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.

Bob Elisson will continue to head the ABB robotics, automotive, and manufacturing business, which is renamed Manufacturing Automation.

For further details, visit www.abb.com.

Publication date: 12/15/2003