ABB celebrates 60 years of transformer manufacturing in Perth

ABB hosted an event at its Malaga factory on 13 October to celebrate the significant milestone of 60 years of transformer manufacturing in Western Australia. Guided factory tours were the highlight of the day for invited guests, which included state Energy Minister Dr Mike Nahan, who spoke and unveiled a plaque to mark the milestone in front of key customers, employees and stakeholders.

The organised tours were conducted by expert guides who provided guests with glimpses of the behind-the-scene operations and a review of the cutting-edge technology and processes currently being utilised at the transformer manufacturing plant. The 9100 m² facility specialises in producing distribution transformers up to 10 MVA and 33 kV.

“I congratulate ABB Australia on reaching the major milestone of 60 years of manufacturing transformers in Perth,” said Nahan. “I am pleased this locally based manufacturing capability has continued to provide an important contribution not only to the security of electricity supplies for the state, but also to the overall prosperity of Western Australia.”

“We were delighted to be celebrating this anniversary with so many of our long-standing customers, employees, suppliers and key stakeholders,” said Axel Kuhr, managing director for ABB in Australia. “Our Perth operation has proven itself a reliable technology partner for government, utilities and the resources sector, and has helped ABB to become one of the leading brand names in the power and automation marketplace in Australia.”

The 60-year supply history has seen the factory reliably provide distribution transformers and services that have helped to develop one of the world’s largest and most isolated electricity networks, operated by local utility Western Power.

The plant has also built a strong reputation over many years for being a supplier of preference for transformers designed and manufactured to suit the rigour of long-distance transport and the harsh operating conditions found in regional Western Australia.  ABB transformers whose manufacture date goes back to the early 1960–70s can still be found stabilising the power at iconic and remote mining, oil and gas operations, including Rio Tinto, Alcoa, BHP Billiton, Woodside and most recently Roy Hill.

Among those present at the plaque unveiling ceremony were Western Power Chief Executive Officer Paul Italiano, representatives from key resources sector customers and members of ABB Australia’s senior management.

With a presence in over 100 countries, more than 75 transformer production factories and 40 service centres, ABB is the world’s largest transformer manufacturer and service provider.