ABB opens high voltage motor factory in China

Shanghai, Nov. 3rd, 2006- ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, officially inaugurated in Shanghai its ABB Electrical Machines Ltd. to provide tailor-made energy-efficient products for Chinese customers.

Fred Kindle, President & CEO of ABB Group stated at the opening ceremony that: "Earlier this year, we moved ABB's global Robotics Division HQ to Shanghai. 3 days ago, we announced a new joint venture company producing LV generator in Nanchang. We added 8 branch offices across China this year, and most of our manufacturing and R&D facilities have kept expanding. The opening of the Shanghai Electrical Machines Company furthers our commitment to China. In Shanghai, we have now 6 companies. "

Located in Minhang District of Shanghai, ABB Electrical Machines Ltd. has started its operation early this year. The factory has an annual production capacity of 2000 motors with voltage range up to 11.5 kV and output power up to 3000 kW. This new factory brings ABB world leading high voltage motor technology to China, and provides tailor-made energy-efficient products for Chinese customers. The whole product portfolio of ABB high voltage motors, from 100kW to 70MVA, both locally made and imported, are available in the sales. These products serve a wide range of industries, including chemical industry, oil and gas, power generation, marine, pulp & paper, cement, mining, metals and water treatment, etc.

The new plant of ABB Electrical Machines Ltd. is designed and constructed following the latest global ABB technologies and standards. It utilizes the same state-of-the-art production processes that ABB is renowned for worldwide. Its motors are built in accordance with the proven, advanced specifications in the 21st century. The company has also its own team of product specialists and engineers to better understand local needs.

"The high efficiency level of the motors will benefit end users through energy savings, which is a very important point in China. Motors consume 65% of the energy used in industry, so motor efficiency is of paramount importance - especially in process industries, the water treatment, marine sector, traction, and in power plants. The use of variable speed drives with motor further enhances the energy savings," stated Juha Silvennoinen, Group Vice President, Business Unit Manager Machines, at the press conference. "Focusing on the Chinese market is part of ABB's global strategy. China is becoming a major manufacturing base for the world markets, and pump, compressor and fan manufacturers require high quality, energy-saving motors. As a world leading producer of high voltage motors, ABB will help them to be more competitive on both the domestic and export markets."

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impacts. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 107,000 people worldwide. ABB has a full range of business activities in China, including manufacturing, R&D, sales and service, with 10,000 employees, 26 joint ventures and wholly owned companies, and an extensive sales and service network across 30 cities. To know more about ABB, visit www.abb.com.cn.