Manufacturer: ABB
Original publication date: 11 May 2026
Topic: European medium-voltage manufacturing expansion
ABB has announced an investment of approximately $200 million over three years to expand medium-voltage manufacturing capabilities across Europe.
Where the investment goes
Half of the announced amount is allocated to a new facility in Dalmine, Italy. ABB says this site will support growing demand for air-insulated and SF₆-free switchgear and breakers.
The remaining $100 million covers capacity-expansion projects at existing factories in Rakovski, Bulgaria; Vaasa, Finland; Ratingen, Germany; Skien, Norway; and Przasnysz, Poland. The affected technologies include gas-insulated switchgear, vacuum interrupters and protection relays.
Products and supply-chain impact
- Air-insulated and SF₆-free medium-voltage switchgear.
- Medium-voltage breakers and vacuum interrupters.
- Grid-automation and protection products.
- Expanded regional manufacturing intended to improve availability and shorten lead times.
Why it matters
The program addresses both the growth in electricity demand and the transition toward next-generation distribution equipment. It also shows that switchgear capacity is a portfolio issue: cubicles, switching devices, protection relays and automation products must all be available for a complete project.
Customers should not assume that a broad capacity increase will affect every product equally. Lead-time improvements will depend on product family, factory loading, project customization, component availability and required testing.
Source note: This is an independent editorial summary prepared by Learn Switchgear. Investment and location details are attributed to ABB. Read the original ABB press release.