ZURICH, Switzerland, May 12, 2026 – ABB will invest about $200 million in medium-voltage manufacturing capabilities across Europe over the next three years as utilities, industrial operators and data center companies upgrade power infrastructure. The program focuses on equipment used in power distribution and grid automation.
The International Energy Agency expects electricity’s share of final energy consumption to rise from about 20% to nearly 30% by 2030, increasing the need for grid expansion.
“This $200 million investment will strengthen ABB’s medium-voltage manufacturing and technology capabilities in Europe and support customers as electricity demand increases and the grid evolves,” said Morten Wierod, ABB’s chief executive officer. “Demand is being driven by major structural trends, from grid modernization and the integration of renewables to data center growth and the transition to more sustainable technologies. These investments will help us expand capacity, improve availability and shorten lead times for customers in Europe and beyond, empowering them to adapt to the changing energy landscape.”
Investing in European Manufacturing Capabilities
ABB will spend $100 million on a new facility in Dalmine, Italy. The site will support production of air-insulated and SF₆-free switchgear and breakers for medium-voltage networks. A further $100 million will go to capacity projects at factories in Bulgaria (Rakovski), Finland (Vaasa), Germany (Ratingen), Norway (Skien), and Poland (Przasnysz). Those sites will scale production of gas-insulated switchgear, vacuum interrupters and relays.
The European program follows ABB’s investment in Kecskemét, Hungary. The company is spending about $15 million there to add R&D and production capacity for connector technologies used in medium-voltage networks, utility systems and renewable energy projects.
ABB also invested about $35 million in Nottingham, UK, to expand production of earthing and lightning protection technologies. The equipment protects buildings, data centers, infrastructure, communications networks and transportation systems from lightning strikes and electrical surges.
Source: ABB
About ABB
ABB is a global technology company specializing in electrification and automation, with headquarters in Zürich, Switzerland, and Västerås, Sweden. Formed in 1988 through the merger of ASEA and Brown, Boveri & Cie, ABB operates in more than 100 countries and serves sectors such as utilities, transportation, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Its portfolio includes robotics, industrial automation systems, electrification products, and motion solutions. The company draws on engineering and digitalization expertise to help industries improve performance and operate efficiently. ABB has a history of more than 140 years and employs about 110,000 people worldwide.