ABB acquires IPEC to boost monitoring
The deal adds advanced electrical diagnostics to ABB’s services, helping data centres and other critical industries reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
Image credit: ABB
ABB has agreed to acquire IPEC, a UK-based technology company with more than 30 years of experience in electrical diagnostics. The move strengthens ABB’s ability to monitor critical electrical infrastructure and spot early signs of failure in sectors where downtime can cost millions, including data centres, utilities, airports, healthcare and manufacturing. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. Financial details were not disclosed.
IPEC develops advanced monitoring systems that run 24/7, using AI and data analytics to detect issues before they lead to outages, safety risks or major financial losses. A key focus of its technology is the detection of partial discharge, small electrical sparks that indicate early insulation failure and are responsible for over 80 % of unexpected equipment breakdowns.
By integrating IPEC’s solutions, ABB will expand its Electrification Service portfolio and support customers in moving from reactive repairs to proactive asset management. This approach can reduce downtime by up to 90 %, cut maintenance costs by as much as 85 %, and significantly extend the lifespan of critical assets.
IPEC is headquartered in Manchester and employs around 70 people across locations including Oxford, Abu Dhabi, Sweden, Riyadh, and Texas. While it originated in the UK utilities market, the company now serves customers worldwide, with data centres its largest and fastest-growing segment, particularly in the United States.
Founded in 1995, IPEC was created to bridge academic research and the power industry, turning advanced engineering knowledge into practical, commercial monitoring solutions.
Source: ABB
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