The Italian motor and drives group Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali (ASI) is joining the Robicon Corporation following its acquisition by Robicon`s US parent, High Voltage Engineering (HVE). The combined Robicon and ASI business - which includes the UK`s Hill Graham Controls - will have around 2,100 employees and sales of more than $300m (£183m).

Terms for the sale have not been disclosed. ASI`s former parent, Finmeccanica, says it has sold ASI to reduce its debt and to concentrate on what it regards as its core activities. It adds that HVE has the resources to ensure that ASI can grow and compete globally.

ASI`s portfolio includes: HV squirrel cage motors up to 21MW; HV synchronous motors and generators from 0.5-40MVA; DC motors and generators up to 5MW; high-speed synchronous motors; and LV AC machines. It is particularly strong in the metal, paper and marine sectors.

Robicon claims to be the world leader in medium voltage variable speed AC drives with systems up to 10MW. It also produces industrial power controllers up to 25MW. Its main strengths lie in the water, oil and gas, power generation, offshore and cement sectors.

ASI`s UK subsidiary Hill Graham Controls employs 150 people at its sites in High Wycombe and Chesterfield. Robicon has a small UK sales operation based in Hemel Hempstead.