2008-05-05 - Vectek’s innovative technology helps improve power quality for industry
Auckland, New Zealand, May 6, 2008 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has acquired the business of Vectek Electronics, a New Zealand company with innovative technology that improves the quality of the power supply in industrial installations, which helps to reduce downtime and increase productivity.
The business has 73 employees as well as a research and development center in the town of Napier, and will operate as part of ABB’s Automation Products division. Terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.
“In addition to demonstrating our kiwi ingenuity and talent for being innovative, Vectek’s products will strengthen ABB’s reputation for developing and delivering leading edge technology”, says Grant Gillard, Managing Director of ABB in New Zealand.
Modern electricity networks, while very secure from blackouts, suffer from variations in power quality that can result in very costly production shutdowns and variations in the quality of goods produced in industrial plants. Vectek’s high-power electronic converters use Active Volting Conditioning (AVC) technology to mitigate the affect of voltage surges and sags, creating a more stable and continuous supply.
The product is designed for industrial, commercial and marine applications and has already been successfully introduced in the U.S. and in some Asian markets. ABB’s new product unit will be managed by John Penny, formerly chief executive of Vectek.
“Vectek have established a market leadership position with their voltage conditioners in selected offshore markets, but need the worldwide channels to market that ABB can offer to take the business forward to achieve total global success”, says John Penny.
ABB has been established in New Zealand for over 75 years and now employs around 840 people throughout the country.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 110,000 people.