Summary:
1. ABB has opened a new manufacturing and R&D site in Nottingham to meet the increasing demand for Furse earthing, lightning, and surge protection technologies.
2. The £27 million investment aims to address the growing need for advanced protection solutions in data centers, buildings, renewables, and critical infrastructure facing extreme weather conditions.
3. The new facility, which is 35% larger than the previous one, includes a lab, testing center, and collaboration space to expand research, testing, and production of Furse range products.
Article:
ABB Expands Manufacturing and R&D Capabilities in Nottingham
ABB, a global technology company, has recently unveiled its new 8,800m² manufacturing and research facility in Nottingham to ramp up production of Furse earthing, lightning, and surge protection technologies. The £27 million investment comes in response to the rising demand for advanced protection solutions in key sectors such as data centers, buildings, renewables, and critical infrastructure that are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance ABB’s research, testing, and production capabilities for its Furse range, catering to customers seeking to mitigate the risks associated with lightning strikes and electrical surges. This new site, which is 35% larger than the previous Nottingham operation that had been in place for over a century, features a dedicated lab, testing center, collaboration space, and a specialized area for surge protection devices.
Driving Innovation and Sustainability
According to Andrea Castella, Europe Region Leader at ABB Installation Products, the investment in the new Nottingham facility is part of the company’s broader strategy to drive innovation and sustainability. With the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events, along with stringent safety requirements for buildings and data centers, there is a growing need for advanced earthing, lightning, and surge protection solutions.
More than 100 employees have already relocated to the purpose-built plant at Fairham Business Park, where millions of Furse components are produced and distributed annually. The facility serves as a global center of excellence for lightning protection, catering to customers across Europe, the Middle East, and APAC. In addition, the site integrates ABB’s digital and renewable energy solutions to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Overall, the new manufacturing and R&D site in Nottingham signifies ABB’s dedication to meeting the evolving safety and performance requirements of its customers, as well as its efforts to bring production and research closer to key markets. With its expanded capabilities and strategic location, the facility is poised to play a crucial role in advancing the development of innovative protection solutions for a wide range of applications.
