In Brief

• Warwick Laser Systems has joined forces with the assembly equipment manufacturer Modular Automation in an "equity partnership" that will see Warwick engineers being based at Modular`s Birmingham plant. The deal will give Modular in-house expertise in the specialised field of industrial applications of lasers.

• Eaton is buying Cobham`s aerospace fluid and air division for $270m. The Dorset-based division makes products including electromechanical actuators, and hydraulics and air distribution systems. It employs 1,600 people and had sales worth $210m last year.

• Mitsubishi`s Melsec Energy Centre in Hatfield is expanding its activities to include long-term energy management services. To date, the Centre has focused on consultancy and advice. The new services will be offered in collaboration with specialist partners.

• Simon Smith has left has position as general manager of Aerotech UK to emigrate to New Zealand. He has been succeeded by Dr Cliff Jolliffe, who was previously customer support and sales manager. Jolliffe`s earlier career included stints with Stebon and SmartDrive.

• International Rectifier has moved its European Regional Centre to new offices in Reigate, Surrey. The phone number is 01737 227200.