ABB plans new plant to manufacture QCS for Pulp and Paper in Shanghai, China

WESTERVILLE, OH, Oct. 1, 2009 (Press Release) - ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announced that it will be building a new factory to manufacture its Quality Control Systems (QCS) for Pulp and Paper in Shanghai, China. This new facility will result in the transfer of about 60 jobs from an existing plant in Dundalk, Ireland to the new facility. The research and development (R&D), product support and marketing functions will remain in Dundalk. The QCS business is part of ABB's Process Automation Division, Pulp and Paper Business Unit.

QCS Systems are used by the Pulp and Paper industry to measure various physical parameters of the paper web as it is being produced. These systems enable papermakers to control the quality of the paper, increase efficiency thus reduce the energy required by the industry. ABB, through its AccuRay acquisition in 1987, has been an industry pioneer in the measurement and control of paper machines for 60 years.

Organizationally, ABB operates a business unit dedicated to providing automation and electrification products specifically designed for the Pulp and Paper industry. This investment is a continuation of ABB's commitment to supply leading-edge technology to its pulp and paper customers.

According to Roger Bailey, global manager of ABB's Pulp and Paper business, the decision to locate the new factory in Shanghai was based on ABB's continuing strategy to align its footprint with the market demand. "Most new paper machines are being built in Asia, and to better support this demand, we needed to invest in the region."