ABB has opened a new 20 million euro injection molding production capacity at Evergem near Ghent in Belgium to meet the growing demand for safe, smart and sustainable electrification solutions in Europe. The factory has been developed to meet the latest energy efficiency requirements by installing new injection molding machines, using digital technologies and automation solutions. It replaces an existing facility that joined ABB as part of the acquisition of GE Industrial Solutions in 2018. The manufacturing facility will produce power distribution boxes that serve as protective housings for power distribution components such as circuit breakers, fuses, switches and meters, ensuring the safe distribution, measurement and control of electricity in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
The global market size for enclosures is projected to grow from USD 7.42 billion in 2024 to USD 13.15 billion by 2032 due to increasing demand for new buildings, retrofitting of existing buildings with more efficient and reliable electrical systems, and advancements registered in the field of electrical distribution.
The new plant at Evergem is part of ABB’s Mission to Zero initiative, which aims to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of ABB sites, while supporting the company’s customers to reduce their own emissions. GHG by providing a scheme for decarbonisation that they can implement. The initiative is expected to reduce CO 2 emissions by more than 6,700 tonnes and energy consumption by more than 9,400 MWh annually compared to 2019 at the previous plant. The measures are expected to result in an annual reduction in energy costs of approximately EUR 2.5 million. Equipped with energy-efficient machinery, it is estimated that 10% of the factory’s energy needs will be generated by the 1,330 solar panels on the roof, with the rest coming from certified green energy sources. LED lighting, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, heat pumps, cooling water circuits and a new ventilation system also help reduce energy and carbon emissions.
The Evergem factory will continuously monitor and optimize energy use, through ABB’s own digital solutions, such as the ABB Ability Building Analyzer, which tracks building and utility data in real-time providing useful information to optimize energy efficiency. This, used together with energy from green sources and heat pumps, also facilitates the reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Additional digital technologies, such as a building management system, will be introduced in the coming months to further support the achievement of energy efficiency.
“Evergem’s Mission to Zero approach is a significant example of our goal of enabling a low-carbon society and our commitment to accelerate the transition to more sustainable manufacturing,” said Mike Mustapha, president of the Smart Buildings division. of ABB Electrification.
“This advanced plant is designed to meet future demand, not just current needs. Incorporating state-of-the-art technologies and innovative processes that can optimize efficiency and productivity now and for years to come will provide a foundation of training and an approach to sustainability for our people and customers. We will continue to combine digital technologies with measures to reduce energy consumption and increase renewable energy sources at Evergem in 2024 and beyond.”
To enable a low-carbon society, ABB takes a rigorous, science-based approach to net-zero targets in accordance with the Net-Zero Standard of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). ABB works with its customers to avoid emissions and increase the use of renewable sources. A scalable program, Mission to Zero, encompasses generation, energy management and building automation for industrial and commercial operations.