Beijing, March 27, 2015 -- ABB (China) Ltd. has set new records with its 2014 orders and revenue as both exceeded US$5.8 billion and cumulative investments in China reached about US$1.9 billion. Through its "Next Level" strategy ABB has realized stable growth by seizing opportunities under China's "New Normal" economic development.
"The 'New Normal' of stabilizing economic development, characterized by a new type of urbanization, energy structure optimization, and industrial upgrading has brought ABB new business opportunities and propelled its stable growth in China. As China's economic development shifts from the pursuit of speed and expansion to a focus on quality and efficiency, ABB will make better use of our advantages to support sustainable economic and environmental development with innovative and smart technologies to help enhance China's core competitiveness," said Dr. Gu Chunyuan, Chairman and President, ABB (China) Ltd.
By optimizing its business layout, ABB has established strong local R&D, manufacturing, sales, and engineering service capabilities in China, thus achieving full value chain localization. As of now, ABB has increased its number of local companies in China to 39 with 19,000 employees. The company operates in 126 cities across the country with 84% of revenue coming from locally manufactured products, services, and solutions.
In terms of market coverage, ABB has further consolidated its operations in eastern and coastal areas of China and will invest RMB 2 billion to build an industrial center in Xiamen over a period of five years to further integrate its local businesses. Meanwhile, by seizing development opportunities under the "New Normal" economic development, ABB is actively penetrating into new, high-growth areas such as micro-grid, digital power grid, process industries, datacenters and public transport.
In terms of innovation, ABB has long been focusing on and driving local technology R&D. In 2014, ABB launched a series of green and smart products including:
- YuMi, the world's first truly collaborative robot
- IRB 1200, ABB's new, small robot which can meet stringent requirements of modern material handling and loading/unloading
- Terra 53 Z, the first general-type, high power DC fast charger compliant with the China GB Standard
- "i-Home", the wireless smart-home control system
- Gas insulated switchgears that use environmentally-friendly gas to replace SF6, a greenhouse gas
- New types of low-voltage electric motors and medium-voltage drives
- Furthermore, ABB has led the transformation of business model in the industry by further promoting the development of e-commerce.
In terms of business expansion, ABB has accelerated its business development in the central and western Chinese regions and defined Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan and Xinjiang as the key provinces for the company's in-depth western development. Within three years, ABB's business layout is expected to add 100 Chinese cities with a focus on three and four-tier Chinese cities. In 2014, ABB set up 4 new comprehensive service centers in China to further understand customer needs, improve service capabilities, and increase customer satisfaction.
"In the past year, by utilizing our leading power and automation technologies and products, ABB has helped our utility, industry, transport and infrastructure customers increase their productivity and energy efficiency, thus contributing to China's next level of sustainable development," said Dr. Gu Chunyuan.
In utilities, ABB is actively participating in China's power infrastructure development by taking part in 20 out of 28 HVDC transmission projects nationwide. In 2014, ABB provided converter valves and cooling systems to the Jinzhong 500KV HVDC power transmission project. This project aims to transport clean hydropower over a distance of 1,139 kilometers from the Jinsha River to Liuzhou - Guangxi's industrial hub. ABB also took part in the construction of 10 of the 48 next-generation intelligent substations of the State Grid Corporation of China - providing technical support to China's power system as it transforms from a traditional power grid to a "new-type" power grid.
As a leader in the renewable energy sector, ABB has participated in many of China's wind and solar power projects, including the Jiangsu Xiangshui Offshore 200MW Wind Farm Demonstration Project, China's first wind power project that transmits power to onshore areas via an offshore transformer substation. ABB also supported the Gansu Wuhe 100MW Solar Power Project, one of China's largest photovoltaic power stations, in order to help China tackle energy and environmental challenges through the development of renewable energy.
In the area of industry, ABB's intelligent manufacturing technologies like industrial robots are being widely used. In 2014, ABB's robots and visual tracking systems were successfully deployed in BOE's liquid crystal display (LCD) production line, significantly increasing productivity and product consistency. At Gree Electric Appliances' Zhuhai plant, ABB's robots were used in automatic production lines such as handling, stacking, loading/unloading, and sheet metal stamping. ABB's technologies helped the plant increase productivity by 30%. In the automobile manufacturing industry, ABB provided Changan Ford with the latest flexible body assembling positioning system, enabling one production line to assemble up to 6 different models and allowing the customer to easily adjust its production according to market needs.
In the area of transport and infrastructure, ABB partnered with Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. in 2014 to build a nationwide electric vehicle charging network, thus supporting the development of sustainable transport across the country. ABB also participated in the construction of many urban metro and high-speed rail projects including the Shenzhen Metro Longhua Line and Guangzhou's Metro Line 9. Last year, ABB also developed an intelligent, home control system called "i-Home" for Chinese households to meet peoples' demand for more intelligent and green lifestyle. "i-Home" allows users to easily enjoy a more convenient, energy-saving, and intelligent lifestyle.
"Our mid-term growth strategy remains intact. ABB will keep its steady pace of investment and provide more tailored products and solutions to support Chinese customers. We will leverage growth opportunities in the fast-growing inland regions and secure growth in the service business." said Dr. Gu Chunyuan looking forward to the year ahead.
ABB is a Global 500 company and a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility, industry, and transport and infrastructure customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 140,000 people. ABB has a full range of business activities in China, including R&D, manufacturing, sales and services, with 19,000 employees, 39 local companies, and an extensive sales and service network across 126 cities.
For more information on ABB, please visit http://new.abb.com/cn, Sina Weibo: @ABB China, Official WeChat Account: abb_in_china, Official WeChat QR Code:
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