Company news

ABB Inc., Raleigh, N.C., recently made two key appointments to its Low Voltage Systems division. Bruce Wittbrodt was named senior vice president and general manager of ABB's Automation Products, Low Voltage Systems, North American Operations, and Mike Plaster was named senior vice president and general manager of U.S. operations for the Automation Products Low Voltage Products & Systems (controls) business.

Wittbrodt brings more than 22 years experience in the electrical and automation industry. Previously, he was General Electric's head of marketing for LV and MV switchgear.

Plaster brings more than 17 years of experience in the electrical and automation industry. He was most recently with Kirby Risk Supply Co. in Indiana.

Moog Inc., East Aurora, N.Y., acquired FCS Control Systems B.V., Amsterdam. FCS designs and manufactures high-fidelity electro-mechanical and electro-hydraulic flight and vehicle simulation equipment and structural test systems for the aerospace and automotive markets. FCS had $24 million in sales in 2004 and employs about 100 people.

TRD Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Bimba Manufacturing Co., expanded its facility size with a move to a 77,000 sq-ft facility in Machesney Park, Ill. TRD manufactures pneumatic cylinders and accessories.

ThinGap Corp., Ventura, Calif., appointed Rean Pretorius as CEO and president. He joined the company in April as vice president for worldwide business development. Previously, he was senior vice president, global channel and alliances for DataMirror Corp., Toronto. ThinGap manufactures high-power density brush and brushless dc motors with electromotive coil technology.

Magtrol Inc., Buffalo, opened a new sales and service office in Shanghai, China. This team will focus on increasing international sales of torque-speed-power products, including dynamometers, power analyzers, motor testing software, and torque transducers. It will also sell hysteresis brakes and clutches and load pins.

In conjunction with the office opening, Magtrol appointed Charles Lin as general manager. He has more than 10 years experience selling the company's equipment.