Haydar, country leader for Rockwell Automation in Saudi Arabia. He added that the platform is designed to integrate with global supply chains while meeting local regulatory and operational requirements.
Beyond production systems, the partnership includes a workforce development component focused on training Saudi nationals in electric vehicle manufacturing. Rockwell Automation’s local team will deliver instructor-led and virtual programmes to support skills transfer and long-term capability building in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy.
Faisal Sultan, president of the Middle East at Lucid, said Rockwell Automation has been a key partner as the company expanded beyond the United States. “Rockwell Automation has been a trusted partner throughout our expansion from Arizona to Saudi Arabia,” Sultan said. “Its software solutions and local expertise will support production scaling while maintaining our quality standards.”
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme aims to diversify the economy beyond oil by developing advanced manufacturing and clean technology sectors, with electric vehicles identified as a strategic growth area.
