Beijing, July 6, 2013 - ABB, the world’s leading power and automation technology group, was named “Innovator of the Year” at the 2013 Swiss Business Awards Ceremony.

Liu Qianjin, Chief Technology Officer of ABB (China) Limited, said, “China is not only the world’s manufacturing hub but also is increasingly becoming a global center of innovation and design. ABB prides itself on being a part of China’s innovation process with efforts to enhance its local research and development capabilities. We are committed to leading the transfer from ‘Made in China’ to ‘Designed in China’ with our technical innovation to bolster China’s rapid economic transformation.”

ABB currently has set up global research centers in Beijing & Shanghai, with development centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen and Hangzhou, and over 2,000 R&D personal in 20 locations. By opening its robotics R&D center in Shanghai, ABB became the sole multinational company to establish an entire value chain for its industrial robotics business in China, covering R&D, manufacturing, sales, engineering, and services. These initiatives have empowered significant competiveness of its localized R&D, ensuring ABB is able to produce 85% of its products in China.

In the power field, ABB, as a global pioneer and leader of HVDC technology, developed the world’s first hybrid HVDC circuit breaker, which was selected as one of most important 10 technology milestones of 2012 by MIT Technology Review. In China, ABB has actively supported the construction of ±800 kV UHVDC transmission projects, such as Xiangjiaba-Shanghai, Nuozhadu-Guangdong, Jinping-Sunan, and Hami-Zhengzhou. It also introduced leading innovative products, such as compact gas insulated medium-voltage switchgear ZX1.5-R SP , TEC ST Smart Transformer and ELK3 550kV Gas Insulated Switchgear.

ABB has localized the R&D and manufacturing of industrial robotics in the automation field. Last year, it further expanded its robotics portfolio with the introduction of the IRB5350 door opener for automotive interior painting & IRB 1520ID welding robot to help customers significantly improve productivity and reduce at least 50% of operating costs. In addition to serving the home market, these China-designed technologies have been successfully marketed globally. ABB also introduced the all-compatible ACS880 industrial drive, establishing a benchmark for energy-saving motors.

ABB always views local talent development as a key to realize its “Designed in China” strategy. ABB cooperates with many Chinese universities to help augment the innovation abilities of students. Following the success of the 1st University Innovation Contest, ABB launched a new innovation contest this year, themed “Innovation Powers the Future,” with an aim to further stimulate the innovative spirit of students. Furthermore, ABB has also cooperated with 10 universities on 15 research programs across China.

The “Swiss Business Awards 2013” were held by the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce in order to honor companies and individuals who have contributed to the cooperation and development of Swiss-Chinese business, including the “Innovator of the Year Award,” the “CSR Company of the Year Award,” the “Startup of the Year Award,” the “Chinese Investor in Switzerland Award,” and the “Outstanding Achievements Award.” The “Innovator of the Year Award” was determined based on the following criteria: technology introduction and R&D localization, enhancement of local partner innovation ability, cultivating local talent, and commitment to China's sustainable economic and social development needs.