ABB Group: Power Hungry
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Friday, 29 February 2008
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With offices in more than 87 countries, ABB Group is able to provide electrical services to clients globally.

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ABB Group strives to create efficient power solutions while increasing a manufacturer's productivity. The Switzerland-based engineering company cites seven corporate priorities in its business dealings: energy efficiency, climate change, managing environmental impact, health and safety, corporate responsibility, product innovation and sustainability in its supply chain.

With more than 87 offices worldwide, ABB Group provides products and services for five demanding manufacturing areas: power products, power systems, automation products, process automation and robotics. A separate division in the company focuses on supplying power plants with equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear and cables. Equipment is also available for alternative energy plants such as wind farms.

ABB Group offers an array of networking options such as turnkey systems, distribution grids and substations. ABB Group also offers flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) and high-voltage direct current. "FACTS solutions enable power grid owners to increase existing transmission network capacity while maintaining or improving the operating margins necessary for grid stability," ABB says.

An additional option called Light relies on underground or undersea cables, avoiding the usage of obtrusive overhead lines. Currently, the cables are capable of carrying up to 550 megawatts (MW) and are intended for long underground networks. Recent projects using the system range from 25 to 43 miles. "Light has also the potential of becoming the preferred system for power in feeds to cities," ABB says.

Supplying Customers
ABB Group says it ships one million products daily to customers in a variety of sectors including commercial and residential buildings. Its automation products division provides a variety of analytical supplies needed for power industries. It also offers a selection of generators, drives and low-voltage parts.

Niche specific industries - ranging from consumer products to pharmaceuticals - that want to increase productivity cost effectively rate will benefit from ABB Group's automation solutions, the company says. It has developed strategic plans to account for the specific demands of each industry. Options for the oil and gas industry include gas distribution, refining, electrical systems and integrated telecommunication systems. The company also has plans to serve dairy, brewing, sugar and milling clients.

ABB Group has also invested in services for automotive manufacturers. A robotics division installs robots that are able to assemble, pack, paint or weld. The company says it has installed more than 150,000 robots worldwide. This technology allows manufacturers to increase productivity, while not neglecting the importance of quality, the company states.

'Sustainability Priorities'
The company plans to grow and stay competitive by following its seven "sustainability priorities."

For example, with increasing global concern about natural resources, ABB Group says it wants to provide the most energy-per-dollar solutions while limiting the byproduct emissions created in the process. The company attempts to curtail emissions by helping customers cut greenhouse gases, raise efficiency during the manufacturing process and increase the usage of clean energy sources such as wind power. Increased production does not need to result in high levels of emissions when new technologies are implemented, it notes.

ABB Group says it realizes the importance of technological evolution as well as simple changes such as using less material for production and streamlining transportation methods. The company has 6,000 researchers stationed at seven research facilities around the world who work closely with 70 universities and research institutes.

Employee Safety
With 100,000 employees in more than 100 countries, the company says it has taken safety education to a different level. In 2006, it established group safety programs to focus on reinforcing skills and crisis planning for global flu viruses.

For ABB Group to maintain a positive reputation, it focuses on close relationships with all stakeholders - customers, employees, shareholders and society. The company says it wants to establish what it calls a "level business and social playing field" with everyone it comes in contact with.

Two-way communication is especially important for the suppliers of ABB Group, it adds. Training and auditing programs are administrated to strengthen the performance of suppliers' products. The company also aids its suppliers with management programs to constantly keep materials in transit to fulfill the needs of customers.
 
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