LEAN MANUFACTURING
HEADQUARTERS: ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 110,000 MARKET CAP: US $ 100.27BN NUMBER OF COUNTRIES: 100 +
ABB IEC LV Motors site, Bangalore, India“ ABB India’ s IEC LV Motors site in Bangalore is a testament to what’ s possible when manufacturers push beyond conventional thinking,” says Stefan.
“ Like most large manufacturing facilities, this site produces a wide range of waste materials including plastic and polymer, scrap metals, and hazardous chemicals.”
Stefan notes that the primary challenge is not sheer waste volumes but the end result after it leaves the factory. Instead of discarding items to landfill, manufacturers need to transform waste into useful products and materials.
“ Take paint sludge, for example – historically, it’ s one of the toughest byproducts to manage,” he explains.
“ Instead of discarding it, ABB India makes sure that it is diverted to cement plants, where it is repurposed as an alternative fuel.
“ What was once nothing more than hazardous waste is now playing a role in energy generation.”
68 May 2025