How ABB & Heineken’s Partnership Powers Sustainable Growth

For more than a decade, ABB Electrification Service has played a vital role in powering Heineken Guadalajara’s brewing operations.
As the food and beverage (F&B) industry grapples with rising energy demands and the urgent need for sustainability, their 13-year partnership stands out as a model of efficiency, reliability and innovation.
Heineken Guadalajara produces 30 million litres of beer and cider every month, covering more than 20 brands.
Keeping such a vast operation running smoothly requires not just robust machinery but also a power supply that never falters.
This is where ABB’s expertise comes into play. Since 2012, ABB has been integral to maintaining the plant’s critical equipment, including boilers and compressors, which are essential for daily production.
Uberth Rios, Maintenance Coordinator at Heineken Guadalajara, explains the importance of this reliability: “We also have critical equipment such as boilers and compressors that must stay operational at all times.
"Any stoppage would necessitate immediate intervention to restore functionality and to minimise production delays.”
ABB’s preventive maintenance strategies ensure that such risks are kept to a minimum. Their services have evolved from basic maintenance to strategic advisory roles, enabling Heineken to adapt and thrive amidst growing energy demands.
The transition reflects ABB’s philosophy of being “engineered to outrun,” offering more than just technical support but also insights that future-proof operations.
Efficiency gains that go beyond the brewery
The broader F&B sector has struggled with energy efficiency, achieving only a 6% reduction in energy intensity from 2000 to 2020, according to PwC.
This makes Heineken Guadalajara’s progress even more remarkable. Through ABB’s support, the brewery has improved energy efficiency via high-quality power distribution and optimised equipment performance.
Pedro Robredo, Senior Vice President of ABB Electrification Services (Americas), highlights the key to this transformation: “Through ABB's partnership with Heineken Guadalajara, we've seen that lasting transformation comes from combining deep operational expertise with strategic guidance.
"It's about understanding our customers' day-to-day challenges while helping them build more sustainable and efficient business operations.”
PwC’s analysis suggests that F&B companies could unlock nearly US$300m annually in combined energy savings and revenues through comprehensive energy management strategies.
Heineken’s partnership with ABB is a testament to this potential. By upgrading older equipment with ABB’s latest technologies, such as advanced switchboards and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, the brewery has reduced electrical consumption and optimised space within its plant.
Uberth acknowledges ABB’s role in this journey: “ABB plays a crucial role in Heineken’s sustainability journey by ensuring efficient and high-quality energy distribution, reducing electrical consumption, and guaranteeing the reliability of our electrical equipment.”
A partnership built on trust
ABB’s relationship with Heineken Guadalajara is more than just a client-supplier arrangement; it’s a partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared goals.
Josue Cervantes, Senior Engineer at ABB Electrification Service in Mexico, explains: “Heineken is a valued client for us. We’ve been working with them for several years, assisting with installation, conditioning, commissioning, training and maintenance on all Heineken’s ABB products, including its switchgear and UPS systems.”
This long-standing collaboration has allowed ABB to develop a deep understanding of Heineken’s operational needs.
Josue adds: “All of this enhances Heineken’s productivity and contributes to cost reduction.”
As Heineken continues to expand its sustainability efforts, ABB remains a key partner, providing the expertise and technology needed to meet future demands.
Their partnership demonstrates how supply chain collaborations, when built on trust and technical excellence, can drive both operational resilience and environmental responsibility.
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