The in-house publication for the ABB team in the UK. June 2000

Surfin’ ABBSieze the moment3 Reservoir Dogs14 European Voices218

ABB received a letter in Mayfrom Prime Minister Tony Blair’sPrivate Secretary Kate Garvey,praising our Interactive Cafe initiative.

The letter stated that: “ThePrime Minister wants the UK to bethe world’s leading Internet economyand strongly believes that this is thebest route for success and prosperity.He believes that, to make the most of the opportunities this economy can provide, we must ensure thateveryone has a chance to take part.

This is why he has set the target ofuniversal access to the Internet by2005.

“Projects such as the ABBInteractive Cafe are particularlywelcome, and it is to be hoped thatother companies match your example.”For more details on the ABBInteractive Cafe see pages 8 & 9.

Green for growth

Praisefrom the PM

Göran Lindahl, ABB’sPresident and CEO, told theaudience: “We have developedtechnologies that make windpower and other renewable andalternative energies economi-cally attractive for the firsttime – both small-scale andlarge-scale solutions.

“With deregulation in thepower market, global efforts to

cut pollution and governmentinitiatives to boost electricityproduction from alternativeenergy, especially in Europe,we think this market is poisedfor tremendous growth. Withour technologies and globalscope, we intend to be a leaderworldwide.”

Continued on page 2 CHP generates £66 million contractThe press conference heard positive proof of the huge potential for alternative energy solutions with the announcement ofCheltenham-based ABB Zantingh’s £66 million order fromScottish and Southern Energy for ten combined heat andpower (CHP) plants.

The natural gas-fired CHP plants, small-scale units thatproduce both electricity and heat, will be built over the next18 months at locations throughout the UK. ABB will alsooperate and maintain them for 17 years. The plants will belinked and remotely controlled and monitored using advancedIT systems to optimise load management across the nationalgrid. ABB Financial Services arranged part of the financing for the contract.

Several of the plants will be used in greenhouse applications – to provide electricity for lighting, hot water for heating and CO2 to stimulate plant growth. Because theCO2 is injected into the greenhouse rather than the environ-ment, emissions are reduced considerably. ABB has alreadybuilt and operated similar greenhouse applications in theNetherlands.

On Thursday, 8 June, key journalists and analystsgathered at simultaneous press conferences inLondon and Sweden to hear how ABB’s strategy foralternative energy solutions will reap a one billiondollar share of this business by 2005.

Göran Lindahl, ABB President & CEO, conducts a Q&A session

ABB outlines strategy for alternative and renewable energy solutions

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Green for growth

ABB Power T&D Limited haswon a turnkey order worth over£50 million to build a newindoor high-voltage (HV) substa-tion in the centre of London.The contract was placed byNational Grid Company (NGC),and is the largest value HV sub-station order placed by NGC todate. The project is part ofNGC´s programme to upgradethe power grid for North WestLondon and The City area.

Using ABB’s latest substationtechnology and design, the cus-tomer can achieve both its envi-ronmental and economic goals inthe UK’s competitive and dereg-

ulated power market. The 400-kilovolt (kV) substation at StJohn’s Wood will use ABB’s compact gas insulated switchgear(GIS) technology.

Under the terms of the con-tract, ABB companies in the UK,Sweden and Switzerland will sup-ply 18 GIS switchbays and associ-ated equipment, four 240-MVAtransformers, and substation pro-tection and control systems. ABBis also responsible for the engi-neering design and civil works aswell as the complete installationand commissioning. The projectis scheduled for completion inthe summer of 2004.

£50 million order for London indoor substation

Currently, renewable energyaccounts for 30 GW, or justabout one percent of the worldenergy requirement, although itsimportance is now growing fasterthan ever before. In fact, by 2003the total market willbe worth at leastone billion dollars, and will

have grown to over two and ahalf billion by 2010. In order toestablish a world leading positionin sustainable energy develop-ments, ABB is investing some300 million dollars over the nextfive years.

At the press confer-ence, MarkusBayegan, ABB SeniorCorporate Officer,

Group Research andDevelopment and

Technology, unveiled apowerful portfolio of five

principal alternative energy tech-nologies comprising:

WindformerA new generation of

wind power technologythat increases power outputby up to 20 percent and cuts life-time maintenance costs in half.Using the Windformer, windfarms can be built economicallyin a range from six MW to 300MW or more – equivalent to theoutput from a medium sized fossil-fuel plant. The technologyalso allows wind farms to be builtoffshore, where they are well outof sight.

MicroturbinesThese small, efficient and low-

emission gas turbines provideelectricity for homes, commer-cial buildings, hospitals,and small factories.Their compact sizeand high reliabilitymake them suitablefor small combinedheat and powerinstallations.

Fuel Cell SystemsSimilar to batteries, fuel cells

generate electricity through achemical reaction, and producevery low emissions. They aresmall enough for residential and

small commercial applications,making them ideal for use inareas without connections toexisting power grids. ABB hasjust announced a joint develop-ment agreement with DuPont forfuel cell systems for a variety ofapplications.

MicrogridsA microgrid is created by con-

necting a local group of smallpower generators using advanced

sensing, communications, andcontrol technologies - all

integrated using ITsolutions. Themicrogrid can tradepower with largergrids, creating a vir-

tual utility.

HVDC LightA high-efficiency, low-loss

power transmission system thatallows power with variable frequencies – like wind power – to be economically linked directlyto larger power grids.

Windformer offers 20 percent more power

Continued from page 1

Shaking hands on the St John’s Wood contract are (left to right) Mike Jackson and Carl Lomas (NGC) Stefan Jonsson and Trevor Gregory (ABB), Richard West (NGC)

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Seizing the Opportunity forGrowth, was the theme for theTop Management Forum held inDavos, Switzerland at the end ofMay.

“We haven’t seen a market likethis, where GDP is growing inevery region of the world at thesame time, in more than 20years,” Göran Lindahl, ABBPresident and CEO, told the 400participants who met in twogroups over five days. “This isunprecedented. The question is,can we mobilise fast enough? It isabsolutely critical that we putresources into this right now, toboost sales in every market.”

Strategic goalsJohn Munro, Senior Vice

President, Eastern Region at ABBVetco Gray inAberdeen, was one ofthe UK managersattending. “There was a real sense ofpurpose anddynamism to theevent,” he said. “Atthe end we were leftin no doubt as to the

company’s goals. The challengenow is to implement these fast, get quick wins and buildmomentum.”

The goals are:● Move fast into eBusiness● Increase revenue from knowl-

edge and service solutions● Sustained growth in cash flow● Focus on technology innova-

tion to drive growth● Leadership in sustainability

Value creationFocusing much of his wide-

ranging opening presentation onthe need for top line growth andhigher cash flow to meet valuecreation targets and the expecta-tions of financial markets, GöranLindahl said.

“Investors look at alot of factors whenassessing a company –growth potential, newbusiness opportunities,and innovation – butthey put the highestpriority on projectionsof future cash flow,”he said. “Cash flow

gives a more accurate picture ofoperational health than, forexample, operating earnings ornet income. It is how we measurevalue creation and is now thefinancial measure for the ABBGroup.”

Global Processes.Turning to the subject of

Global Processes, he added: “Thecreation of a single unified ABBbrand in the market, backed byefficient common businessprocesses worldwide is anotheressential element of ABB’sapproach to value creation.

“The development of sharedservices and common processes inareas like eBusiness, marketing andsales, supply management, financeand human resources will free upline managers to spend more timewith customers.

InnovationCalling technology critical to

the success of value creation,Göran Lindahl said new areas ofresearch include wireless andbroadband communication,molecular-scale nanotechnologies

and microelectro-mechanical sys-tems (MEMS), and Internet-basedtechnologies.

Another research focus is alter-native energies, like wind power.With most countries in Europesetting ambitious goals to switchto alternative energy sourceswithin the next ten years, he estimated that ABB could havesignificant business in this area,including microturbine-equippedcombined heat and power plants(CHP), fuel cells, wind powerand related technologies withinfive years.

eBusinessOne of the biggest growth

potentials for ABB lies ineBusiness. The global marketcould grow almost 20-fold withinthe next four years, most of thatin the business-to-business sector.The company has set an ambi-tious target to put 30 percent ofits standard products online bythe end of this year, and 100 per-cent next year. Mr Lindahl said he’s optimistic the goal is achievable.

Business ethicsThe immediate

transfer of informationmade possible by theInternet together withhigher levels of disclo-sure make the issue ofcompliance with ethi-cal standards moreimportant than ever.An initiative calledCompliance 2000 toeducate and trainemployees everywhereabout ABB’s rules forensuring proper busi-ness conduct is under-way. A booklet entitledBusiness Ethics, avail-able through the legalservices staff, outlinesABB’s policy in areassuch as conflict ofinterest, bribery, politi-cal contributions anddisclosure rules.

John Munro

Seize the moment

Unprecedented growth in GDP across the world: Can we mobilise fast enough?▼

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A new US$1 billion venture capi-tal company in which ABB hastaken a major stake is aiming toinvest in and develop business tobusiness eCommerce companiesacross Europe and aims to forgecloser links between new econo-my and traditional enterprisecompanies.

ABB and Investor, Sweden’slargest holding company, haveeach invested $300 million.Other partners making up therest of the $1 billion venture areAstra Zeneca, Atlas Copco,

Electrolux, Saab, Sandvik, SEB,StoraEnso and WM-data.

Marcus Wallenberg, CEOInvestor, said: “This is the firsttime large industrial and servicecorporations have created aninvestment base exclusively forB2B starts in Europe. We moveforwards today by different cur-rencies. Namely the value of ourknowledge, the value of our expe-riences and the value of our con-nections. In this new venture wewill bring all of these thingstogether.”

A key focus for the newgroup will be to develop B2BeCommerce trading hubs toserve traditional industries.Trading hubs use Internet soft-ware and networks to improvethe supply chains that underlaymajor industrial sectors.

Commenting on the neweconomy, Göran Lindahl, ABBPresident and CEO, said thecompany was embracing thenew economy with its greateremphasis on IT, knowledge andservice. “In the new network-

ing society we need to changeour business principles. We aregoing from serving existingmarkets into new economieswhere we can create new markets.

“Instead of selling data weare selling information.Instead of selling equipmentwe are selling performance.Instead of selling products weare selling capacity or usage.Instead of selling measurementdevices we are selling measure-ment.”

b-business partners– new investment company

● A basic level of awarenessregarding eBusiness

● Can answer questions fromcustomers on what ABB isdoing regarding eBusiness

● Understand how eBusinesscan help and benefit them intheir day to day jobs andanswer any concerns that they may have

To get the programme underway a core team of 12 UK trainers recently headed for Zurich where they underwent an intensive ‘Train the Trainer’ course. Theyreturned fully equipped with all the necessary resources todeliver a two-hour eBusiness presentation as well as

answering virtually any question that the ‘Frontend’ people mayhave.

The Trainers ready for training

The UK has been chosen as the pilot country for a globaleBusiness awareness training programme developed toensure that ‘Front end’ sales & marketing people have:

Taking the @ train

Trevor Kirtley of ABBControl outlines a point.

The core trainers are:Taposh Bhattacharya, ABB Automation

Steve McMullen, ABB Control

Trevor Kirtley, ABB Control

John Coleman, ABB Instrumentation

Geoff Everest, ABB Low Voltage Systems

John Mitson, ABB Building Technologies

Bryn Jones, ABB Offshore Systems

Terry Mizzi, ABB Power T&D

Catriona MacNaughtan, ABB Vetco Gray

Simon Dart, ABB Metering Systems

Rebecca Austin, ABB eBusiness Champion

Andrew Orrock, ABB ProCon

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A Bright Future initiative toattract electrical, mechanical andbuilding service apprentices tothe construction industry, hasbeen launched by ABB BuildingTechnologies.

Managing Director DavidLamb says: “We want to makeyoung people aware of therewarding careers available todaywithin the construction industry.Aimed at boys and girls aged 15 to 18 years the ABB BrightFuture initiative is a web-basedapprentice information site com-plete with overview of recentprojects.

“It can be accessed via thewww.abb.co.uk home page.”

Posters advertising the site andthe competition have been sent

to schools close to ABB BuildingTechnologies’ regional centres.

The construction industry isthe UK’s largest manufacturingindustry accounting for 20 per-cent of the gross domestic product. This means that it offers young people vast careeropportunities and good potentialearning power.

David Lamb says, “The indus-try is changing and while someyoungsters have a rather poorimage of it, there are excitingopportunities in the electrical,mechanical and building servicesides in which we operate. We are hoping to attract around200 potential apprentices overthe next three years,” he adds.

Left to right: Michel Shannon, recently qualified electrician, andMartin Densley, electrical apprentice, launch ABB BuildingTechnologies’ Bright Future initiative.

Bright Future initiative

The Mall functions like a shop-ping centre, with a collection ofstores each representing aBA/BU product line.

Customers can search by prod-uct or industry type. By the endof the year, it will contain 30percent of our standard product

ABB’s stand at the Hannover Industrial Fair

The week-long Hannover Industrial Fair inGermany attracted over 350,000 visitors fromaround the world. ABB had a major presence with the first public airing of the ABB Mall.

catalogue. This means at thetouch of a button, seven days a week, 365 days a year, cus-tomers will be able to search thecatalogue, place orders and sortout payment and deliveryarrangements.

As Rebecca Austin, UKeBusiness Champion, pointsout: “Worldwide, eCommercesales are estimated to be wortharound $400 billion a year.Analysts predict this will growto $100 trillion in four yearstime, with B2B (business tobusiness) four times moreimportant then B2C (businessto consumer).”

The pilot at Hannover wasthe culmination of two years’development work involvingteams of IT and sales peoplefrom around the ABB world aswell as real customers.

“Part of the demo was a feed-back loop,” continues RebeccaAustin. “This data is nowbeing analysed thoroughly

and we are also tracking inputfrom a small number of customers engaged as a referencegroup. The Mall will be fullyintegrated into the abb.com website as a truly interactive customer portal.”

So how will the ABB Mallaffect our relationship withcustomers? “No one should

doubt the importance of thecustomer interface,” saysRebecca Austin. “The web is avery neutral medium whichmeans thataccount rela-tionships andcustomerservice willbe evenmoreimpor-tant inthefuture.”

All the fun of the fair

The ABB Mall can even be accessed from hand held PCs

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Companies change. Marketschange. Products change. Peoplechange. But brands evolve. Anunderstanding of this fact is a keyto ABB’s continuing success.

Brand identity is becoming aconstant in a world of change.And increasingly, trust in the rep-utation of the supplier can be avital issue in winning sales orgaining acceptance for addedvalue.

The consumer market is theone where these arguments arereadily accepted. Coca Cola val-ues its ‘brand’ at $84 billion andNike values its at $8 billion.

For ABB building the brandvalue, in parallel with outstandingproducts and services, as well asstrong customer relationships, isthe way of the future. This brand

building takes place in two mainarenas - the way we perform andthe way we look.

Existing customers will largelyjudge us on performance. Newprospects and the wider commu-nity are highly influenced by theway we present ourselves. Ourvisual identity builds recognitionand opens doors. This is why it isseen as absolutely vital to adhereto corporate guidelines for pre-senting the ABB brand.

These guidelines are now easily accessible to everyone whoneeds them via the Intranet.

They lay down rules for everyform of visual imagery – fromusing the logo on its own to ads,brochures, vehicle liveries andelectronic media such as websites.

The message from the top isclear. ABB is one entity, a globalcompany, and the uniform presen-tation of the brand is essential.Göran Lindahl insists on main-taining a consistent global identity.

Katja Zubler, of the Group’screative services team, has beenbuilding the new web portal onthe Intranet. She says, “The new

portal and the guidelines it con-tains are the result of a great dealof effort. We have carried outresearch and gained feedbackfrom all over. The results areaccessible to all.”

To see the new guidelines linkto the following site -http://stage-www.abb.com/glob-al/seitp/Seitp150.nsf

The elite seven will not onlysupply stock but also provideon-site support, training at alevel approved and audited byABB, and deliver drives up to37kW within 90 minutes.They can also supply spares,have their own repair centresand provide a 24-hour, 365days-a-year support network.

The ABB Drives Allianceconsists of EDC in Scotland,Slater Drive Systems in theNorth, Halcyon Drives inYorkshire and Manchester,Central Electrical in Merseysideand Cheshire, Sentridge

Control in the Midlands,Arcontrol in the South East andGibbons Drive Systems in EastAnglia. Each has been chosenfor its extensive drives andapplication knowledge andunderstanding of customer’sspecific needs.

James Haigh, DrivesManager at ABB Automation inDidsbury says: “The ABBDrives Alliance is the next logi-cal step in the development ofour sales and support networkand gives customers muchgreater access to ABB throughregional satellites.

“The drives knowledge ofeach partner is inspected rigor-ously to ensure technical compliance with ABB’s highstandards and will be technical-ly audited each year to ensurethe highest standards are maintained.”

Brand news

Stay on messageThe latest ABB Corporate Identity guidelines set a deadline for allABB material to conform to the style laid down (see Intranet sitelink in main article). The date is June 30 and all ABB companiesare required to ensure that everything they produce fully meets thestyle requirements. By that time old material – and that meansads, brochures, newsletters and presentations – must no longer beused.

ABB Automation has hand picked seven strategicpartners who will form the backbone of the mostadvanced drives supply and service network in theUK. Called the ABB Drives Alliance, the groupwill offer unprecedented levels of availability,delivery, service and support not previously obtainable in the UK marketplace.

Driving partners

James Haigh (far right) DrivesManager at ABB Automationwith the magnificent seven.Left to right: Paul Stafford(Sentridge Control), PaulGaines (Halcyon Drives), RogerDunn (Arcontrol), MartinGibbons (Gibbons DriveSystems), Allan Murray (EDC),Tim Sutton (Central Electrical)and Kevin Brown (Slater DriveSystems..

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Brazilian BlendAn ABB and Snamprogetti consortium has signed a US$650-mil-lion order to develop a greenfield gas chemical complex near Riode Janeiro, Brazil. The order was placed by Rio Polimeros Ltda.and covers the design and construction of ethylene and polyethyl-ene facilities using proprietary ABB ethylene process technology.The plant is scheduled to enter commercial operation at the end of 2003.

Insurance UpgradeStandard & Poor’s has upgraded its insurer financial and counter-party credit strength ratings on ABB’s insurance subsidiary SiriusInternational Corp. to AA- (double-A-minus) from A+ (A-plus).

Nuclear Sale CompletedABB has finalised the US$485 million sale of its nuclear activitiesto BNFL following regulatory approval in Europe and the UnitedStates. Under the terms of the agreement, BNFL is purchasingABB’s worldwide nuclear businesses, headquartered in the UnitedStates and with operations in Sweden, France, Germany andKorea. The divested businesses also include nuclear automation.

MEGA DealABB is purchasing MEGA Transformadores S.A. (MEGA), a leadingsupplier of distribution transformers in Brazil. ABB plans to quicklyintroduce new technology into the company, aimed at fuellinggrowth in its power distribution business in the dynamic privatisingLatin American market. MEGA employs around 180 people and isbased in Blumenau, in southern Brazil. The company supplies awide range of oil-insulated and dry distribution transformers andhas a strong position in the South American market.

ALSTOM POWER Sale ConcludedABB has concluded the sale of its 50-percent share in ABBALSTOM POWER to ALSTOM, marking another milestone in thecompany’s transformation to a knowledge and service-based busi-ness. ABB and ALSTOM merged most of their respective powergeneration activities to create the joint 50-50 company in June1999. After obtaining regulatory approvals for the divestment of its50 percent to ALSTOM, ABB has received a cash payment reflectingthe valuation of its share as well as outstanding issues betweenABB and ALSTOM. ABB keeps full ownership of the Powerformertechnology which is now being applied in several ABB products andsystems.

For more information on any of these items visit www.abb.com

London’s Science Museum was thechosen venue for the announce-ment of an exciting alliancebetween ABB Automation andProcess Systems Enterprise Ltd(PSE) – a private, high-tech spin-off from London’s ImperialCollege and the college’srenowned Centre for ProcessSystems Engineering.

The exclusive technology andservices agreement will bring PSE’sgPROMS process modelling andsimulation technology to processmanufacturers around the world.

PSE is a recognised leader inthe fields of steady-state and

dynamic modelling, simulationand optimisation, and parameterestimation and control.

Under the terms of the agree-ment, which provides for signifi-cant collaboration and sharing ofcore technology, ABB will licensePSE’s gPROMS software forincorporation in a new generationof model-based automation products for the chemical, phar-maceutical, food and beverage andother process industries.

ABB and PSE will also collaborate in the provision ofservices relating to model-basedapplications.

Global Eye Innovative technologyand services agreement

Over 150 potential users and press from the UK, Europe and USattended the Science Museum event, which included brief presentationsfrom senior ABB and PSE personnel, as well as four demonstrationareas covering the ABB PSE alliance, the future roadmap and applications.

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Perhaps the most impressiveaspect of the project has been theincredible speed with which it hasgone ahead. From getting finalapproval at the start of February,the official opening of the firstInteractive Cafe took place here atStone on March 20th - less thanseven weeks later. In order tomake that happen our team ofthree, myself, Lee Hodges andAlan Donoghue, had just a weekto specify the hardware and com-plete the design of the desktopand web pages.

We had some previous experi-ence which stood us in good steadsince we had previously put thecompany quality and environmen-tal manuals onto an Intranet oper-

ating across multiple sites. In fact,the success of that project was themain reason why we were asked totake on the Interactive Cafe pro-gramme.

Just at the time we were draw-ing up the specification for thecomputer systems ABB concludeda global supply and service agree-ment with IBM. And the P300PL computers installed in theInteractive Cafe were part of thevery first batch. They are quite ahigh specification Pentium III –550 MHz.

We decided to incorporate theflat screen displays, as althoughthey are several times more expen-sive than the typical desktop monitor they are bright, clear and

easy on the eyes as well as beingrobust and easy to position for justthe right viewing angle. Thismanoeuvrability of the screen isparticularly important to enablethe screen to be lowered for wheel-chair users.

Connecting the computers tothe Internet is rather more compli-cated than plugging them into awall socket as you do at home. We have to provide a connectionfrom the company network via asecurity firewall (which protectsthe network against unauthorisedaccess) to the central ABB IMSfacility which connects to theInternet. This actually gives veryfast access to the Internet, slightlybetter even than ISDN.

We had an initial influx of 15 individual PCs, which requiredquite some time to set up. Butnow that the programme isexpanding we have designed a diskto enable them to be set up on

site simply by loading it into thedrive.

One of the most difficultthings to decide was the balancebetween making the InteractiveCafe units robust and secure, witheverything ‘locked down’ and theneed to make them accessible anduser friendly. But in any case, thefirst stage has really been to getpeople using them and havingfun@work. Now that we are get-ting a much clearer picture of howthey are being used we can start toadd additional features such asloud speakers and web cameras.

If our experience at Stone isanything to go by then the unitsseem to be in almost constant use.And we have even had reports ofpeople asking to come in at theweekend so that their children canuse them – which is exactly thekind of enthusiasm for theInternet we hoped to generate!

The ABB Interactive Cafe programme is now in full swing with the first wave of the special podsalready up and running in seven UK locations. Butthat is just the start, as the next stage is a majorrollout that eventually will enable every employeeto enjoy the benefits of free Internet and companyIntranet access. Carl Gratty, Senior Support Analystat ABB Power T&D, Stone, tells Profile about someof the technical background to the project.

Lee Hodges andCarl Gratty (on right)

Virtual VisitTechnology saved the daywhen local MP Andrew Millerwas unable to attend theunveiling of the InteractiveCafe at Ellesmere Port. Thanksto a video conference, he wasable to have a “virtual pres-ence” at the launch, joining thecelebrations from the House ofCommons. It was ratherappropriate since AndrewMiller has a keen interest ininformation technology andthe Internet, although he haspromised to visit in person inthe near future.

ABB Power T&D – Ellesmere port

Andrew Miller MP (onscreen) with Trevor Gregory,MD of ABB Power T&D

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ABB Vetco Gray – Montrose

“ I use it every day, both for work and for personal thingssuch as holiday information. Not only is it free, but becauseit’s always on there is no waiting for a connection.”Kevin Robertson, QA, ABB Vetco Gray – Montrose

ABB Building Technologies– Solihull

ABB Power T&D – Dundee

“ Although I have a computer at homeit doesn’t have Internet access, so thisis really useful. I visit the ABB site toget the latest company news and I’vealso used it to check for manufacturerrecalls on my car.”George Aitken, Team Leader, Finishing, ABB Power T&D - Dundee

“ I was introduced to computers through theOpen Learning scheme and I have hadInternet access at home for about 18 months.I am particularly enjoying being the facilita-tor for the Interactive Cafe at Stone which isa wonderful idea since it’s fast, easy to use,free and also great fun.”Beverley Barcroft, Electromags Assembly, ABB MeteringSystems - Stone

“ I have used computers at work before, but theInternet is still new to me. I will definitely beusing the Interactive Cafe a lot in the future as I am keen to try on-line shopping, especially forclothes and home and garden equipment.”Judy Kent, Group Leader, ABB Metering Systems - Stone

“ After 40 years at Stone I have seen a lot of changes, butthe Internet looks like being one of the most important.I have not used the Internet before, but it is definitelythe coming thing and I am keen to get to grips with it.I hate walking round shops, and if on-line shoppingcuts that down it will be most welcome.”Mick Powell, Senior Site Services Engineer, ABB Metering Systems – Stone

“ As a student I had foundthe Internet very useful.And it’s proving even moreuseful at work with so muchinformation available at theclick of a mouse. It’s certain-ly popular as the InteractiveCafe is always very busy.”Alpana Naik, Chemicals andPharmaceuticals, ABB Automation – Stevenage

“ The Interactive Cafe is great for finding out company information, sending emails and making travel arrange-ments. I am also finding it very useful to be able to log on tothe Institute of Personnel Development (IPD) site to keep upwith the latest legislation.”Sam Russell, Payroll, ABB Building Technologies – Solihull

“ I was already familiar with the Internet, but hadmainly used it for email. Now I’m really exploringthe web. For work it is great for finding out sup-plier information, and I am also putting it togood use to explore the property market.”Tim Rumball, Airports, ABB Building Technologies - Acton

“ I had got used to having Internetaccess at home and university. So it’sgood to find I can now use it atwork. It has already proved very useful in helping me to find a new car.”Richard Groves, Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, ABB Automation – Stevenage

ABB Automation – Stevenage

ABB Power T&D – Stone

’ ABB

World Wide Words Some first impressions from ABBemployees on their new Interactive Cafes.

“ I don’t have a computer at home and I had never used theInternet before the Interactive Cafe was installed. It’s reallyeasy to use and very interesting. I have already found outsome useful facts about holiday resorts. I don’t know if I would use it for food shopping, but I’m quite keen to give it a try for clothes.”Yvonne Leese, Senior Operator, ABB Metering Systems – Stone

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In recent weeks ABBInstrumentation has loggedsome important new contractsand extended its facilities,demonstrating its continuingcommitment to customers inthe UK and across the world.

New centre is world beater

A new FlowmeterCalibration and Repair Centrehas been opened at itsWorkington, Cumbria site.

It is believed to be one ofthe world’s most comprehen-sive centres dedicated to thecalibration and repair of anymake of flowmeter. TheWorkington facility whichcame into ABB as part of theElsag Bailey acquisition com-plements the ABB ‘Centre ofExcellence’ for flow measure-ment in Stonehouse,Gloucestershire.

The facility is capable of re-calibrating flowmeters fromsizes 1mm to 1200mm for typ-ical industrial applications.This is complemented by theStonehouse operation whichcan accommodate flowmetersizes up to 2.4 metres.

ABB Instrumentation alsocontinues to manufactureflowmeters at Workington aswell as its Stonehouse site.

Rush at the domeThames Water has chosen con-

tinuous on-line analysers to moni-tor the quality of water being usedto flush some 600 WCs at theMillennium Dome. They are partof a plant which is designed tosave on mains water by collectingrising ground water from the site,rainwater from the roof and ‘grey’soapy water from handwashbasins. The treated water is testedby the analysers before beingreleased for use in the toilets.

No trouble at millThe company’s monitoring

instruments are playing an

important part in the recyclingof treated wastewaters in a majorUK paper company’s two mills.The fresh water intake require-ment for the two mills is beingreduced by up to 15 percent and40 percent respectively, resultingin lower water bills and a signifi-cant reduction in waste dis-charges.

Sampling ordersOrders for fifteen chemical

sampling monitoring systems foruse in power plants in theUnited States, Canada andMexico have been secured fromALSTOM Power.

Since 1990 ABBInstrumentation has suppliedmore than 60 sampling systemsfor power plants world-wide, 45 of which sold throughALSTOM Power.

Increasingly, power plant con-structors are asking for standardpackages in order to save onmaterials and reduce engineeringand assembly times. Workingwith its ABB partners, the Waterand Industrial Analysis Group inStonehouse has designed a stan-dard sampling package that pro-vides pre-formatted engineeringdata, layout, construction detailsand documentation manuals forclients.

Team AssistA major expansion of cus-

tomer support services has beenannounced by ABBInstrumentation. Operatingunder the umbrella of its cus-tomer service programme -‘Team Assist’ - the new initiativeaims to integrate customerresource planning and executionacross the whole business.Headed by Andrew Thompsonwho moves from the AnalyticalDivision, the new operation willprovide instrumentation userswith the most comprehensivesupport facilities available in the UK.

Did you know that all household-ers are being given the opportuni-ty to save water and cut bills byhaving metered water supplies?And, what’s more it won’t costthem a penny?

Under the Water Act of 1999,consumers currently paying anunmetered charge have the rightto remain on this system of pay-ment or opt for a meter to beinstalled free of charge. The Act

also stipulates that customers who request meters will have 12 months in which to revert toan unmetered charge if they findit does not suit their needs.

Garrick Burchell at ABBMetering believes the move willencourage best water usage prac-tice. “Although very heavy userscould face higher bills, the aver-age saving is expected to bearound £50 a year.

“Some water companies haveoperated free metering pro-grammes for customers withswimming pools and sprinklersfor some time,” he continues.“This latest change to the WaterAct means that all householdsnow have the chance to monitorexactly how much water they useand manage consumption in acost-effective manner.”

Going with the f low

To meter or not to meterNew Water Act gives greater customer choice

Operations underway at ABB’s dedicated flowmeter calibration andrepair centre at Workington in Cumbria.

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Many Happy ReturnsABB Control has hit on the idealway to get maximum usage from

the wooden crates used totransport switchgear from

the factory in Vaasa,Finland, to itsCoventry headquar-

ters. Now, instead ofsimply breaking the

crates down to bereturned as a ‘dead

weight’, they are passedon to the BIP factory atOldbury in the WestMidlands. Here they are

packed with some 600 kg ofBulk Moulding Compound

(the plastic raw material usedin the production of the mould-

ed switchgear components) beforemaking the return trip to Finland.

As Phil Aspinall, ABBControl Logistics Manager, says:“This is an excellent example of a

green solution that is not onlypractical, it is more efficient andactually saves money. We have toget our reusable crates back toFinland, while BIP also makesregular deliveries to the same factory. Working together meansthat BIP can eliminate the needfor disposable cardboard packag-ing for this particular trip by taking advantage of our moresecure and robust containerswhich ensures that their rawmaterial arrives in the best possible condition. Yet at thesame time we are significantlyreducing the overall transporta-tion costs”

Phil Aspinall adds: “Althoughthis project relates to a supplier,we are also actively working withcustomers to establish initiativesfor the return and re-use of packaging.”

Established in Glenrothesover 50 years ago, BUKOhas grown from a small,local enterprise into amajor national and inter-national supplier ofsupermarket trolleys, roll-containers, baskets andwire racking. The com-pany now exports toplaces as diverse asChina, South Americaand Australia.

Delighted with the suc-cess of ABB MIG welding andmaterials handling robots,including the new FlexArcSolo welding cell, in streamlin-ing production and maintain-ing quality, BUKO and ABBare looking at using robots tolift tooling jigs in and out of aworkstation when changingover trolley models.

… and everything you ever wanted toknow about robotsAn essential read for anyone

in the robotics or manufactur-ing industries is The ExtendedArm of Man, written by LarsWesterlund and published byInformationsförlaget.

Commissioned by ABB,

the robotics‘bible’ docu-ments thedevelopment ofthe modernindustrial robot while makingsome telling and informative conjectures as to where thescience of robots will progressin the future.

Market just super …

An IRB 6400 resistance weldingcell being used in supermarkettrolley production.

The crates are packed at BIPfor return to Finland

Glenrothes-based BUKO is the proud owner of the firstFlexArc Solo self-contained welding system in the UK.

Supermarket trolley manufacturer BUKO has slashed production times and improved product quality by incorporatingABB Flexible Automation robots into its manufacturing process.

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Aiming for Val

What exactly is thenew Global ProcessesProgramme?

It is a key strategydesigned to ensure fast,value creation from thekey functions of market-

ing and sales, bid and proposal,supply management, humanresources, finance, informationsystems and eCommercethroughout ABB. At the end oflast year, our President andCEO Göran Lindahl assigned ateam of Global Processes ownersto oversee the programme andtheir role is to develop theseglobal processes so that ABBbecomes a faster, smarter com-pany, acting in real time all thetime.

Why were theseprocesses chosen?

They all make highly visi-ble impact on our per-formance, competitive-ness and profitability.

Marketing & Sales/Bid &Proposal makes sure that changesare driven by market needs andpresents a more coordinated ABBface to the customer. SupplyManagement is motivated by thelarge financial benefits that can berealised relatively quickly. And,we see the information andknowledge residing in HumanResources, Finance andInformation Systems as the newcurrencies of our success.

Who owns the initiatives?

Each process has an ownerwho reports directly to anABB ExecutiveCommittee member

sponsor. They are: ● Marketing & Sales/Bid &

Proposal – Johan Söderströmsponsored by Armin Meyer;

● Supply Management – KurtTrippacher sponsored by SuneKarlsson;

● Finance – Jimmy Yap spon-sored by Renato Fassbind;

● Human Resources – RenéLichtsteiner sponsored byGorm Gundersen;

● Information Systems – JimBarrington sponsored byGöran Lindahl

How do GlobalProcesses andeBusiness fit together?

The link between GlobalProcesses and eBusinessworks in two ways. Weare using eBusiness solu-

tions to improve and implementour own processes, but alongsidethis we are creating solid globalprocesses to support our moveinto the wider world ofeBusiness.

Attempting to benefit fromeBusiness in a fragmented way,would create a range of coordi-nation difficulties both withinABB and with our partners. Itwould make the customer inter-

face unclear and produce a dupli-cation of effort and costs.

Can we expect anyQuick Wins?

Absolutely. The first stephas been to nail down theoverall processes and iden-tify key areas where high-

impact improvements can berealised quickly. The teams areworking intensively to implementthese and the new global IBMagreement is the first to go live.

Are there other examples?

Yes. Our eBusiness portal– the ABB Mall – whichwas piloted at the

Hannover Fair. This single pointof access to ABB’s products, servic-es and solutions is vital to improv-ing efficiency and cutting costs.The goal is to have 30 percent ofall standard products availableonline by the end of the year, andthe rest next year.

Plans are also well advancedfor an online eProcurement sys-tem to make purchasing of indi-rect materials easier. We are alsolooking at various aspects of man-agement resources includingInternet-based recruitmentprocesses. And, a new Web-basedABACUS system is being devel-oped to simplify reporting andaccessing of critical financialinformation to support ValueBased Management. A core issuehere is a common coding struc-ture to support global e-basedprocesses and applications.

As ABB shifts its products and services portfolio to tackle new economy opportunities in high technology, it is important to have strong underlying groupwide processes. Profile spoke tothe Head of Global Processes – Eric Elzvik – aboutthe new Global Processes Programme that is aiming to significantly improve the way we work.

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ue Creation

Will Global Processesmean the end ofdecentralisation?

No. ABB is and willremain a company wherethe bottom-line decisionsare made close to the cus-

tomer. By establishing commonground within the processes andan effective and flexible infra-structure, Global Processes willfree business managers to focustheir attention on the specificneeds of their businesses.

How will you accountfor cultural differ-ences?

The idea is not to makeeveryone the same, sim-ply to enable us to workas one global company.

We are deliberately involving peo-ple from various countries andbusiness segments in the processteams, so different practices canbe accommodated within thecommon process design.

How does the GlobalProcesses Programmerelate to the GlobalProcess organisation?

The Global ProcessesProgramme and theGlobal Process organisa-tion is the same thing,

including the Process Owners,Shared Services / Local Support,ABC, Process Consultants,eBusiness and the InformationSystems organisation.

How will the pro-gramme influence ouractivities in the UK?

As I said before, the aim isto help people work fasterand smarter. Individualcountries have a key role

to play in the planning andimplementation of the GlobalProcesses and the UK is well rep-resented on the various workinggroups and steering committees.

Day-to-day operations areperformed in the units in therespective countries, and that iswhere the work of implement-ing the processes must ultimate-ly be done. It is also locally thatthe changes and improvementsfrom the Global ProcessesProgramme will be most notice-able.

Will the processes bemandatory or guide-lines?

It will be a mixture.Some aspects, such as ourinformation systems infra-structure, must be com-

pulsory for the whole to work.

Other parts will be common andmandatory at a higher level butleave the more detailed ways ofworking up to the BA or localunits. The aim is to achieve asmuch coordination as possiblewithout losing flexibility.

Why is the programmenecessary?

A key aspect of GlobalProcesses is to enable ABBto really make the leap toeBusiness. The benefits of

eBusiness, and by this I meaneBusiness within our own opera-tions as well as the channels toour partners and suppliers, are sogreat that if we don’t do this, theymay be captured by our competi-tors instead.

New tools and media such asthe Internet have made it possibleto coordinate globally withoutlosing flexibility. Our customersknow this and expect to be servedby one unified company, to bene-fit from our entire organisation,and to have instant access to fullinformation.

Swedish. Born 5 August1960. Gained a Bachelor of Science (BusinessAdministration, InternationalFinance) at Stockholm Schoolof Economics in 1984.

Joined ASEA in 1984 asAssistant to the Executive VicePresident of Finance andhelped develop the financefunction into FinancialServices. In 1987 he moved toASEA in Singapore, first asRegional Controller, South East Asia, then Vice President,Regional Controller and Treasurer.

He returned to corporate headquarters in Zurich in 1989 as Vice President, and assistant to the CEO, responsible for special projects in financial analysis, restructuring and acquisitions/divestments.

In 1993 he was appointed Vice President, Head of GroupCorporate Development and the President’s office, in charge ofStrategic Planning and Mergers & Acquisitions. And, finally, in1998 he took on his present role as Senior Vice President, Headof Global Group Processes.

Getting to know …Eric Elzvik, SVP, Global Processes

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The integration of EMEC employees into ABB Service &Solutions is progressing well.

Branded workwear and vans sporting the new liveryhave been delivered. Links are being forged with otherparts of ABB. The high voltage connection work managedby East Midlands Electricity Field Operation Centrescame under the total control of ABB on 30 April. And,ABB Service & Solutions personnel will soon be receivingequipment familiarisation training from the ABB PowerT&D sales team at Stone.

Bernard Chudley, General Manager, comments:“Synergies between Service & Solutions and other parts ofABB are really beginning to pay off. We have alreadyreceived enquiries and contracts from ABB Power T&D,ABB Building Technologies and ABB Automation andpurchased from ABB Power T&Dand ABB Control.”

Reservoir DOGSDOGS, the innovativeDownhole Optical Gauge Systemdeveloped as a collaborative ven-ture between ABB OffshoreSystems, ABB CorporateResearch Centres, and ABBKraft, is currently undergoing itsfirst field trial on an offshoreplatform well operated by BruneiShell Petroleum. Jeremy Edwardsexplains the background:

“Monitoring of temperatureand pressure is a fundamentalrequirement for the managementof a producing well to ensure themaximum recovery of oil. Butthis is no easy task at the bottomof a borehole a mile or morebelow the surface, especially giventhat pressures can be over 6000psi and temperatures can be inexcess of 200°C.

“Conventional electronicdevices can work under theseconditions, but they suffer frompoor reliability. And, in any case,most commercial gauges are notrated for the higher temperaturesfound in the new deep welldevelopments. With DOGS wehave taken a very differentapproach by developing a ruggedfibre-optic based sensor. It has nomoving parts and leaves all the

complicated electronics well outof the way on the host platform.

“DOGS works by shining abeam of broad band infra-redlight down a fibre-optic cable to a sensor mounted in a special carrier in the tubing near to thebottom of the borehole. This sensor reflects back two discretewavelengths which vary in relation to the pressure and temperature applied. Measuringhow these wavelengths changeenables us to monitor the corresponding changes in thedownhole environment.

“The first trial installation of DOGS was successfully completed in the Brunei field atthe end of March and so far theinitial results are very promising.Incidentally, the installation teamof myself and Ray Gurney fromABB Offshore Systems, togetherwith Max Nodder from ABBKraft, made good use of a breakin the schedule by climbingMount Kinabalu in Sabah, which at 13,455 ft is the highestmountain in south east Asia. It really was a case of from thedeepest ocean to the highestmountain for ABB!”

Ready to roll. Promoting the ABB brand are (left to right) BrianChurms and Clive Chamberlain from ABB Service & Solutions.

At your service

A million pound transformer hasjust crossed the Atlantic oceanfrom ABB Power T&D’s trans-former division in Dundee to theIndian River power plant inMillsboro, Delaware.

The 150 MVA, 230 kV trans-former, weighing 120 tonnes andstanding 7.3 metres at itshighest point, took justover four months tobuild. The Dundee fac-tory won the order aspart of an overall con-tract awarded to ABBPower Systems (Sweden)by the engineering con-struction company Black& Veatch of Kansas City,Missouri.

The coal fired IndianRiver power plant ispresently owned byDelmarva Power andLight, a division ofConectiv. However, it isin the process of beingsold to NRGEnergy ofMinneapolis.

The new transformer will form avital part of a Static VarCompensation system, used forpower factor correction, to ensurethat the electricity supplied bythe plant is maintained withintightly controlled voltage andcurrent limits.

The Indian River transformer dwarfs the factory acceptancetest team at Dundee. L to R: Hakan Hakansson (ABBTransformers), George R. Elliston II (Conectiv), RichardCrowdis (Black & Veatch), Graham Kell (ABB Power T&D)

From Dundee to Delaware

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Playing a vital role behind thescenes on both these projectswere teams of engineers fromABB Building Technologies’London and Manchester regions.

Somerset HouseThe mechanical and electrical

fit-out for the Gilbert Collectionof European silver, gold andmosaics, covered 17 galleries overthree floor, as well as ticketing,library and lecture facilities.

Bob Williams, ABB ProjectManager, says the major chal-lenge facing the site team wasprovided by the very nature ofthis important historic building.

“The over-riding considerationin all the work undertaken at

Somerset House was to preservethe original fabric of the build-ing,” he explains. “We had towork in very close co-operationwith Peter Inskip + Peter JenkinsArchitects, to develop solutionsthat would minimise the impactof the installation. For example,in a modern building we wouldnormally run piping and cablingthrough the roof space above thecorridors. However, in many ofthe rooms the ceilings could notbe disturbed, so trenches wereexcavated to bury the services inthe floor.

“Anything that had to bemoved or disturbed was carefullyrecorded and photographed so itcould be replaced exactly as it was

before. At the same time anyadditions or new equipmentwhich was obviously modern,such as the free-standing fan coilunits in the galleries, have beencarefully concealed within special-ly manufactured casings designedto blend in with the original inte-rior finish.”

The LowryDavid Bentley, ABB Project

Manager for the Lowry electricalinstallation, says the vast multi-level theatre and gallery complexrequired the installation of a stag-gering 120,000 kilometres(75,000 miles) of cabling.

“In addition to the size of thebuilding, the main challenge forthe ABB Haden joint ventureteam was the diversity of services

that had to be installed from spe-cialist theatre production lighting,through hv/lv switchgear andmotor control centres to drainagesystems and air handling units,”he comments.

“At peak times we had some-thing like 95 ABB and HadenYoung personnel on site and thekey to the success of the projectwas the major emphasis placed onworking as a single, fully integratedteam. For example, where possiblewe ensured that bracketry and fix-ings would have common usagefor both electrical and mechanicalservices. Similarly, diamonddrilling, to create the holes neededto pass services through walls andfloors, was also scheduled andcombined.”

The Lowry, designed by Michael Wilford and Partners on behalf of theLowry Trust, was recently selected as the national winner of theCelebrating Construction Achievement award, which identifies the bestLottery funded projects across the UK.

ABB Building Technologies puts the finishing touches to electricalinstallation for The Lowry’s 1730 seat Lyric Theatre.

The purpose-designed museum for the GilbertCollection of decorative arts housed in the exten-sively restored former public records offices atSomerset House, London, was officially opened bythe Queen Mother on 26 May. The Lowry – theNational Landmark Millennium Project for theArts at Salford Quays – opened on schedule at theend of April.

Major arts projects completedon time and on budget

The Gilbert Collection at Somerset House. The catalyst for this ambi-tious project was the gift to the nation of the collection of treasuresformed by Sir Arthur Gilbert and his late wife Rosalinde over the past35 years. Sir Arthur was born in England and his collection is one ofthe most important art gifts ever made.

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People throughout ABB UK havebeen throwing themselves (some-times quite literally) intofundraising for MacmillanCancer Relief, the ABB nominat-ed charity for year 2000. With atarget of £100,000 beckoning -of which half must be raised byemployees - ABB has committedto match pound for pound allmoney raised up to the targetamount.

So far it looks as if we areabout 10 percent of the way tothe target. But there is a wholerange of big money making ideasin the pipeline.

All ABB UK companies andmany individual sites have aMacmillan co-ordinator. Thesepeople – see the list – welcomesupport. Whether you want toparticipate in a planned activityor take the initiative yourself, allefforts are welcome.

Walking back to healthiness

A number of companies par-ticipated in the Macmillan MileChallenge held between 4 and 11June.

During the week ABB PowerT&D, for example, encouragedemployees to work together tocover the distance from Lands’End to John O’Groats. Each of850 individual miles could be runor walked on the company sites.Each volunteer was allocated atime slot to complete their mile.And, of course, all were sponsored.

Are you being served?The other big event in the

Macmillan calendar is the AnnualWorld Record coffee morning.This will take place on 29September and with the addedsupport of ABB UK sites should,this year, be bigger than ever.

One of the ideas being brewedup is that the coffee on this dayshould be provided by ABB man-agers and served to employees.The whole idea of ‘role reversal’could be further expanded.Watch this space!

What they’ve been up toAlready many sites have under-

taken money raising activities - fartoo many to cover in detail.

Your local contact:Keep up with local fundraising activities. You can participate andshare ideas. Your support will be welcomed.

Helen Ledger ABB Instrumentation, StonehouseElizabeth Stephenson ABB Low Voltage Systems, SunderlandBerni Reay ABB Low Voltage Systems, SunderlandMarion Close ABB Automation, AberdeenWendy Davidson ABB Vetco Gray (Currently on Maternity leave)Li Yip ABB Building Technologies, SolihullBrenda Donohoe ABB Building Technologies, ActonTony Giliberti ABB Kent Meters, LutonJayne McRoy ABB Building Technologies, ManchesterKathryn Gilmour ABB Building Technologies, GlasgowHilary Cole ABB Instrumentation, St NeotsLaura Gilliam ABB Energy Information Systems, FarnhamNoreen Theakstone ABB Automation, StevenageKatie Murchie ABB Automation, StevenageNannette Winter ABB Power T&D, DundeeBrian Fisher ABB Power T&D, Ellesmere PortAlicia Kemp ABB Control, CoventryTheresa Arnold ABB Control, CoventryColette Holman ABB Offshore Systems, NailseaCarol Sim ABB Flexible Autolmation, Milton KeynesGillian Black ABB Vetco Gray, Aberdeen

Sewage plant chooses Active FilterPower quality equipmentfrom ABB Power T&D inEllesmere Port is ensuringthat pumps at the recentlyrefurbished and extendedGravesend Waste WaterTreatment plant will contin-ue to run even if themains electricitysupply fails.

RodneyGregory,ProjectManagerat ABB’sEllesmerePort facility,explains: “As acost and energy savingmeasure, many sewage andwater treatment plants now fitinverter drives to the motorsdriving their pumping sys-tems. However, this can

cause unacceptable harmonicpollution in the electricitysupply network, particularly

on standby generation.when the supply source isweaker.“

An ABB Active Filter,commissioned in April

at the site’s sub-station,

ensures thatany distur-bance tothe standbypower sup-

ply remainswithin accept-

able limits forcontinuous operation

of pumping equipment.”The contract was placed by

main contractor Birse ProcessEngineering on behalf ofSouthern Water plc.

Sewage plant chooses Active Filter

Silva Banks from ABB Power T&D, Ellesmere Port, gets ready to take theplunge in a charity abseil down Leasowe Lighthouse. Together with her colleagues Dennis Melton, Michael Skelly, Andrew Blackmore and PaulWitter she helped to raise £700 for the British Lung Foundation.

Breathtaking Feat The fun

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Book a family day out this summer to one (or more) of the UK’s toptheme parks and you’ll save money and benefit Macmillan CancerRelief at the same time. ABB Service & Solutions has negotiated spe-cial discounted tickets for Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and ChessingtonWorld of Adventures with the Tussaud Group. These tickets are avail-able from the 5th to 28th August (please note a specific date must bechosen).

In addition to giving ABB staff, their families and friends admissionto these parks at discounts of up to 30 per cent, a donation of £1.25per ticket purchased is included in the price.

To order tickets please fill in the voucher below (a photocopy is suf-ficient) indicating how many adult and child tickets you wish to pur-chase, for which park(s) and for what date (tickets issued will only bevalid for one day), add your name and the address you would like thetickets sent to. Send this completed voucher with a cheque for the fullamount payable to “ABB Service & Solutions” to Lorna Harris, ABBService & Solutions, Meridian West, Leicester, LE3 2XS. All applica-tions to be received no later than Friday 14th July 2000.

You must specify the date of visit as the date will be printed on theticket and is only be valid for that day.

■ Thorpe ParkNo. Adults @ £12.25 .............. No. Children @ £11.75 ............

No. Children under 1metre – FREE ............................................

Total Payable........................... Date of Visit: ............................

■ Alton Towers

No. Adults @ £14.50 .............. No. Children @ £13.00 ............

No. Children under 4yrs.........

Total Payable........................... Date of visit: .............................

■ Chessington World of Adventures

No. Adults @ £14.00 .............. No. Children @ £12.50 ............

No. Children under 4yrs.........

Total Payable........................... Date of visit: .............................

PLEASE TICK THE RELEVANT PARK(S) AND WRITE IN No OF TICKETS REQUIRED

Name: .............................................................................................................

Address: ...........................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

Cheques payable to ABB Service & Solutions

A donation of £1.25 for each ticket sold will go to Macmillan Cancer Relief

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable

Send to: Lorna Harris. ABB Service & Solutions, Meridian West, Leicester, LE3 2XS

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These include:• Dress down (casual) days • Raffles• Charity and quiz evenings • Cycling• Fire walking • Treasure hunts• Car boot sales • Golf outings• Parachuting • Barbecues • Raft races• Sponsored walks• Inter company football tournament

Roadshows – downyour way

The Macmillan Roadshowwill be touring the UK in comingmonths. It will be limited to sixmajor ABB sites. The dates willbe announced in advance andemployees from other sites willhave the opportunity to attendone of these roadshows.

Fun day outOn this page you will find

details of discounted days out atthe UK’s top theme parks.Congratulations to LornaHarris, ABB Service &Solutions, for taking the initia-tive and arranging excellent dis-counts plus an automatic dona-tion to Macmillan Cancer Relief.You really cannot lose but pleaseremember to read the bookingconditions.

In the meantime rememberevery effort has twice the impact– because whatever you raise thecompany doubles it. Good valuein any currency!

SUMMER DAYS OUT

ABB OFFER: Thorpe Park

Adults: £12.25 (normally £18.50)Child (1metre – 13yrs):£11.75 (normally £14.50) Children under 1metre - FREE

Thorpe Park is situated at jnct 13 off the M25.

ABB OFFER: Alton Towers

Adults: £14.50 (normally £21.00) Child (4-13): £13.00(normally £17.00) Under 4 years of age free

ABB OFFER: Chessington World of Adventures

Adults: £14.00(normally £19.95)Child (4-13yrs):£12.50(normally £15.95)Under 4 years of age free

Chessington is just off jnct 9 or 10 from the M25

(d) raisers

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In control throughout Britain

Fifoots Point power station

Control technology fromABB Automation is helpingreduce the environmental impactof a Welsh coal-fired power sta-tion recently taken out of moth-balls. The Fifoots Point powerstation near Newport, previouslyknown as Uskmouth B, uses anABB Advant Open ControlSystem (OCS) to provide boilercontrol, burner management andenvironmental systems to controlthe flue gas de-sulphurisationplant.

Built in 1962, the station wastaken out of service in 1995, andis being refurbished with mod-ern technology by its new owner,American company AES, theworld’s largest global powercompany. The refurbishmentproject was awarded to a consor-tium consisting of ALSTOMPower’s Utility Boiler Business(previously ABB CombustionServices) and GE InternationalInc.

ABB Power T&D has supplied three large generatortransformers for the project,including removal of two existing generators and associated equipment.

Commercial operations startedin April 2000, and the project is as‘green’ as possible - low NOxburners and a flue gas desulphuri-sation unit to reduce emissions,and low profile cooling towerswhich use secondary treatedsewage from a local utility compa-ny, that would otherwise have beendischarged into the river Usk.

The station will be fuelledwith 800,000 tonnes of coalannually, 70 percent of whichwill be sourced from local minesincluding one which had previ-ously shut down. And, to avoidhauling coal on lorries through anearby village, an old railwayline has been reinstated.

Ringaskiddy, Co CorkPfizer Pharmaceuticals

Production Corporation, based

in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork,Ireland, has successfully produced the first batches ofproduct from its OrganicSynthesis Plant 2 (OSP2) sincethe automation system wasupgraded to the latest ABBAdvant OCS technology. OSP 2is used for the manufacture ofmultiple bulk pharmaceuticalproducts.

The new Advant OCSreplaced the Kent K90 ControlSystem installed some 15 yearsago. In keeping with ABB’s phi-losophy of backwards compati-bility, Pfizer’s investment in theoriginal control system was pre-served by ABB using its exten-sive resources and batch controlexpertise to develop the newapplication software from theoriginal Pfizer design documen-tation and test specifications.

North Sea GasPlatforms

Commissioning is complete ofan ABB Integrated Control andSafety System installed on thenew Neptune and Cleeton Towerplatforms operated by BP Amocoon behalf of BG International inthe Easington Catchment Area ofthe North Sea.

Supplied under a contractfrom Halliburton-Brown &Root, the installation comprisesan integrated ABB SafeGuardcontrollersystem andAdvant oper-ator stationon both theNeptunewellheadplatform andthe CleetonTower ‘riser’extension tothe mainCleeton plat-form. These

provide remote process control,emergency shut down (ESD) andfire and gas (F&G) monitoringof the two normally unattendedinstallation platforms from theCleeton platform. ABB also sup-plied the fire and gas detectors,the manual alarm call points andassociated shut down logic andthe test matrix annunciatorpanel.

Danisco PaperAdvanced data acquisition

and analysis software tools thatprovide electronic blueprints forfuture orders by capturing andcorrelating the process, qualityand cost parameters of produc-tion reels, are forming an inte-gral part of a major automationup-grade at Danisco PaperLimited, manufacturers of testlinerboard and fluting for thepackaging industry.

Known as the ABB EnterpriseHistorian, it analyses data fromthe millwide business system, thepaper machine control systemand the laboratory quality sys-tem to identify correlation acrossall three. It is being installedunder a phased programme atDanisco’s Creams Mill in Boltonand Holcombe Mill inRamsbottom, in line with amajor automation upgrade toABB Advant OCS open controlsystems technology.

One of three ABB Advant operator stations at Fifoots Point power station

The ABB Advant OCS at Danisco’s Holcombe Mill providesimproved productivity through better visibility of the process,increased trending power and tighter control.

ABB control systems are helping bring a Welshcoal fired power station back into business, producing bulk organic chemicals in Ireland, controlling two new North Sea gas platforms andproviding electronic blueprints for production reelsat paper mills in Lancashire.

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A $250 million global supplyand service agreement withIBM will make IT within ABBmore efficient, more cost-effec-tive and help speed up theworldwide roll-out of standardsoftware applications such asthose used in eBusiness andknowledge management.

Mike Hobdell, UKInformation Systems Manager,comments: “Over the nextthree years, IBM will leaseABB worldwide about 75,000desktop computers, 25,000laptops and 9,000 servers andbe responsible for the longterm installation and mainte-nance.

“Not only will economies ofscale bring significant costreductions to the purchasing ofPCs, but the high level of stan-dardisation to our infrastruc-ture will enable improved serv-ice levels to be achievedthrough easier maintenanceand support.

“This is one of the newpartnership-type agreements,”he adds. “Continuance of the

contract is dependent on cus-tomer satisfaction and per-formance rather than a legalagreement. There is no com-mitment to buy say 100,000units. We can take as many or

as few as we want. ABB cur-rently spends about a billiondollars a year on global ITservices. The target within 18 months is to reduce costsby at least $100m per year.”

Craig Partridge at ABB PowerT&D in Stone is responsible formanaging the implementation ofthe agreement in the UK. He isactively working with IBM todeploy a special web-based pro-curement system rapidly to allABB companies. “It will be pre-programmed with the choice ofPCs and laptops to provide asmooth order and delivery service,which will ultimately includeinstallation of the PC to the userdesktop by IBM personnel.”

So does this mean everyonewill immediately get new PCs?No. As Craig Partridge explains:“Existing PCs will remain in serv-ice until they have served theiruseful life, after which time theywill be replaced under the termsof the new agreement with IBM.”

Home purchase schemeCraig Partridge says ABB is

also negotiating an employee pur-chase scheme with IBM at advan-tageous prices. Details are stillbeing finalised but we hope tobring you information in the nextissue of Profile.

Craig Partridge (left) and Duncan Bradley unwrap the latest batch of IBM PCs

Savings of $100mper year expected

On Easter Sunday, Dave Spragg,Service Engineer with ABBAutomation Turbocharger Servicein Telford, received an urgent callvia the company’s 24 hour tele-phone help line from a seniorengineering superintendent atNorbulk Shipping UK inGlasgow.

A Del Monte fruit ship hadbroken down in Panama and acomplete ABB VTR564 tur-bocharger was needed in PanamaCity with two service engineersby the following Tuesday.

Dave Spragg takes up thestory. “The turbocharger in ques-tion is about the size of a stan

dard

family saloon car and at least sixtimes as heavy. I immediatelycontacted various parts of theABB Turbo Systems network: –Baden in Switzerland to arrangeassembly of the components (allstock items) and shipment; – ABB Miami to check availabili-ty of service engineers. Becausethe only available flight wasn’tlarge enough to carry a completeturbocharger, the parts had to goin separate boxes to be assembledon board the vessel.”

Just when everything wasgoing smoothly, the Norbulksuperintendent called again toask if the

work could be carried out inColombia. “This is where theyshoot people!” said ABB Miami.

After reassuring the safety ofthe engineers, the Norbulk super-intendent flew from the UK toPanama to join the ship alongwith two ABB service engineersfrom Miami and six tonnes ofturbocharger spare parts, one dayearlier than expected.

The vessel sailed for 12 hoursat reduced speed from Panama toa safe anchorage off an island inColombia where a cargo ofbananas was loaded

and the broken turbochargerreplaced.

In just four days from theoriginal telephone call, a sixtonne turbocharger costingaround £200,000 was shipped exstock from Switzerland andassembled on board by qualifiedABB service engineers with theleast possible delay, saving theshipping company a considerableamount of time and money.“Just a routine operation for ABB

Turbochargers,anywhere in the

world,” com-ments Dave

Spragg.

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three-month oversees placement.On completion of the DipM,course members also have theopportunity to undertake a finalmajor project for an MBA(Masters in Business administra-tion.

David Lamb stressed the needfor people to take charge of theirown personal development pro-gramme. “You are being given awonderful opportunity by ABB,but what you get out of thisdiploma really depends on whatyou put in. This course requiresyou to give up a lot of personaltime while maintaining currentjob performance. It is not for thefaint hearted.”

Referring to the 70:20:10training rule, he commented:“Seventy percent of training is onthe job – learning from experi-ence, facing new challenges,sorting out new prob-lems. Twenty percent islearning from your boss,peers, subordinates and others. Ten percent is formaltraining programmes. This is anexcellent programme which hasbeen specially developed to buildABB’s intellectual capital.”

Brain powerDavid Lamb reminded course

members how the ‘new ABB’ isexpanding its knowledge andservice based businesses. He alsoreiterated Göran Lindahl’s mes-

sage that we’re facing a newworld where speed, flexibility andbrain power are the keys to deliv-ering greater value, and we’rereinventing ABB to be a leader inthat world.

“There are a number of chal-lenges in this process,” he com-mented. “One is that we neednew skills among our people. Theother is we need to work in realtime, all the time. The HenleyDiploma in Management is oneelement in that process.”In February, Eric Drewery, UK

CEO, attended a three-day topmanagement programme at theABB Academy in Zurich. Lastmonth, he was back again. Butthis time to lead a session.

Entitled The New ABB in theNew World, the one and a halfhour presentation provoked greatinterest from the 43 young managers on the InternationalManagers’ Programme, resultingin a very lively hour-long Q&Asession.

The ABB Academy was set uptowards the end of last year toincrease the return on ABB’s intellectual capital, and to help theGroup become faster and smarter.In addition to the executive board,around 300 of ABB’s top managers will pass through theacademy over the next year.

Commenting on the academyEric Drewery says: “Althoughthere are a number of good

international business schools,having our own academy meanswe get strategic messages directlyfrom the top and can use it as aforum to network and share bestpractice ideas with peers.Managers also gain a betterunderstanding of ABB’s cultureand values, and specific tools,ideas and project managementtechniques to help them managebetter.”

In addition to three top management programmes, wheresenior corporate staff focus onglobal, strategic ABB-specificissues, the academy will also offera series of profit centre managers’programmes to help executivesimprove profitability, and aninternational management pro-gramme for up and coming managers. Professor Ray Wild,head of the Henley ManagementCollege, is providing externalinput to the programmes.

“As George Bernard Shawfamously said: ‘The reasonableman adapts himself to the world.The unreasonable man persists intrying to adapt the world to him-self. Therefore all progressdepends on the unreasonableman.’

“It’s time for us all to beunreasonable and make the nec-essary changes,” added DavidLamb.

Buildingintellectual capital.The two-year Diploma in

Management is being run in con-junction with HenleyManagement College and isdesigned to bring a quantum leapto people’s knowledge and under-standing of key management sub-jects. Total study time is 84 weeksand, in addition to residentialtraining at Henley, there is a

UK CEO goesback to school

Time to be unreasonable

David Lamb stressed the need forpeople to take charge of their ownpersonal development programme

Class of 2000 ready to start the new Diploma in Management

Speaking at the launch of ABB UK’s Diploma inManagement, David Lamb, Managing Director,ABB Building Technologies, told the 20 coursehopefuls: “The good new is that there is a futurebut the bad news is that we have to change toachieve this.

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In March Teresa Booth and JohnConnelly became the first dele-gates from the UK WorksCouncil to attend the two-dayABB Employees’ Council Europein Brussels.

John Connolly sets the scenefor day one: “The first day was apre-meeting where we were givena very warm and friendly wel-come by 24 other delegates repre-senting ABB sites throughoutEurope. Then it was down tosome important work such asselecting the questions for consid-eration by the Council proper.This is a very democratic process,but of course with so many dele-gates each wanting to put theview from their own countries itis not possible for every questionto be heard. Indeed we learnedthat as well as a question beingpertinent with respect to tradingimplications or environmental

considerations it also has to befully supported with detailedinformation. Otherwise the ques-tion can not go forward.”

Teresa Booth takes up thestory for day two: “The secondday was the actual Council meet-ing which commenced with anaddress from Göran Lindahl,President and CEO of ABB. Hegave us a fascinating vision ofABB’s future as a global technol-ogy company. It was really excit-ing to find out more details ofthe leading edge research inwhich the company is involved,such as wireless communicationslinks.

“Armin Meyer, Executive VicePresident of ABB BuildingTechnologies then gave a detailedpresentation of developmentswith his particular segment.Then Markus Bayegan, Head ofCorporate Research &

Development, talked about thekey emphasis which is beingplaced on design and develop-ment, especially in building linkswith universities. He alsoexplained how R&D funding canbe allocated to support individualABB companies with a good ideain need of further development.

“The day concluded with alively Question Time duringwhich we were able to highlight aparticular concern from ABBControl regarding the price dif-ferential for key componentsbetween the UK and Germany.

“Overall we both found thewhole process both exciting andrevealing. Perhaps the one keymessage we have brought backwith us is that the EuropeanCouncil is about much morethan just listening to what seniormanagement have to stay. Insteadit aims to provide a forum for

two-way communication withthe grass roots level. Your viewscount, so please come forwardand express them.”

John and Teresa have prepareda detailed report on theEuropean Council meetingwhich is now being cascadeddown through your local WorksCouncil representatives.

European Voices

Increasingly customers areusing the environmental per-formance of products in theirselection criteria, along withtechnology, quality, and cost.To support our customers, andfulfill our own commitments tothe environment ABB is under-taking environmental assess-ments of all its core products.ABB Instrumentation and ABBVetco Gray have been leadingthe way in this area, to developEnvironmental ProductDeclarations using an EcoLabdatabase.

Doug Lincoln, QualityExecutive at ABBInstrumentation and BAEnvironmental Controller,explains.

“An Environmental ProductDeclaration is a summary of aproduct’s ‘cradle to grave’ significant environmentalimpact. It covers the complete

life cycle from raw materialacquisition to decommissioningand disposal.

“For example, at the manu-facturing stage we look at mate-rials and resource, energy usage,emissions to air and water, haz-ardous waste, paint finishes etcetc. During the product’s usagethings like energy efficiency,consumables and expected life-time etc are important. And, atthe end of the life cycle we con-sider which parts can be recy-cled and whether any requirespecial disposal methods.

“The skill in preparing theProduct Declaration is decidingwhat scope to consider andwhat to leave out,” continuesDoug Lincoln. “We don’t wantto burden customers with inap-propriate data. Analysis is allimportant. The new EcoLabsoftware helps us weight thevarious environmental impacts

Election TimeA message from Ian Donald,Group HR Manager

“The initial 12 month trialperiod will soon be over. So Iwould like to remind everyoneof the forthcoming WorksCouncil elections. This timethe successful candidates willserve for four years. Pleasewatch your notice-boards fordetails.”

Cradle to grave impact

and come up with a ProductDeclaration which is meaning-ful to customers for comparisonpurposes and provides usefulenvironmental information forfuture product development.”

Some 85% (Dti figures) ofall future product costs (opera-

tional costs, energy use, main-tainability,, disposal costs etc)are set at the concept/designstage, therefore the role ofdesign is critical to the environ-mental performance of ourproduct and its EPD. ▼

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As soon as Lounsdale Electric saw ABB Control’s innova-tive VM1 vacuum circuit breaker the Renfrew based elec-trical equipment manufacturer decided it would design anew Multiform range of 12kV distribution switchgeararound it. Duncan Walker, Director and GeneralManager, explains why:

“The clever thing about the VM1 vacuum circuitbreaker is its magnetic actuator mechanism that reducesthe hundreds of moving parts used in conventional circuitbreakers to just seven. The reduction in moving partstogether with the elimination of springs and complexlatching mechanisms means the VM1 is totally mainte-nance free over a lifetime of 100,000 operations – morethan three times the life of electromechanical equipment.In addition, while some breakers require servicing after amaximum of three operations at full interrupting capacity,the VM1’s encapsulated vacuum interrupter assemblygives a lifetime of 100 operations.

“So by designing our new Multiform range around theVM1 we knew we would be able to offer key customerbenefits such as reliable, maintenance free operation andlower whole life costs.”

The Multiform range, which is aimed primarily atRegional Electricity Companies, as well as light industrialand building services installations, has just completed fulltype testing at ABB Calor Emag Mittelspannung GmbH in Ratingen, Germany.

In today’s competitive businessenvironment ‘time to market’ is crucial. As part of anActivity Based Costing (ABC)initiative, the Design andDevelopment Department atABB Metering in Leeds wasasked to review available tech-nology in order to reduce thetime it takes to get a new prod-uct from the drawing board tothe marketplace.

Jo Palmer, Design Engineer,explains: “In mapping the processfor producing prototypes, wefound that a three-dimensional

CAD system would significantlyreduce time to market.”

Using a new desktop softwarepackage, design engineers nowhave far more flexibility at theearly concept stages reducingtime traditionally spent on revi-sualising or reworking designs.

“This is a long-term project,but we are already beginning to see the benefits at both Leeds andLuton,” comments Jo Palmer. “In addition, 3D images makedemonstrating new concepts tonon-technical people much easier.”

ABC helps reduce time to marketBEST PRACTICE

A 3D CAD system is helping cut time to market at ABB Metering

ABB Control’s VM1 – at the heart of Multiform

Lounsdale Electric goesmaintenance free

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13This photo shows an air han-dling unit from ABB FlaktProducts being manoeuvred intoposition on the site of the newWorcester PFI Hospital.

On this project, where ABBBuilding Technologies is carryingout a £19.5 million mechanicaland electrical services installa-tion, efficiency is the name ofthe game. There is no localstockholding and where possibleequipment is pre-assembledready to be placed in its finalposition and connected to localservices.

The only constraint is that thelarge air handling modules, whichcome complete with on-boardcontrols including inverter drives,must be just the right size to passthrough the space between theroof trusses already in place.

The Worcester Hospital, con-tract has to be completed fasterthan any previous comparableproject – just 15 months toinstall 41 zones on three floors,two ward blocks, three plantrooms, and energy centre and allrisers. It looks set to be a modelof best practice.

The TransIT UK project is partof a strategically important ABBglobal programme, whose role isto concentrate InformationSystems (IS) resources andexpertise around the world where they can deliver the greatest benefit and the bestvalue to ABB companies.

This is a major re-organisa-tion of the whole IS service delivery. The new global organisation is necessary as abasis for the future of theeCommerce deployment and the effective use of IS in GlobalCustomer Management.

Some idea of the scale of IS

in ABB UK can be seen in thefollowing facts:

● Annual total spend: £10m+

● Total number of PCs: 4,000

● Servers: 150

● Dedicated IS staff: 90.

In the UK, a new BusinessInformation Services (ABBBIS) organisation has beenformed and will operate as adivision of ABB Support Ltd.,providing IS services and sup-port to ABB companies in theUK. Once fully established, thenew organisation will bring‘world-class’ IS services to thesecustomers.

The management board ofABB BIS will include managersfrom its ‘customer’ companiesaround the country, so thattheir interests continue to bestrongly represented.

As part of a global projectthe UK development mirrorswhat is taking place across theABB world. Overall responsi-bility rests with group head-quarters but the local develop-ment is overseen by a steeringcommittee including UK com-pany management and projectteam leaders. The local projectteam consists of Mike Hobdell,Steve Clements, Steve Mercer,

Phil Degg, Katherine Banyardand Karen Wilson.

Moving forwardMeetings are being sched-

uled with Senior and ITManagers of the operatingcompanies to discuss the trans-fer of responsibilities.Individual staff meetings arecurrently being planned.

It is expected that this wholetransformation process will becompleted by the end ofAugust.

A seminar/workshop for allUK IT/IS staff will be heldfrom 7th & 8th July.

TransIT moves up a Gear

Hedging your betsThe 11th Annual Energy PriceRisk Management conferencetook place in London on 17 and18 May. Jonas Kollberg,President of ABB FinancialEnergy in Sweden, chaired DayOne. On Day Two, MarkMeyrick, Excutive VicePresident and previously MD ofthe UK Treasury Centre, spokeabout Benefiting from the experi-ences of others – a case study onABB Financial Energy’s experi-ences in the Nordic power market. In addition to interestedparties from the UK power market, the conference attractedparticipants from Germany and Italy.

ABB Financial Energy wasset up last year and is an activetrading participant in the

Nordic market, trading bothOTC (Over the Counter) andNordpool electricity products –forwards and options.

Mark Meyrick told Profilethat ABB Financial Energyexpects to establish a unit along-side the UK Treasury Centrelater this summer. ”It’s aim willbe to offer financial hedgingservices to those in the energymarket trying to hedge priceexposure in electricity, gas, andoil,” he said. “This is particu-larly important following thenew UK trading arrangements(NETA). We will be making apresentation to ABB keyaccount managers in the UK, indue course and also hope tohave a customer event.” Watchthis space.

Recognising the importance oflocal support and service for customers, ABB BuildingTechnologies has opened twomore offices – one in Hull andthe other in Bristol. This bringsthe branch office network up toa grand total of 13.

David Gemmel, local manager for the Hull office,will work closely with colleagues from the Leedsbranch. Stephen Murphy, who is in charge of the Bristoloffice, will be supported bycolleagues in Solihull.

A bakers dozen

23

The air handlers

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Published by ABB Limited, Orion House, 5 Upper St Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9EA.Editor: Karen Wilds Tel: 020 7753 2000

Editorial production: Roger Staton Associates Ltd & ArtHaus Visual Communications Ltd.

The Transmission andDistribution projects divisions inStone have been awarded theRoSPA gold award forOccupational Safety by the RoyalSociety for the Prevention ofAccidents. The award recognises ahigh standard of achievement inhealth and safety over a four yearperiod.

Nigel Noble, Quality ServicesManager at Stone, says:“Customers such as the NationalGrid expect us to maintain thehighest health and safety stan-dards. In addition to protectingour employees and avoiding accidents at work, it helps ensure projects are delivered ontime.”

Are you being served?Restaurant staff at ABB Automation in Stevenage put on a Stageand Theatre Day recently with the help of some famous friends.

The Performance Menu included:

Burton & TaylorA rich Welsh hotpot with a Diamond of a dumpling.

George Peppard‘A’ Team of ham and pasta in a pepper sauce.

Whistle down the windThree bean chilli served on a bed of rice

How do you improve team per-formance? According to MikeCrawford, General Manager,ABB Automation Marine andTurbochargers Division: “Thebest way is to ask people whathinders their performance andthen involve them in findingways to overcome the obstacles.”

This is the straightforward yetpowerful principle behind threePerformance ImprovementWorkshops (PIWs) held by thedivision. “We used this approach

first in Aberdeen,” continuesMike Crawford. “We listed 30actions for improving perform-ance and within six months 80percent had been closed. Sincethen we’ve run PIWs in Crawleyand Telford.

“Too many ‘guru-type’ solu-tions give general solutions aboutwhat should be done but rarelytackle deep organisational andpersonal issues that preventaction. The PIW approach reallypenetrates down to the level

where actionhas to takeplace.”

RobinGrigsby,GeneralManagerTurbochargers, saysthere are alsolonger-term advantages. “In PIWspeople realise that they, and onlythey, are responsible for their per-formance. Having a good mix ofcolleagues, both in terms of rank

and discipline, is important as ithelps develop effective teamworkand create a supportive organisa-tion in which everyone is awareof his or her contribution.”

Shaping up

Pictured left to right are: Sheena Anderson, David Pippard(Canteen Manager) and Maureen Wilkinson.

A Performance Improvement Workshop inaction at Telford

Golden Years

Nigel Noble hangs the RoSPA Gold Award in the reception at Stone

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