ABB plans to invest approximately $200m (SFr156.27m) over the next three years to expand its medium-voltage manufacturing capabilities in Europe.
The Switzerland-based company will focus on increasing production capacity and advancing next-generation technologies for power distribution. It will also work to improve supply for customers updating their power infrastructure in sectors such as utilities, industry and data centres.
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A new $100m facility in Dalmine, Italy, is set to support demand for air-insulated and sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆)-free switchgear and breakers.
ABB will invest a further $100m in capacity expansions across sites in Rakovski, Bulgaria; Vaasa, Finland; Ratingen, Germany; Skien, Norway; and Przasnysz, Poland. These factories will scale up production of technologies such as gas-insulated switchgear, vacuum interrupters and relays.
ABB CEO Morten Wierod said: “This $200m investment will strengthen ABB’s medium-voltage manufacturing and technology capabilities in Europe and support customers as electricity demand increases and the grid evolves.
“Demand is being driven by major structural trends, from grid modernisation and the integration of renewables to data centre 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.”
The investment programme follows recent projects in the UK and Hungary.
ABB invested $15m in Kecskemét, Hungary, to enhance research and development (R&D) and production of connector technologies that support medium-voltage network reliability. The investment also broadens ABB’s grid resilience portfolio for utilities and renewable energy customers.
In Nottingham, UK, ABB allocated $35m to expand production of earthing and lightning protection solutions. These solutions are designed for critical infrastructure and sectors including data centres, communications and transportation.
The International Energy Agency projects that electricity’s share of final energy consumption will rise from around 20% at present to nearly 30% by 2030, highlighting the requirements for grid expansion.
Separately, ABB has announced an agreement to acquire Specialtrasfo, an Italian manufacturer of specialised medium-voltage transformers, including converter and rectifier types, with installations in more than 70 countries.
The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, and the business will be integrated into ABB’s Motion High Power division.
Specialtrasfo, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Agrate Brianza near Milan, operates three manufacturing sites in northern Italy and employs 130 people. In 2025, Specialtrasfo recorded revenues of approximately €80m ($93.93m), with around half generated through its offering with ABB.
Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
In March 2026, ABB announced plans to further invest approximately $75m in India to grow its manufacturing and R&D capabilities, together with more than $35m scheduled for 2025.
ABB stated that these investments will support infrastructure expansion including for renewable energy, metro rail, and data centres in five locations.
