CJ Pearce successfully delivered a major high voltage infrastructure upgrade at Asaleo Care’s PM3 facility, replacing ageing 3.3kV switchgear and associated power distribution equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

The project involved the complete replacement of the existing 3.3kV motor control switchboard with new ABB switchgear. Due to the age and condition of the existing installation, the decision was made to retain the existing bottom-entry cabling and redesign the new switchgear arrangement to accommodate top-entry connections. This approach minimised disturbance to existing assets while reducing project risk and downtime.

The existing switchboard was carefully dismantled and removed in sections before the new ABB switchgear was assembled on a custom support frame and manoeuvred into position over the existing cable trench. CJ Pearce then completed all high voltage cable terminations, testing, and commissioning activities to ensure a safe and reliable transition to the new equipment.

The upgrade also included the installation of new transformers within the existing transformer yard. Once positioned, the transformers required rapid wiring, testing, and commissioning within a highly compressed shutdown period. To meet the demanding schedule, CJ Pearce implemented around-the-clock operations using rotating 12-hour shifts, ensuring critical milestones were achieved without impacting production requirements.

CJ Pearce delivered a successful upgrade that enhanced the reliability and longevity of the facility’s high voltage electrical infrastructure.