Following a doubling in workshop space, ABB’s UK Engineering Centre now offers its customers extended services including engineered upgrades, retrofits and tailored replacements.

ABB has doubled the size of its UK Engineering Centre to tackle demand for servicing variable speed drives (VSDs), developing specialist test rigs (STRs) and customer training.

Floorspace at the site in Coalville, Leicestershire, is increased from 830 m2 to 1789 m2. The site houses the latest ABB-certified workshop – one of 17 throughout the world - offering repairs and upgrades to low voltage AC and DC drives and medium voltage AC drives. The centre’s load test facilities ensure VSDs are tested under realistic conditions before being returned to a customer.

The facility upgrades third party medium voltage drives, as well as those of ABB. “Many operators across multiple industries are finding that their variable speed drives are no longer supported by the original vendor. ABB can integrate new variable speed drives and control platforms to these systems, ensuring operators can continue to benefit from their substantial investment in equipment,” says Stuart Melling, Business Unit Manager, ABB Drives UK.

The new facility houses ABB’s STR business, for which a new class of test rig for electric vehicles, incorporating battery simulators and electric chargers, is being developed.

The location boasts the largest VSD training school in the UK, offering customers access to certified courses covering low-, medium- and high-power drives. The site extends the scope of the ABB University campus in the UK and, as such, hosts a suite of demonstration equipment to show customers how they maximise the benefit from ABB solutions.

Coalville sees the introduction of the ABB AbilityTM Remote Support Centre. This enables global customers to maximise uptime and optimise processes by having round-the-clock access to drive and automation experts who use cloud-based technologies for preventive and predictive maintenance.

“Being in the heart of Leicestershire with good access to the M1, M42 and M6 motorways, the Coalville facility is a great location for everything from spares distribution to easy access for customer training, ” says Paul T. Williams, General Manager of the facility. “ The site is home to some 40 electrical, mechanical, control system and software development engineers, with the team expected to grow in the coming months.”