ABB has hosted an event at its Malaga factory to celebrate 60 years of transformer manufacturing in Western Australia (WA).  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 9,100 square-metre facility specialises in producing distribution transformers up to 10MVA and 33KV.

“I congratulate ABB Australia on reaching the major milestone of 60 years of manufacturing transformers in Perth,” said Dr 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 managing director for ABB in Australia Axel Kuhr. “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 early 1960-70s can still be found stabilizing the power at iconic and remote mining and oil & gas operations, including Rio Tinto, Alcoa, BHP Billiton, Woodside and most recently Roy Hill.

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

The company is also hosting another day dedicated to thanking our past and current employees. Many of whom are welcoming the chance to take part in a facility tour to see the current production methods and the advances in power technology that have taken place over the 60-year period.

ABB’s ongoing emphasis on research and development means customers are able to benefit from the latest technology. As part of the ABB Group – ABB Australia has continuously led the field in providing clients with the most advanced transformer technology made at its key factory in Malaga, helping customers to use electrical power efficiently, to increase industrial productivity and to lower environmental impact in a sustainable way.

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.