ABB

ABB Company History and the ABB Automation Technologies

At K2 Automation, we specialise in providing a wide range of ABB products, catering to the diverse needs of our clients in the automation, motors, drives, and control screens sectors. With over 12 years of experience, we have established ourselves as leaders in the industry, offering both obsolete and new servo motors, PLC supplies, and comprehensive solutions in automation and industrial control. Comprised of a team of specialists with extensive knowledge and expertise, we strive to consistently deliver the highest quality service to our clients worldwide.

ABB Parts Others Won’t Offer

The advantage of partnering with K2 Automation lies in our extensive international network of suppliers and repair centres, which empowers us to procure a comprehensive range of both new and obsolete ABB parts that may not be readily available elsewhere.

ABB’s diverse catalogue of parts, including motors, generators, drives, PLCs, power electronics, and robotics, serves as the backbone for numerous automation applications worldwide. We understand the critical importance of authentic ABB products in ensuring the flawless operation of machinery and equipment. With our unwavering commitment to quality and reliability, you can trust K2 Automation to provide you with the authentic ABB parts you need to keep your operations running smoothly.

Whether it’s a new installation, maintenance, or repair, rely on us to deliver the right solution to meet your specific requirements, backed by our years of expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction.

Everything to Know About Our ABB Stock

Our inventory at K2 Automation has a large selection of ABB stock, conveniently listed on our website for easy access and browsing. If you’re in need of ABB products, you can easily find the desired parts by searching their code and adding them to your enquiry list with just a few clicks. If a particular part is not currently in stock, there’s no need to worry. By using our extensive network of international suppliers, we can swiftly procure and deliver the required components to ensure minimal disruption to your operations.

From Signalling Contacts to Manual Motor Starters and Switch Disconnectors, our catalogue includes a comprehensive range of ABB products to meet your specific needs and requirements. At K2 Automation, we are committed helping our customers with their unique challenges when locating ABB parts. Simply reach out to us to confirm availability or discuss your needs, and let our team of experts assist you in finding the right ABB robotics to keep your operations running smoothly.

We are dedicated to providing an unmatched service for our customers and offer access to a huge range of ABB products. It doesn’t matter if you require obsolete or new ABB products, you can rely on us to find what you need or push you in the right direction. Explore our catalogue today and experience the difference of partnering with K2 Automation for all your automation and industrial control requirements.

At K2 Automation, we support engineers, automation teams, and robotics specialists across the UK with authentic ABB products from every stage of ABB’s company history. ABB is one of the world’s most respected engineering manufacturers, known for ABB electrical machines, ABB power products and systems and ABB power and automation technologies that keep global industry moving. As a supplier with more than 12 years of technical experience, we specialise in both new and obsolete ABB components, offering access to parts that can be extremely difficult to find elsewhere.

Our customers rely on us because we combine deep engineering understanding with a global supplier network built over more than a decade. This allows us to provide fast procurement, authentic components and expert support when integrating ABB solutions into new or existing systems. Whether you need a legacy drive module, discontinued PLC hardware or modern robotics equipment, we help maintain the continuity, efficiency, and safety of your operation.

How ABB Became an Industrial Powerhouse: A Detailed Timeline of ABB Company History

ABB company history spans more than 130 years of engineering breakthroughs that shaped today’s global manufacturing and automation industries. Below is a detailed timeline capturing the key moments that formed the ABB Group.

1883 – Brown, Boveri & Cie (BBC) Begins the Journey

The BBC was founded in Switzerland and quickly became a leader in electrical engineering. The company developed groundbreaking technologies in generators, motors and transformers that remain core to ABB power products and systems today.

1907 – ASEA Drives Swedish Industrial Growth

ASEA, founded in Sweden, was instrumental in developing early electrification solutions. By this stage of ABB company history, ASEA had already laid the foundations for modern ABB electrical machines used across heavy industry.

1950–1980 – Automation and Drive Technology Accelerate

Both ASEA and BBC became global engineering leaders with innovations in motor control, relay protection, power distribution, and the earliest robotics prototypes. Many ABB power and automation concepts originated from this era.

1988 – ASEA and BBC Merge to Form ABB Group

One of the most influential events in ABB company history occurred when the two engineering giants merged, creating the ABB Group. This merger united two world-class engineering cultures and set the stage for ABB’s leadership in automation, electrification, robotics, and digital control.

2000–2015 – Robotics, Drives and Smart Control Systems Expand

ABB became a major global force in robotics, high-efficiency motors, advanced drive systems, grid technologies, and industrial computing. Many ABB electrical machines and ABB power and automation platforms used today originated in this timeframe.

2016–Today – Digital Transformation, Sustainability and Electrification

Modern ABB has shifted towards digital services, renewable energy solutions, resource-efficient technologies, and electrification systems designed to support a sustainable future. From electric vehicle charging infrastructure to predictive maintenance software, ABB continues to evolve with the needs of the global industry.

H2: ABB’s Global Business Divisions and How Engineers Use Them

The ABB Group operates through four major business divisions. Engineers typically source parts based on these areas.

Electrification

Products include switchgear, protection devices, circuit breakers, power distribution systems, and energy efficiency solutions. These are essential for factories aiming to build a resource-efficient future while reducing emissions.

Motion

This division includes ABB electrical machines such as motors, generators, variable-speed drives, and motion control equipment. These solutions are widely used in renewable energy, transportation, and industrial automation.

Process Automation

Process automation products deliver advanced control architecture, instrumentation, safety systems and ABB power and automation technologies designed for complex manufacturing.

Robotics & Discrete Automation

Covering robotic arms, collaborative robots, robotic controllers and production-line automation software, this division has made ABB a global robotics leader.

ABB’s Presence in the UK and Its Role in Engineering Progress

ABB has a deeply rooted presence in the UK, supporting industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, life sciences, logistics, food production, power generation and energy distribution. Many facilities across the UK also rely on long-serving ABB electrical machines and ABB power products and systems that remain fully functional decades after installation. As these systems age, sourcing compatible or obsolete ABB parts becomes more challenging, and that is exactly where we support engineers.

ABB is also heavily involved in the UK’s renewable energy transition. Its technology contributes to offshore wind infrastructure, power grid upgrades, high-efficiency motors for low-carbon manufacturing and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These innovations help UK businesses achieve efficiency improvements while moving toward a more sustainable future.

Which ABB Products Do Engineers Rely on Most Today?

From robotics to heavy-duty power systems, ABB has one of the most extensive industrial catalogues in the world. While modern products remain in production, many earlier components are no longer manufactured, but are still essential for system continuity. We specialise in both.

ABB Electrical Machines

Including servo motors, induction motors, synchronous motors, traction motors, and application-specific designs. Many older motor families remain deployed across UK factories and require sourcing through experienced suppliers like us.

ABB Power Product and Systems

From switchgear to inverters, transformers, protection modules, and heavy-duty circuit technology, ABB power products and systems support mission-critical operations in every sector.

ABB Power and Automation

This category includes PLCs, distributed control systems, industrial drives, HMIs, I/O cards, field devices and digital services designed to monitor, control, and optimise industrial performance.

Robotics, Motion Control, and Integration Hardware

ABB robotics and motion solutions include robot controllers, cable systems, axis drives, robot arms, adaptive motion components, and interface modules.

ABB products are compatible with complex equipment like CNC systems, and many automation workflows also integrate through our available PLC systems.

ABB Technology Milestones That Shaped Modern Industry

Throughout the ABB company’s history, the ABB Group has been responsible for major engineering breakthroughs:

• First three-phase AC power transmission line
• Pioneering industrial robotics with the IRB 6
• High-efficiency ABB electrical machines are designed for reduced waste
• ABB power and automation platforms with predictive control
• Intelligent drives enabling long-term cost savings
• Digital services supporting remote monitoring and maintenance

ABB’s innovations continue to support a resource-efficient future for global industries.

ABB’s Contribution to Renewable Energy and a Sustainable Future

ABB plays an essential role in building energy-efficient, low-emission industrial solutions. Its technologies support:

• Offshore wind power
• Solar power conversion
• hydroelectric generation
• battery storage systems
• electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• smart grid balance and optimisation

ABB electrical machines and ABB power products, and systems are engineered for efficiency, resilience, and longevity. These attributes are central to achieving a sustainable future in manufacturing, automation, and energy distribution.

The ABB Group continues to invest in electrification, automation, and digital services to support lower carbon output and help businesses meet long-term environmental goals.

What Is ABB Best Known For?

ABB is recognised globally for innovation across three major engineering pillars.

World-Class Industrial Robotics

ABB robots are widely used for assembly, welding, material handling, packaging, inspection, and complex manufacturing operations. Their reliability and precision make them industry standards.

Electrical Machines and Power Systems

ABB electrical machines and ABB power products and systems deliver stability and dependable mechanical output across factories, energy networks, and production lines.

Digital Services and Industrial Software

Modern ABB power and automation equipment incorporates advanced digital service, including remote monitoring, predictive alerts, asset optimisation, and cloud-based analytics.

Who Owns ABB Today?

ABB is a publicly traded multinational corporation owned by global investors and institutions. Operating in over 100 countries, the ABB Group continues to lead in electrification, robotics, energy systems, and digital innovation. While ABB focuses on the future of automation, many UK facilities still depend on legacy parts that manufacturers no longer produce.

We specialise in sourcing those essential components.

Why Engineers Trust K2 Automation for ABB Products

We support engineers with unmatched sourcing capabilities, technical knowledge, and quality assurance.

Obsolete ABB Parts Others Cannot Supply

When manufacturers discontinue essential parts, we locate them through our extensive global supplier network. This allows engineers to maintain older machinery without costly redesigns.

H3: Comprehensive Testing and Verification

Every ABB product we supply undergoes inspection for authenticity, firmware accuracy, performance, and mechanical integrity. This ensures safe, reliable operation.

Engineering Support from ABB Specialists

We help you integrate ABB electrical machines, ABB power products and systems and ABB power and automation technologies into existing frameworks.

H3: Fast Global Procurement

Even when a part is not listed on our site, our procurement team can rapidly source it from verified international partners to minimise downtime.

Powering UK Industry: Why ABB and K2 Automation Keep Your Systems Performing

ABB company history represents more than a century of engineering excellence. ABB electrical machines, ABB power products and systems and ABB power and automation platforms have been designed for reliability and long-term performance. From supporting renewable energy solutions to enabling digital services and advanced robotics, ABB’s technologies continue to shape global engineering.

At K2 Automation, we ensure every engineer has access to the ABB components they need, whether from the latest catalogue or from a discontinued product range. Our expertise, verification processes and supply chain connections make us one of the UK’s most reliable ABB suppliers.

If you need help locating ABB components or require technical support, contact K2 Automation today and let our specialists keep your systems operating at peak capacity.

FAQs About ABB Products, Availability and Support

How can I determine if you have the ABB part I need in stock?

You can easily check the availability of ABB parts by visiting our website and browsing through our catalogue. Simply add the desired parts to your enquiry list and send us a message to confirm their availability. Our team will promptly respond and assist you in ensuring that the required part is ready for procurement. We also offer a range of Siemens products and Fanuc products.

What if the ABB part I require is not currently in stock?

In the event that a specific ABB part is not available in our current inventory, we utilise our extensive network of international suppliers to source and procure the required component. With our efficient procurement process, we strive to reduce delays and ensure timely delivery of the desired part to meet your operational needs.

Are your ABB robotics guaranteed to be authentic and of high quality?

Yes, at K2 Automation, we prioritise the authenticity and quality of all ABB parts offered to our clients. We work closely with trusted suppliers and conduct rigorous quality checks to ensure that every part meets the highest standards before being dispatched to our customers. We are always available to address any concerns or queries regarding the authenticity and performance of our ABB products.

Can K2 Automation assist with ABB robotics installation?

As well as supplying ABB parts, our team at K2 Automation is full of experienced professionals with in-depth knowledge of automation systems and industrial control applications. We offer comprehensive technical support and assistance to help you with the installation, integration, and troubleshooting of ABB parts into your existing systems. Whether you require guidance on compatibility, programming assistance, or on-site support, our experts are here to ensure a seamless experience from procurement to implementation.

How can I check whether you have the ABB part I need?

You can check availability by searching the part number in our online catalogue and adding it to your enquiry list. If you want instant confirmation, send us a quick message, and our team will verify stock levels for you. We regularly update our inventory with both legacy ABB power products and systems and newer ABB power and automation components. This means even rare or low-volume parts may be available sooner than expected. You can explore wider support options through K2 automation.

Do you source rare or obsolete ABB components?

Yes, we specialise in sourcing rare and obsolete ABB parts, including units that have been out of production for many years. Many ABB electrical machines, servo systems and earlier PLC modules are still vital for long-life industrial installations. When these items cannot be purchased through typical distributors, we rely on our global supplier network to locate them. Our procurement team handles everything from sourcing to verification. This ensures engineers can continue operating older machinery without redesigning entire systems.

Are your ABB products authentic and quality-checked?

Yes, every ABB product we supply is fully authenticated and inspected before it reaches you. Our checks include functionality testing, condition verification, firmware compatibility, and part identity validation. This helps avoid the risks associated with counterfeit or low-quality components found through non-verified sources. Engineers rely on our quality process to ensure ABB electrical machines and ABB power and automation parts perform as expected. If you ever need documentation or reports, we can provide them.

Do you provide installation or system-integration support?

Yes, our team offers technical guidance to help integrate ABB power products and systems into your existing setup. We can advise on compatibility, configuration, commissioning, and general best practices to ensure a smooth transition. This support is particularly helpful when replacing legacy parts or combining older systems with modern ABB technology. For more advanced automation requirements, many customers pair ABB components with our PLC systems to enhance control and reliability. Our experts are always available to assist.

What if the part I need isn’t listed on your website?

A product not appearing online does not mean we cannot source it. Many older ABB electrical machines and ABB power and automation units have limited availability, so they are not always shown on our public catalogue. If you share the part number with us, we can quickly check our global supplier channels for availability. Our procurement team specialises in finding rare and discontinued components that others cannot supply. This helps maintain your system without costly redesigns.

Do you supply ABB parts suitable for CNC or machining environments?

Yes, we supply a wide range of ABB motors, drives and control units suitable for high-precision CNC and machining applications. ABB technology is commonly used in environments where accuracy, torque control and reliability are essential. If you are upgrading equipment or integrating new motion hardware, our team can advise on suitable components. Many engineers also explore our CNC systems when modernising their machine tool infrastructure. We ensure compatibility and continuity across both legacy and modern setups.