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ABB Västerås Campus
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Industrial site
Västerås is widely recognized as the cradle of the Swedish electrical industry, hosting the ABB Group's most significant global campus. The site’s heritage traces back to 1883 with the founding of ASEA by Ludvig Fredholm, which merged with the Swiss BBC in 1988 to form ABB. Today, Västerås serves as a global hub for power electronics, robotics, and industrial automation. The campus includes state-of-the-art research centers and manufacturing units where critical energy transition technologies, such as High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems, are pioneered. It also houses Europe’s leading innovation center for robotics, providing advanced automation solutions for factories worldwide. The close partnership with Mälardalen University ensures a continuous pipeline of highly skilled engineering talent. Employing over 4,000 people, ABB is the primary driver of the local economy and has defined the identity of Västerås for over a century. The facility remains instrumental in the digitalization of industry and the development of smart power grids for a sustainable future.
- Location: Sweden
- Top sights: Citykyrkan · Västerås Konstmuseum · Västerås Konsthall
- Nearby: Eskilstuna (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -4 | 0 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 6 | 2 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 48 | 41 | 39 | 40 | 67 | 86 | 94 | 83 | 54 | 72 | 62 | 54 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The ABB Västerås Campus is the historic birthplace and a global hub for power technology, robotics, and industrial automation. It serves as a key innovation driver for the region and significantly shapes Swedish industry with cutting-edge technologies.
Visiting
The campus is an active industrial and research site, usually not fully open to the general public. External views are easily possible from surrounding streets and public paths, and guided tours are occasionally arranged for professional groups.
Where to view it
The best view of the campus is from the adjacent Västerås street and the shore of Lake Mälaren. From elevated points in the city center or the nearby ferry pier, the distinctive buildings and modern architecture are clearly visible.
Local products
High-tech products such as electric drive systems, robotic components, and energy management solutions are prominent in the Västerås region. Visitors can discover exhibits of regional industrial culture in specialty shops and fairs, though typical consumer goods are not common.
Active season
The campus is active year-round, as research, development, and production occur continuously. The highest activity occurs during regular workweeks, with special events or technology fairs often held in spring and autumn.
Nearby
A visit to the campus can be excellently combined with exploring the city of Västerås and its historic old town. The nearby Lake Mälaren with its excursion opportunities or Västerås Cathedral are also suitable for a combined tour.
Geography
Facts
- Approximately 4,000 employees work for ABB in Västerås across multiple business units.
- ASEA was founded in Stockholm in 1883 but relocated its operations to Västerås in 1891.
- ABB is currently investing over $280 million into a new state-of-the-art robotics campus in the city.
- HVDC technology, vital for long-distance power transmission, was largely pioneered in Västerås.
- The city serves as the global headquarters for ABB's Robotics and Discrete Automation division.
- The campus features one of the most advanced and largest industrial research centers in Northern Europe.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town ABB Västerås Campus (10)
Västerås Cathedral⛪ church
Västerås Cathedral is a medieval cathedral and the seat of the bishop.
Aseaströmmen
Aseaströmmen is a monument in Västerås commemorating industrial history.
Trixteatern
Trixteatern is a theatre in Västerås offering a diverse programme.
Västerås stadshus
Västerås stadshus is an administrative building and a landmark of the city.
Bondtorget
Bondtorget is a marketplace in Västerås surrounded by shops and cafés.
Musiker-brunnen
The Musician's Fountain in Västerås depicts bronze figures playing instruments.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is ABB famous in Västerås?
Västerås is the birthplace of ASEA (now ABB) and a global hub for robotics.
Can you visit the ABB campus?
The site is an active industrial area; public access is limited.
Is there a technology museum in Västerås?
Västmanland County Museum often features industrial history exhibitions.
What is researched on the campus?
Power grids, automation, and the next generation of industrial robots.
How important is ABB to the city?
It is the largest employer and shapes the modern identity of Västerås.
ABB Västerås Campus: where is it located?
ABB Västerås Campus is located in Sweden.
ABB Västerås Campus: what is there to see?
Highlights include Citykyrkan, Västerås Konstmuseum, Västerås Konsthall.
ABB Västerås Campus: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
ABB Västerås Campus: why is it worth visiting?
Västerås is widely recognized as the cradle of the Swedish electrical industry, hosting the ABB Group's most significant global campus.
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