ABB is increasing production capacity for its MNS low voltage switchgear 120 percent across facilities in Brno, Czech Republic, and Rakovski, Bulgaria. The expansion addresses strong growth from data centers and smart industries as global electricity demand accelerates.
"Hyperscale data centers and electrifying industrial facilities have different requirements, but both need power distribution systems that combine reliability with customization," said Nicole Koeppen, Head of Low Voltage Systems at ABB. “These expansions give ABB the manufacturing capacity and engineering depth to serve both markets at scale."
Market context: AI drives unprecedented power demand
Data center power consumption is forecast to grow sixfold between 2020 and 2030, driven by AI adoption and hyperscaler spending, according to an 2025 McKinsey report. Data centers already account for up to 2% of global electricity consumption, with AI workloads driving demand for greater capacity and higher performance in power distribution systems.
European industries are simultaneously undergoing rapid electrification as they transition away from fossil fuels and adopt smart manufacturing technologies. Both markets require switchgear systems that can handle dynamic loads, integrate with digital monitoring platforms, and support predictive maintenance to minimize downtime.
The capacity expansion positions ABB to deliver at scale, while helping European industries improve energy efficiency and meet sustainability targets.
The new facility will become ABB's largest MNS low-voltage switchgear factory in Europe 
The new facility adds capacity for ABB's MNS low-voltage switchgear with Emax 3 circuit breakers 
ABB's modern facility will help meet the rising demand for electrification across Europe 
ABB will double production capacity at its low-voltage switchgear factory in Brno, Czech Republic 
Groundbreaking at the new site in Brno, Czech Republic. Production starts Q3 of 2026
Two sites, one strategy: An integrated production network
The expansion strengthens ABB’s global production network for low voltage switchgear, with each site playing a specialized role. The Brno facility will serve as ABB's largest MNS switchgear factory in Europe and function as a Competence Center for advanced engineering. The Rakovski facility will focus on manufacturing and assembly operations, with tendering, engineering, and project management handled by ABB's team in Bielsko-Biala, Poland.
“Data center and industrial customers often require engineering solutions for complex power requirements,” said Koeppen. “The expansions give us the technical expertise to design those solutions and the manufacturing capacity to deliver at volume."
Brno spotlight: Europe's largest MNS switchgear facility
The new Brno facility will be ABB's largest MNS low-voltage switchgear factory in Europe, serving as a global manufacturing hub. ABB is relocating to a state-of-the-art facility in CTP Park Blučina, where a consolidated, single-building layout will enable lean manufacturing principles and achiever shorter throughput times.
The site currently employs 320 people and is set to increase its workforce as production volumes grow. Output The new facility will feature dedicated production lines for data centers, complex projects such as offshore wind HVDC platforms, and conventional industrial applications.
The Brno site serves as a Competence Center, where specialized MNS engineers deliver tailored design solutions for large-scale, complex data center and industrial installations. In addition to its manufacturing operations, the facility includes a substantial research and development (R&D) team. The R&D capabilities will be further enhanced through an expanded prototyping zone and upgraded testing laboratories, enabling faster response to customer demands and accelerated product development.
Rakovski: Manufacturing scale
The Rakovski facility adds manufacturing capacity for MNS switchgear assembly. Partnering with ABB's engineering team in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, the site enables a distributed operational model where advanced engineering and project management expertise can be paired with efficient, scalable manufacturing.
"This allows us to optimize production across our European network while maintaining the customization and technical precision that complex projects require," said Koeppen. "We deliver both manufacturing scale and engineering expertise."
Timeline: Phased expansion through 2026
Production at the Rakovski, Bulgaria facility is set to begin in early Q2 2026, allowing ABB to start serving customers from the new capacity while the larger Brno facility gets finalized. Construction of the new Brno facility began in September 2025, with operations commencing in August 2026.
About MNS
ABB's MNS low-voltage switchgear sets the benchmark for safety, reliability, and scalability in power distribution. Designed for today's demanding environments, it combines advanced technology with ABB's global expertise to deliver unmatched performance and peace of mind.
Its modular, scalable design enables seamless adaptation to changing power needs, while maintenance-free structures cut operational costs. Advanced protection, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance ensure reliability and safety. These monitoring capabilities help data center operators optimize uptime and power consumption. Supported by global manufacturing and services footprint, ABB's MNS delivers secure, efficient, and sustainable power distribution, making it the trusted choice for large-scale data centers and industrial projects backed by decades of expertise and innovation.
