Mt. Pleasant, Pa., August 15, 2002 – ABB Inc. held groundbreaking ceremonies today in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania for a new state-of-the-art facility for the manufacture and test of high voltage power circuit breakers. This new facility is located near the existing product manufacturing site in Greensburg, Pa. in an area developed by the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation.
The existing product line of high-voltage dead-tank breakers from 38,000 to 800,000 volts will be produced in the new facility that will be fully operational by March, 2003. This investment in a new manufacturing facility will allow ABB to maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of high-voltage circuit breakers. This new facility will provide modern facilities for more efficient manufacturing and improved quality control. The decision to invest in a new facility in Southwestern Pennsylvania was driven by the business success with the existing workforce and proximity to key suppliers.
“ABB continues to make a commitment to Pennsylvania. The company’s decision to grow and expand in Westmoreland County is a testament of the Commonwealth’s first-rate workforce and nationally renowned business climate, “ Pennsylvania Community and Economic Development Secretary Sam McCullough said. “On behalf of Gov. Schweiker, we’re proud to partner with ABB Inc. as they choose to stay and invent the future here in Pennsylvania.”
The Governor’s Action Team -- economic-development professionals who report directly to Gov. Schweiker -- worked with ABB to make this project a reality. The Commonwealth’s $450,000 economic package includes an Opportunity Grant and a Customized Job Training grant.
In Greensburg and Youngwood, Pennsylvania, ABB currently produces field-proven, technically advanced products and related services to meet customer requirements for high quality, low maintenance electric substation solutions. Examples include high-voltage power circuit breakers, optical current and voltage sensing devices, a broad range of surge arresters, and full-service support for all product lines.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a global 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 more than 100 countries and employs about 150,000 people.
ABB is the global market leader in power technology products. We cover the entire spectrum of technology for power transmission and power distribution, including transformers, switchgear, breakers, capacitors and cables, as well as other products, platforms and technologies for high- and medium-voltage applications. Our products are used in industrial, commercial and utility applications.