ZURICH, Switzerland - ABB will merge its six automation business areas into three globally-focused businesses effective Jan. 1, 2004. According to ABB, the move is part of an evolution that began in late 2002 when the group merged two automation-related divisions and combined 11 business areas into six.

The new Process Automation business will be headed by Martinus Brandal, and will blend ABB's control products; its petroleum, chemicals, and life sciences units; plus its paper, minerals, marine, and turbocharging units.

Tom Sjökvist will lead the new Automation Products business, which merges the current low-voltage products and instruments, drives, motors, and power electronics units.