ABB opens UK manufacturing and R&D facility in Nottingham

ABB has officially opened a new manufacturing and R&D facility in Nottingham, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to advancing lightning protection technologies. The £27 million investment expands ABB’s capabilities in the production and development of its Furse earthing and lightning protection solutions, which are critical for safeguarding infrastructure against electrical surges and lightning strikes.

Andrea Castella, Europe Region Leader, ABB Installation Products, said: “The increased frequency and intensity of severe weather events with lightning strikes, along with urbanisation, and more stringent building and data centre safety requirements, are driving demand for advanced earthing, lightning and surge protection solutions. The investment in our new Nottingham facility is part of ABB’s broader strategy to drive innovation and sustainability, expand manufacturing, and shorten supply chains to bring production and R&D closer to customers.”

Global centre of excellence
Located at Fairham Business Park, the new 95,000ft² facility is more than 35% larger than ABB’s previous Nottingham site, which had operated for over 130 years. The upgraded site includes a ‘state of the art’ R&D lab and testing centre, a collaboration area, and a dedicated section for ABB’s Furse Surge Protection Device (SPD) product range. It is set to become a global centre of excellence for lightning protection technologies, supporting the development of new solutions as safety and performance standards evolve.

More than 100 employees have transitioned to the new purpose-built facility, which will continue to produce and distribute millions of Furse components annually to over 60 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and APAC. The site integrates ABB’s latest digital and renewable energy technologies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.
With approximately 1,700 employees and more than 20 facilities across the UK, ABB’s investment in Nottingham underscores its long-term commitment to the region and its role in supporting global infrastructure resilience.