ABB: The Hidden Infrastructure Behind Hidden Infrastructure

In this episode of Category Leaders, Colin Brown and Martti Wallin tell the story of ABB, the Category Leader in industrial electrification and automation.

This is the story of the Swedish national champion marrying the Swiss / German champion and creating a company than when it merged, was 50% larger than its rivals GE, Hitachi and Siemens!

So join us to hear about transformational early deals, a bank restructuring, high voltage currents between islands, Wallenberg Capital, Data Centre exposure, Frontier Labs including OpenAI and Anthropic comparisons, a near-death experience, a press conference where the press didn’t turn up and a midsummer eve flight to East Finland in a Helicopter!

The technological evolution of electricity transmission (DC vs. AC)
The founding stories of ASEA and Brown Boveri and their early innovations
The strategic importance of geographical and political factors in company growth
The impact of world wars and neutrality on European electrical companies
The development of high-voltage transmission and undersea cables
The importance of governance, management, and talent in scaling companies;
ABB merger strategy and execution
The importance of speed and secrecy in mergers
Building scale economies and process power for Europe
The role of technology and software systems in efficiency
Lessons for modern founders and corporate leaders