ABB: Invests CHF 18 million in Switzerland in new power semiconductor laboratory

ABB today laid the foundation stone in Baden-Dättwil for the construction of a new laboratory building. The core of the new building at the Swiss Research Center is a 600m2 cleanroom where the next generation of high-performance semiconductors will be developed. ABB is investing 18 million Swiss francs and is further expanding the research focus on power electronics in Switzerland.

The laboratory is expected to be operational in spring 2014 and will continue the success story of power electronics, which began 100 years ago.

Key Technology

"Power semiconductors stand for innovation and are a key technology in both energy and automation technology," says Remo Lütolf, Chairman of the Executive Board of ABB Switzerland. "Whether it’s the utilization and connection of renewable energies, the efficient transmission of electrical energy over thousands of kilometers, the rapid charging of electric vehicles, or innovative drive systems for trains: the heart of it all is ABB’s power semiconductors."

Great Future Potential

The investment in semiconductor research clearly shows that ABB sees significant future potential in the field of power electronics. The location in Lenzburg also reflects this, where over the past few years, 200 million Swiss francs have been invested in expanding semiconductor production. In the Dättwil – Lenzburg – Turgi triangle, ABB has a globally unique competence center for power electronics with around 1,800 highly qualified employees.

The ABB Research Center in Switzerland is one of seven global centers. In Dättwil, around 200 scientists develop future technologies in the fields of power electronics, power transmission, energy storage, and automation.