By Li Fangfang (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-03-28 09:41

A model is showing ABB's energy-saving products to visitors at the China International Industry Fair 2007 in Shanghai on November 8, 2007. The company opened a global transformer design center in Chongqing yesterday.[Asianewsphoto]

Swiss power and automation technology group ABB opened a global transformer design center in Chongqing yesterday.

The design center will create products for Chinese customers of its largest transformer subsidiary ABB Chongqing Transformer Co Ltd, and also support ABB groups in other countries.

"The design center is turning ABB Chongqing Transformer into a fully fledged global transformer base, combining design, manufacturing and engineering services and insulation material supply," Brice Koch, president of ABB North Asia and chairman and president of ABB China, said.

Koch said the new center will give ABB an efficiency boost. "It will bring ABB's expertise closer to our customers," he said.

ABB Chongqing Transformer's products include AC transformers, HVDC transformers and shunt reactors. With an annual production capacity in excess of 45,000 megavolt amperes, it has been a big contributor to "made in ABB" and "designed and made in China" products in 10 overseas markets.

"More importantly, we invest a lot in our staff, offering thousands of training hours per year to the engineers in China and abroad. We also bring world experience here and provide Chinese talent all over the world," Koch said.

ABB is the largest transformer supplier in the world with a market share of 22 percent.