In Brief

• Rockwell Automation has launched an "Essential Components" service that will ensure that more than 4,000 of the most popular items from Allen-Bradley`s 500,000-plus range will be available on 24-hour delivery to anywhere in the UK. More than 95% of the products will available off-the-shelf through Routeco`s national network of branches.

• Parker Hannifin has bought the Sussex pneumatics specialist, Mead Fluid Dynamics, from its Chicago-based parent for an undisclosed sum. Mead, whose annual sales are around $3m, will be transferred to Parker`s European pneumatic division in Cannock.

• The Canadian industrial IT specialist Matrikon has bought the Aberdeen-based company PI Automation for around £3m. PI, which supplies Web-based plant performance systems, will be renamed Matrikon Europe. PI`s 2003 revenue was £2.41m.

• FAG`s UK operation has moved into INA Bearings` offices in Sutton Coldfield, following its acquisition by INA`s parent company.