Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) announced Wednesday that it's expanding its partnership with Lucid Group (LCID) to support the electric vehicle maker's growing manufacturing presence in Saudi Arabia. It's the kind of deal that checks multiple boxes: advanced manufacturing technology, Middle Eastern industrial ambitions, and the ever-present push to build EVs at scale.
The facility in King Abdullah Economic City represents something bigger than just another car plant. It's Saudi Arabia's first vehicle manufacturing site, a tangible piece of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil. Lucid gets a foothold in a market backing its growth, and Rockwell gets to showcase its factory software in a high-profile setting.
Software That Runs the Show
The centerpiece of this arrangement is Rockwell's FactoryTalk manufacturing execution system, or MES for those who prefer their acronyms digestible. Lucid will use this platform to manage and optimize production across the major operations: general assembly, paint, stamping, body, and powertrain. Think of it as the operating system for the factory floor, providing real-time visibility, traceability, and control over what's happening at every stage of vehicle production.
The goal here is twofold. First, help Lucid scale up production efficiently. Second, lay the groundwork for future midsize vehicle programs that the company has been teasing. As Ahmad Haydar, Rockwell's country leader in Saudi Arabia, put it: "Lucid's adoption of FactoryTalk MES is a strategic move that will deliver measurable outcomes in operational efficiency, quality, and scalability. Our software will help Lucid meet its ambitious production goals while ensuring seamless integration with global supply chains and compliance with local standards. This is a proud moment for Rockwell Automation and a testament to our commitment to supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 through advanced manufacturing technologies and workforce development."
Building Local Expertise
Beyond just plugging in software and calling it a day, Rockwell is committing to something arguably more valuable in the long run: training. The company's local Saudi team will run instructor-led and virtual training programs designed to develop homegrown EV manufacturing expertise. It's about building a skilled workforce that can sustain industrial growth beyond the initial fanfare of opening a new plant.
This aligns with Vision 2030's emphasis on human capital development, not just infrastructure. You can build all the factories you want, but they need people who know how to run them.
Faisal Sultan, Lucid's president for the Middle East, emphasized the continuity of the partnership: "Rockwell Automation has been a trusted partner throughout our journey, from our Arizona factory to our expansion in Saudi Arabia. Their software solutions and local expertise will help us scale production while maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation our customers have come to expect. We're excited to continue this collaboration as we expand world-class electric vehicle manufacturing in the region."
More Tech Partnerships on the Horizon
This isn't Lucid's only recent technology collaboration. The company recently announced that Trimble Inc. (TRMB) will supply advanced positioning technology for the Gravity electric SUV. Trimble's system combines satellite signals with inertial sensors to achieve centimeter-level accuracy, even in challenging environments like tunnels and dense urban areas. The technology enhances lane-level navigation and driver assistance reliability, and it will come standard on new Gravity models starting in late January 2026. Existing vehicles will be able to get the upgrade too.
So Lucid is lining up partnerships on multiple fronts: factory software from Rockwell, positioning tech from Trimble. It's a reminder that building EVs at scale isn't just about batteries and motors. It's about software, supply chains, manufacturing execution systems, and all the unglamorous but critical infrastructure that makes modern vehicles possible.
Price Action: Lucid Group (LCID) shares were down 0.21% at $9.71 during premarket trading on Wednesday. ROK shares closed 2.77% lower at $404 on Tuesday.
