Rockwell has formed a strategic alliance with Weidmüller, giving it access to the German company`s IEC connection products. The deal includes joint product development, a brand-labelling agreement, exchange of technologies and designs, and the acquisition by Rockwell of Weidmüller`s North American sales operation, which employs 170 people in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Rockwell senior vice-president Ted Crandall sees the alliance as "a key step forward in the growth strategy of our components business". It will also boost Weidmüller`s presence in the North American market.

Connection products represent an increasing proportion of the total value of automation systems.