Re Agreement

ABB Ltd
02 April 2003

ABB signs rail consortium agreement in U.K.



Project to upgrade rail power supply system is worth US$ 60-80 million in first
year

Zurich, Switzerland, April 2, 2003 - ABB, the leading power and automation
technology group, and Mowlem Railways, a world leader in railway construction,
have signed a seven-year framework agreement with a British rail operator,
Network Rail, to upgrade power supply systems on commuter routes in southeast
England. The agreement is worth between US$ 60-80 million in the first year.



'This agreement confirms our position as the supplier of choice for rail power
systems and a reliable, long-term partner for railway operators,' says Peter
Smits, head of ABB Power Technologies division.



The agreement is essential to allow the operation of modern rolling stock and to
phase out existing carriages on the busiest commuter lines in the country.



ABB said its strength in substation project management, engineering,
construction and power technology products would be combined with Mowlem's
experience in major civil and electrical construction projects.



ABB's share of the work includes design, supply, construction and commissioning
of new and upgraded substations and high-voltage cables for transmission lines.



The ABB Mowlem consortium will work alongside Network Rail and other
stakeholders including the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and the Train
Operating Companies (TOCs) on the complex project.



ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable
utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering
environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100
countries and employs about 139,000 people.




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