The effect drawing of the transformer smart manufacturing base. [Photo provided by Hitachi ABB Power Grids]

Hitachi ABB Power Grids has begun to build its new smart manufacturing base in Liangjiang New Area in Chongqing, one of China's four municipalities. The program is among ten major programs at the municipal level and involves investment totaling 10.2 billion yuan ($1.53 billion), according to local media reports.

A total of 1.5 billion yuan is being invested in the first phase of the program. A world-class transformer design center and smart manufacturing base, as well as a global insulator processing center, will be created and put into operation in 2022.

"The future global transformer design center is the company's only center in China that boasts transformers over 500 Kilovolts," an engineer in charge of the program said. "The design center will explore the company's most cutting-edge technologies, and will offer customized products and solutions to technical problems in transformer-making. In addition, other countries may also enjoy multiple services related to transformer design," he added.

The global insulator processing center will provide insulator products for the transformer manufacturing plants of both Hitachi ABB Power Grids and first-class transformer manufacturers in China.

ABB Chongqing Transformer Co was jointly established by Hitachi ABB Power Grids and Chongqing Transformer Co Ltd in 1998. It is one of the largest transformer manufacturing bases in the world, competitive due to its annual production capacity of over 50,000 megavolt-amperes and its advanced production and testing facilities. Its transformers have been exported to 19 overseas markets, including Singapore, Thailand, Australia, the United States, Malaysia, and Brazil.

Liangjiang New Area has been focusing on high-end, high-tech industries in recent years. Its motor freight, rail, air and water shipment transport systems have attracted companies like Hitachi ABB Power Grids to create bases there.