Schneider Electric claims it has become one of the world`s top three suppliers of industrial relays by buying the Magnecraft range of relays, previously owned by US-based MSD. The Magnecraft relays generated sales worth $14m last year.

As well as expanding Schneider`s relay portfolio, the range "will strengthen our worldwide leadership in electrical contactors," says Dave Petratis, an executive vice-president with Schneider in the US.