The expansion will involve the construction of a new factory that will produce medium-voltage switchgear and components. The new facility is expected to be operational in 2018. Switchgear from the factory will facilitate efficient and reliable power distribution and help address the increasing demand for electricity, driven by rapid urbanization and a growing industrial sector in the country. In addition to serving the country's needs, the unit will also serve as an important supply hub for the region.
"Once operational, the state-of-the-art facility will help us address the growing power distribution sector and underlines ABB's commitment to Russia," said Bruno Melles, head of ABB's Medium Voltage Products business. "The investment supports our global footprint approach and is in line with ABB's 'Next Level Strategy' aimed at accelerating sustainable value creation and focusing on growth markets."
The existing ABB manufacturing facility in Lipetsk, which was constructed in 2014 and opened in June 2015 through a $20 million investment, produces distribution boards and enclosures for low-voltage switchgear.
In a power system, switchgear is used to control, protect and isolate electrical equipment ensuring the reliability of the electricity supply. Switchgear products deploy different types of insulation medium, the most common ones being air, gas and oil. ABB has more than 80 years' of experience in switching technology and has pioneered several innovations over the past decades.
ABB's Medium Voltage Products business unit provides utility, industrial and commercial customers with safe, reliable and smart technologies for the distribution of electricity. The extensive global offering includes distribution automation products, switching, limiting, measuring and sensing devices, switchgear, modular substation packages and related services.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leading global technology company in power and automation that enables utility, industry, and transport & infrastructure customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in roughly 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.
Existing Low Voltage factory in Lipetsk
