Power and automation technology group, ABB, hosted an event at its Malaga factory yesterday 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 WA Energy Minister, Dr Mike Nahan, who unveiled a plaque to mark the milestone in front of guests including staff and customers.
The organised tours were conducted by expert guides who provided a look into the behind the scene operations including 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.
Dr Nahan said the factory 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.
ABB Australia managing director, Axel Kuhr, said its 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 Australian marketplace.
"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," Kuhr said.
"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 Paul Italiano, Western Power CEO, representatives from key resources sector customers and members of ABB Australia’s senior management.
The company is also hosting another event dedicated to past and current employees.
Staff will have the opportunity 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.
Kuhr said ABB’s ongoing emphasis on research and development means customers are able to benefit from the latest technology.
He said 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.
The ABB Group employs about 140,000 people worldwide.