ABB's 100,000th VD4 circuit breaker off production line in China

ABB also announced the launching of its new generation of VD4 circuit breakers in China today.

"This is a new milestone for ABB Xiamen Switchgear Co., Ltd.," said Bernd Muehe, head of Power Technologies Division of ABB in China. "Relying on the well-developed technology from ABB Germany, ABB Xiamen Switchgear Co., Ltd. has produced the VD4 circuit breaker products that are helping Chinese customers improve power grid reliability, improve productivity and save energy. The advanced technology has further strengthened ABB's leading position."

The VD4 circuit breakers are used in electrical distribution for control and protection of cables, overhead lines, substations, motors, transformers, etc. Since the introduction of the VD4 circuit breakers into China in 1994, the products have been chosen for use by many key projects, including the substations of the Great Hall of the People, the Three Gorges, and the Bao steel. With a high level of performance, reliability and safety, ABB's VD4 circuit breakers have set standards for the industry.

In February of 2004 ABB Xiamen Switchgear Co., Ltd. reached the first 50,000 units of VD4 ciricuit breakers. In less then two years it reached the new milestone of 100,000 units. ABB Xiamen Switchgear Co., Ltd. is now manufacturing breakers at a pace of around 600 units per week, which will turn it into the ABB factory with most units delivered in 2006.

"Our continued efforts in combining the demands of local market with ABB's innovative technologies have helped us reach the new milestone," noted John Yung, president of ABB Xiamen Switchgear Co., Ltd. "With the dedication of our employees we have won the trust of customers through fast delivery of first class products and the best service. We will remain our commitment to transferring ABB's advanced technologies to better serve the needs of Chinese customers."

Xiamen is one of the most important cities for ABB in China with five joint venture companies. Established in September 1992, ABB Xiamen Switchgear Co., Ltd. is ABB's first joint venture and flagship in China. It has now grown into one of the largest medium voltage switchgear and circuit breaker manufacturers in the world. The company has harvested many successful deals this year, including an $11 million gas-insulated switchgears contract for Guangzhou Metro Line 5.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a 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 around 100 countries and employs about 103,000 people worldwide. ABB has a full range of business activities in China, including manufacturing, R&D, sales and service, with 8,000 employees, 24 joint ventures and wholly owned companies, and an extensive sales and service network across 30 cities. To know more about ABB, visit www.abb.com.cn.