ABB is to invest $200 million (€170 million) in medium-voltage manufacturing across Europe over three years. The investment will expand production capacity, accelerate the transition to next-generation tech for power distribution and strengthen the supply of power infrastructure for customers that are modernising.  

The investment strengthens ABB’s ability to deliver medium-voltage switchgear and grid automation technologies. It includes a new $100 million (€85 million) facility in Dalmine, Italy, to support growing demand for air-insulated and SF₆-free switchgear, and breakers.  

A further $100 million will go towards expansion across factories in Bulgaria (Rakovski), Finland (Vaasa), Germany (Ratingen), Norway (Skien), and Poland (Przasnysz), scaling production of technologies such as gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), vacuum interrupters, and relays, enabling more reliable and resilient power distribution. 

This program builds on recent investments in ABB’s UK and Hungary operations. 

In Kecskemét, Hungary, the investment of approximately $15 million (€12 million) adds R&D and production capabilities for connector technologies, enhancing medium-voltage network reliability and further expanding ABB’s portfolio of grid resilience solutions for utility and renewable customers. 

In Nottingham, UK, ABB invested around $35 million (€29 million) to expand production of earthing and lightning protection technologies to protect critical infrastructure and buildings, data centres, and communications and transportation networks from lightning strikes and electrical surges. 

Together, these actions reflect ABB’s focus on building resilient manufacturing capabilities for technologies that connect and protect the evolving grid. 

Morten Wierod, ABB’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Demand is being driven by major structural trends, from grid modernisation and the integration of renewables to data centre growth and the transition to more sustainable technologies. These investments will help us expand capacity, improve availability and shorten lead times for customers in Europe and beyond, empowering them to adapt to the changing energy landscape.”