ABB celebrates 60 years of transformer manufacturing

Top energy sector stakeholders have helped ABB Australia celebrate 60 years of transformer manufacturing in Western Australia.

Western Power CEO Paul Italiano, representatives from key resources sector customers, senior ABB management and state Energy Minister Dr Mike Nahan were among those in attendance at a plaque unveiling ceremony.

The power and automation technology group hosted the event at its Malaga factory, which included guided factory tours providing glimpses of the behind-the-scenes operations as well as a review of the cutting-edge technology and processes at the transformer manufacturing plant. The 9100 m² facility specialises in producing distribution transformers up to 10 MVA and 33 KV.

The Energy Minister congratulated ABB Australia on its milestone.

“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,” said Nahan.

The company said its 60-year supply history has seen the factory 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.

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

Image (above) caption: The Hon. Dr Mike Nahan MLA, Energy Minister for WA with Axel Kuhr Managing Director for ABB in Australia unveiling a plaque to mark 60 years of transformer manufacturing in WA. Images courtesy of ABB Australia.

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