On January 18, 2008, AREVA T&D held the groundbreaking ceremony of its second power transformer factory in China. The existing factory is a joint venture in the Shanghai area. The new facility, located in the Yangluo Economic Development Zone in Wuhan, Hubei Province, will become the most advanced transformer plant in China. The ceremony was attended by officials from Hubei Province, Michel Freymuth, Consul General of the French Consulate in Wuhan, and senior management from AREVA headquarters and AREVA China. This project is key in responding to China’s growing transmission needs.
 
With an initial investment of almost 60 million euros, AREVA Wuhan Transformer Co., Ltd. will design and produce a full range of power transformers from 110 kV to Ultra High Voltage for AC and DC transmission with an initial production capacity of 20,000 MVA per year and further development possibilities. With an area of over 120,000 square meters, the factory will come into production in 2009. This investment demonstrates the continuous commitment of AREVA T&D to share its technology and knowledge to build another best-in-class manufacturing site in China.
 
Currently, China is the world’s third largest power transmission and distribution market, accounting for 25% of the global market share. Growth momentum is promising. Present in China since 1992, AREVA T&D has accelerated its investment during the past three years. In 2007, AREVA T&D’s new Gas-Insulated Switchgear factory in Suzhou came into operation. New ventures for dry-type transformers and high-voltage equipment components were signed to serve growing market needs. 
 
Ghislain Lescuyer, Executive Vice President for AREVA T&D’s Products Business Unit, said,  “AREVA Wuhan Transformer Co., Ltd.’s new plant is a key milestone in contributing to regional economic growth and supporting the development of regional and national transmission grids.”