The Eaton Corporation has sold the machine tool controls business of its Vickers Electronic Systems (VES) division to Siemens Energy and Automation, for an undisclosed amount.

In addition to the 450 staff at VES` headquarters in the US, the company employs 80 at a manufacturing site in Bedford, UK. Eaton acquired VES when it bought Aeroquip-Vickers last April. It said soon afterwards that it planned to sell the machine tool operation because it did not fit in with its long-term objectives.

The VES business produces computer numeric controls, mainly for the machine tool and plastic processing equipment markets. It also develops software and manufacturing controls. In 1998, its sales amounted to $109m. Eaton plans to sell separately another VES operation which manufactures motors and drives in Casella, Italy. The business employs 162 people.