ABB expands drives & motors network

The 18 partners are already ABB suppliers under its separate Drives Alliance and Motor Service Partner networks, but these entities have now been merged to become the new ABB Authorised Value Provider (AVP) network.

The company said members of the network had signed an agreement to stock, distribute and provide local value-added support, giving them the right to use the new AVP logo.

The aim is to never let our customers down

ABB drive sales manager Steve Hughes

The goal was to create a new global benchmark for technical advice, delivery, and life cycle services that would gradually encompass more third party companies selling other products from the ABB portfolio, it added.

“Wherever customers see the symbol, they can have the confidence in the ABB brand that sets clear standards for quality and service,” said Ian Allan, local business unit manager for ABB’s low-voltage electric motors.

“For drives and motors this delivers an assurance that a local supplier is capable of providing the products and services competently, consistently and professionally.”

ABB said suppliers wishing to become involved would have to complete a series of training courses and exams to ensure a consistently high quality of technical support and product backup.

Driving this latest initiative is the continued trend toward outsourcing, a growing interest in packaged solutions, and adoption of advanced tools and technologies, said ABB.

The escalating legislation, regulations and directives that now apply to industrial equipment is another area where ABB says customers are increasingly requesting outside assistance.

AVPs will be “trained to advise on how the latest legislations, regulations and directives affect motor-driven applications,” it said.

“This will become the largest global technology network of variable-speed drives and electric motors from one manufacturer,” said Steve Hughes, ABB drive sales manager.

“The aim of the network is to never let our customers down.”