ABB appoints first UK energy spokesperson

An ABB Automation Tech (Drives and Motors) product story

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Sep 4, 2006

ABB has appointed Steve Ruddell as its first UK spokesperson on energy - a topic which he has often discussed in his role as manager of the ABB drives and motors for the UK

ABB has appointed Steve Ruddell as its first UK spokesperson on energy.

Ruddell, 40, is the general manager for drives and motors in the UK.

He has many years' experience of working with energy efficiency issues, as the efficiency of motor and drive systems is central to energy efficiency in general.

"Our products are based around the use of energy - some of them use significant amounts.

Better use of energy is, therefore, the most effective contribution we can make towards reducing the environmental impact of our business," Ruddell explains.

"Energy efficiency is normally seen as the end user's concern, however we think we can make a valuable contribution as a manufacturer.

While energy is one of today's burning issues, it does not always get the proper attention at all levels in the companies we deal with.

Normally, companies are concerned with buying energy more cheaply, or reducing the running hours of that process.

While a lot of good comes from this, it is even more important that plant is designed for energy efficiency in the first place.

We want to encourage industry to look at the whole life cycle cost, starting when equipment is bought and new plant designed".

Ruddell will explain the ABB policy on energy efficiency across all products and divisions in the UK.

Until now, each division has commented on its own issues.

Ruddell will be the first spokesperson on a specific issue with a cross-divisional brief.

This is an addition to two additional European/Global roles he performs.

He is a member of the Low Voltage Motors Global Management Team as well as the Global Key Account Manager for Sulzer.

Ruddell has been general manager for drives and motors in the UK since 2004.

He started his working life as a Technician Apprentice with GEC Industrial Controls in 1983, progressing to Sales Engineer Drives Division in 1988.

In 1989, Ruddell left GEC, joining Brush Electrical Machines as Sales Engineer Drive Systems, and progressing to Sales Manager Drive Systems.

He joined ABB in 1994 as Senior Sales Engineer - Drive Systems, becoming Manager, Drives and Motors Division in 1998, Manager, OEM, Drives and Motors in 2001 and Manager, Motors and Machines in 2002.