ABB Opens Manufacturing Facility in Albuquerque to Support U.S. Grid Modernization
Watch Interview with Khalid Mandri
ABB Opens Manufacturing Facility in Albuquerque to Support U.S. Grid Modernization
ABB Installation Products has opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in a strategic move to address surging demand for grid reliability solutions across the United States. This expansion comes as utilities face growing pressures from aging infrastructure, rising power consumption, and increasingly severe weather events.
The $40 million greenfield facility spans 90,000 square feet and is dedicated to the production of ABB’s Elastimold cable accessories and Fisher Pierce circuit indicators —core components used in undergrounding, fire mitigation, and grid hardening projects.
“This expansion allows us to respond faster to the needs of utilities working to modernize infrastructure and meet surging demand,” said Khalid Mandri, President of ABB Installation Products. “It reflects our continued investment in U.S. manufacturing and our longstanding commitment to supporting electric providers nationwide.”
Powering Resilience and Reliability
Located on ABB’s 40-acre Albuquerque campus, the new South Building doubles on-site production capacity and incorporates advanced robotics, automated systems, and digital testing technologies. It is expected to create more than 150 new full-time jobs, increasing total campus employment to over 565 — with further hiring underway.
ABB has also invested $15 million in equipment upgrades and automation across both the new and existing buildings. The site now features a newly established Pioneering Innovation Center, supporting job training, research and development, and collaboration with utility customers.
Mandri emphasized the urgency of these developments. “More and more demand is coming,” he said. “We see increasing requirements for SF63 switchgear, longer execution times, and a greater need for electrification and rectification products. What we’re doing —from research and development to product management — is supporting grid users to overcome the challenges of the energy transition.”
Local Production, National Impact
More than 80% of the products manufactured in Albuquerque are destined for critical U.S. utility and infrastructure projects, while also supporting global customers in the energy and distribution sectors. This localization strategy aligns with ABB’s broader goals of shortening supply chains, increasing manufacturing speed, and driving innovation close to where it’s needed most.
“The facility will mainly supply the U.S. market,” said Mandri. “It’s designed to serve the biggest utilities in the country, and it will always be there — wherever electricity is needed. Our technology is built to withstand events like fires or hurricanes, ensuring that when you plug in a cable, electricity is always there.”
Supporting Communities Through Undergrounding
As grid operators confront increasingly severe climate challenges, Mandri highlighted the importance of undergrounding solutions. “If we look at what’s going on in California during summer wildfires — or the hurricanes in Florida and North Carolina — it’s clear that undergrounding is one of the most robust technologies we can offer,” he said.
“That’s our aim: to stay connected and to support a greener, more resilient grid. We don’t want people to lose electricity [when disaster strikes]. Our solutions help make sure they don’t,” said Mandri.
Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing
This new facility is part of ABB Installation Products’ larger strategy of investing in American manufacturing, with over $125 million poured into U.S. operations over the past five years.
“At the end of the day,” Mandri concluded, “Our mission is simple: electricity must be there when it’s needed. That’s what we’re building here — a reliable, sustainable future powered by smart, localized technology.”
