Control Developments, which develops and sells electrohydraulic control systems for mobile automation applications, is changing its name to Jetter UK and will become an R&D centre for mobile automation. Its manufacturing and administration activities are being transferred to Jetter’s Ludwigsburg headquarters. Jetter says that its global sales network will provide further growth potential for CD’s products.

It adds that CD’s knowledge of the control of hydraulic systems complements its own know-how and product portfolio in the mobile automation sector, strengthening its presence in this sector.

Control Developments’ biggest customer is the municipal vehicle manufacturer, Johnston Sweepers – a member of the Swiss group Bucher Industries, which also has a stake in Jetter. The German company expects its mobile automation business to grow solidly over the coming years, and plans to work more closely with Bucher.

Jetter employs 191 people and had sales worth €36m in 2006/07. It owns subsidiaries in Germany, the US, Singapore, Italy and Switzerland.