ABB Recasts Automation, Realigns Divisions

Dec. 1, 2009
New units include Discrete Automation/Motion and Low Voltage Products

ABB is reorganizing its automation divisions to align their activities more closely with those of its customers, it announced. The Zurich, Switzerland-based power and automation technology group said the change will create better opportunities for service and expand its presence in discrete manufacturing. It also hopes to respond better to increasing demand for energy efficient solutions.

Business units in ABB’s current Automation Products and Robotics divisions will be reorganized into two new divisions: Discrete Automation and Motion; and Low Voltage Products.

ABB Discrete Automation and Motion offers products and systems for discrete manufacturing applications, such as robotics and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and providing motion in plants, such as motors and drives. This division includes a numerous products and technologies for OEMs in the solar and wind energy sectors, as well as the rail segment.

ABB Low Voltage Products supplies mainly low-voltage electrical equipment for wholesalers, OEMs, and system integrators.

ABB’s instrumentation businesses will be reassigned from Automation Products to the Process Automation division, which remains otherwise unchanged.

ABB CEO Joe Hogan stated: “We have strengthened the market approach by grouping together businesses with similar customers, technologies and service models, which will help us accelerate the development of solutions for our customers.”

Latest from Automation and Robotics

BiancoBlue | Dreamstime
Assn. for Advancing Automation
Andreyi Armiagov | Dreamstime
Robotic arm in an automated production cell.
Robotic arm in an automated production cell.
Robotic arm in an automated production cell.
Robotic arm in an automated production cell.
Robotic arm in an automated production cell.