♦  The linear motion specialist HepcoMotion says that exceeded its growth target by 5% last year, and is planning further investment in its manufacturing sites in 2009. During 2008, its sales grew by 30% in France and by 18% in Germany. MD Ray Hall says that 2009 will be “a challenge” but adds that “there are many opportunities for us around the world”.

♦  The organisers of the biannual Hillhead quarrying show have decided to postpone this year’s event by 12 months until June 2010 in response to “the scale and the speed with which the current adverse economic climate has developed”. The decision was made after discussions with exhibitors and despite the show being “heavily booked as usual”.

♦  Robin McGill, chief executive of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, is leaving after 2½ years with the IET to become chief executive of AWE (the Atomic Weapons Establishment).

♦  Eplan Software and Service, the computer-aided engineering software supplier, has opened a regional sales office in Birmingham to complement its head office in Hellaby, South Yorkshire. The company, owned by Rittal, says it is embarking on a period of growth as companies turn to its software to automate their design activities.

♦  Ametek Technical & Industrial Products has appointed Mclennan Servo Supplies as UK and Ireland distributor for its Pittman, MCG and MAE branded motors, gearmotors and drives. Ametek acquired the Pitmann and MAE lines when it bought PennEngineering Motion Technologies in 2006. Mclennan is a long-standing distributor of the Italian-made MAE stepper motors.