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

Tom Sjokvist, with more than 30 years at ABB, will lead the new automation products business, merging the current low voltage products and instruments, drives, motors, and power electronics units. Anders Jonsson, current manager of the drives, motors, and power electronics area, is to focus on operational costs, supply chain and sourcing, and strategic cost migration.

Martinus Brandal, an 18-year veteran, will head the new process automation business - including ABB's control products; petroleum, chemicals, and life sciences; and paper, minerals, marine, and turbocharging units. Frank Duggan, currently head of the petroleum and chemicals automation business, will manage global sales and business development, plus indirect channel development. Teemu Tunkelo, current head of the control products business, will serve as technology leader and chief architect for process automation.

Bo Elisson, a 29-year veteran, will continue to head the ABB robotics, automotive, and manufacturing business, which is renamed manufacturing automation.

For more information, visit www.abb.com.

Publication date: 12/08/2003