ABB is investing some CHF 40 million (about 36.9 million euros) in new research and development facilities and office space for its Motion and Industrial Automation businesses at the company’s largest Swiss facility, in Turgi.

The investment will enable ABB to strengthen its position in a number of high-growth areas while also expanding its ‘innovation capabilities.’

By 2024, a new multi-purpose building will be constructed in Turgi. It will cover 7,000m² and offer modern workplaces through a combination of office space and research and development facilities.

The new ‘smart’ building will feature ABB’s portfolio of ‘intelligent products and systems’, along with digital technologies to control building automation and power distribution. Construction is scheduled to start in the spring of 2021.

Robert Itschner, country managing director of ABB Switzerland, said: “This investment is the most significant we have made in Switzerland over the past decade and will strengthen ABB’s global centre of excellence for power electronics, from R&D all the way to production.

“By working tirelessly to drive innovation, ABB will continue to contribute to improving energy efficiency and sustainability in mobility, industry and infrastructure.”

ABB has been developing and manufacturing ‘efficient and sustainable technology solutions’ in Turgi since 1967 — including traction converters used in drive systems for trains, e-buses and trams — and currently employs around 1,100 people there. Overall, the company has about 110,000 employees in over 100 countries.