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• Modernization plan overhauls electrical infrastructure at key Husqvarna robotic lawnmower manufacturing facility;
• Upgrades significantly enhance reliability and efficiency of the plant’s medium-voltage switchgear, strengthening protection against unplanned outages;
• Modernizing existing installed base and extending equipment lifespan supports Husqvarna’s approach for more sustainable use of resources.
Running 24 hours per day, seven days a week to manufacture 200,000 robotic lawnmowers every year, operational reliability is crucial for the site. But with an electrical installed base dating back to the 1960s, the innovative manufacturer renowned for high quality machinery from lawnmowers to chainsaws and motorcycles was increasingly facing issues linked to obsolete equipment, limited servicing options and declining spare parts availability.
To protect the plant from unplanned outages and secure power reliability and availability for the future, Husqvarna (husqvarna.com) partnered with ABB to upgrade its aging medium-voltage switchgear.
Pavel Jiroušek of Husqvarna Manufacturing, Czech Republic, said: “Unplanned downtime can cost our facility thousands of euros per hour, which is why a reliable and predictable power supply is crucial. We needed a sustainable solution that focused on modernizing rather than replacing our existing installed base of switchgear. A solution that offered swift implementation and minimum disturbance to our operations.”
Leveraging ABB’s Electrification Service advisory services, ABB Navigate, ABB conducted a comprehensive technical assessment and recommended a targeted modernization plan. The project replaced outdated load break switches with a state-of-the-art upgrade, providing Husqvarna with a robust foundation for future investments and long-term operational development.
The team installed new NAL/NALF air-insulated switches that rapidly extinguish electrical arcs and support high switching capacity. Their modular build keeps installation time short, and after commissioning they can run for 15 years before requiring service.
The plant now benefits from a range of improvements to underpin operational stability including a reduced risk of equipment failure and disruption to plant operations as well as extended equipment lifetime.
Pavel Pelc, ABB Electrification Service in Czech Republic, said: “We are proud to support Husqvarna in their journey toward greater reliability and sustainability. Our technical expertise and tailored solutions ensure that even legacy systems can be modernized efficiently. By upgrading its aging infrastructure, Husqvarna has strengthened operational efficiency, extended equipment lifetime and reduced the need for large capital replacements, all while supporting circularity by prioritizing the sustainable reuse of existing infrastructure over full replacement.”
Employing 650 people across 14,700 square meters, the Vrbno pod Pradědem facility assembles robotic lawnmower kits and manufactures plastic products using injection moulding technology. Production efficiency is further supported by 20 ABB robots of various sizes and types.
Jiroušek added: “Over the years, ABB has provided us with a range of tailored, cost-effective solutions that strengthen our performance. They have proven to be a trusted partner in supporting us to achieve our operational objectives.”
ABB (abb.com) is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide.
ABB Electrification is a global technology leader enabling the efficient and reliable distribution of electricity from source to socket. With more than 50,000 employees across 100 countries, we collaborate with our customers and partners to solve the world’s greatest challenges in electrical distribution and energy management. As the energy transition accelerates and electricity demands grow, we are electrifying the world in a safe, smart and sustainable way. At ABB, we are ‘Engineered to Outrun’, and we are passionate about helping our customers and partners do the same.
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