• Siemens Automation and Drives is forming a joint venture with Jingyi Electrical Apparatus to establish a low-voltage circuit-breaker joint venture in Shanghai, China. Siemens Low-Voltage Circuit Breaker Co will employ about 400 people and will develop and manufacture LV breakers and market them worldwide.

• An EU-wide system for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications including engineering has moved a step closer with the European Parliament`s second reading vote on a new directive covering professions. The adopted motion recommends mutual recognition of the qualifications of other EU countries, and the introduction of cards with information on a professional`s career.

• Intel, Cisco Systems and the Paladin Capital Group have invested $12m in the US-based wireless sensor specialist Crossbow Technology. The funds will be used to expand Crossbow`s international operations and its r&d activities. Intel first invested in Crossbow in 2002.

• Metso Drives has changed its name to Moventas following its acquisition in April by the private equity investor, CapMan. The company, which manufactures mechanical power transmission equipment, has sales of €157m and employs around 900 people at eight locations in Europe and North America.

• Ormec and National Instruments have formed a strategic relationship to market NI`s new SoftMotion controller with Ormec`s FireWire-based ServoWire SM drives. NI`s LabView graphical development package will be used as the front-end to create distributed motion applications.