• ORLEN Unipetrol Signs Five-Year Service Contract with ABB
• The Power Care agreement encompasses full support for MV and LV switchgear, control systems, and drives.
• Advisory services play a crucial role in optimizing operational efficiency and minimizing the risk of breakdowns.

After a successful 12-year partnership, ORLEN Unipetrol, the Czech Republic’s sole crude oil processor and operator of its largest network of filling stations, has renewed its service contract with ABB.

The agreement between ORLEN Unipetrol, a producer, distributor, and retailer of fuels and petrochemical products like plastics and fertilizers, and ABB Electrification Service is a customized five-year Power Care contract.

This extensive agreement includes safety stock, spare parts, maintenance services, and a dedicated customer service hotline, covering not just the refinery’s medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) switchgear, but also its control systems and drives.

ABB has long been involved in automating key production sites at ORLEN Unipetrol. The chemical production processes are currently controlled by ABB’s Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system (DCS). The DCS’s core technology is the Advant MOD 300 with AC 460 controllers, and ABB is currently transitioning to the AC 800M, its latest flagship controller.

ABB’s longstanding presence in ORLEN Unipetrol’s operations includes a large installed base, such as ABB’s UniGear ZS1 and MNS 3.0. A key challenge for the ABB team has been to align critical maintenance work with a factory shutdown that occurs every four years.

“We began collaborating with ORLEN Unipetrol in 2012, building on the work of ABB’s Front-end Sales team, and over time, we’ve earned their trust as a reliable partner,” said Martin Prezbruchy, Marketing & Sales Manager at ABB Electrification Service. “We understand their needs and have designed a tailored service to support their growth while minimizing costly unplanned downtimes.”

“One of the most challenging aspects of ORLEN’s operations is scheduling essential maintenance during the short 8-12 week shutdown period every four years. Our meticulous approach to this task has been vital to our enduring and successful partnership with ORLEN,” added Prezbruchy.

Beyond scheduled maintenance, ORLEN Unipetrol utilizes ABB’s advisory services for preventive maintenance to reduce the risk of breakdowns and ensure equipment runs at peak performance.

“We greatly value ABB’s preventive maintenance recommendations,” an ORLEN representative said. “Some of our equipment has been in service for many years, and their advice not only helps us maintain efficiency but also lets us know when it’s time for upgrades or replacements. We always receive quick and professional solutions from ABB.”

Martin Kolarik, Head of Service for the ABB Energy Industries team, remarked, “The first ABB control system was installed here over 30 years ago, and since then, ABB’s local team has supported the expanding installed base. Our services include hotline support, spare parts storage, and regular maintenance. Additionally, by collaborating with ORLEN Unipetrol’s specialists, ABB has modernized control systems, improving efficiency with new DCS features. This new service contract sets the foundation for continuing our customer-centric collaboration.”

Now, ABB serves as the exclusive service provider for ORLEN Unipetrol’s installed equipment, applying its deep expertise in electrification, process automation, and drives to offer comprehensive support. This vast knowledge and product portfolio allow ABB to guide customers in maximizing the productivity, safety, efficiency, and sustainability of their operations.

ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, advancing a sustainable, resource-efficient future. By combining its engineering and digital expertise, ABB helps industries achieve high performance while improving efficiency and productivity. With over 140 years of history and more than 105,000 employees worldwide, ABB continues to lead the way in technological advancements. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

ABB Electrification is a global technology leader in the efficient distribution of electricity from source to socket. With over 50,000 employees across 100 countries, we work with customers and partners to address the world’s biggest challenges in electrical distribution and energy management. As the energy transition speeds up and electricity demand increases, we are electrifying the world in a safe, smart, and sustainable way. At ABB, we are engineered to outrun, and we are passionate about helping our customers and partners achieve the same.

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