Erlangen, Germany— The two motion control systems divisions of Siemens Automation & Drives and Krauss Maffei AG have founded a joint company for development of linear motor technology. Siemens owns 60% of the new company and Krauss-Maffei (K-M) owns 40%. The new firm, Siemens Linear Motor Systems GmbH & Co. KG, has been approved by Germany's antitrust authorities. The joint venture has already begun operating with 30 employees in Munich and expects a turnover of DM 10 million. Michael Sienz, previously K-M's head, is managing director of the joint venture. Siemens is confident there will be substantial growth in linear motor systems, particularly in machine tool engineering and in general automation applications. Moreover, both expect that bundling their activities will "optimize support and consultation with their existing customers."