IBM UK’s plans to team up with Siebe Plc subsidiary Robertshaw Systems to form Robertshaw Intelligent Building Systems Ltd (CI No 1,126) will result in a new UK-based joint venture specialising in fitting out new offices as intelligent buildings. Robertshaw Systems’ existing assets, along with some 25 staff, will be absorbed by the new company, in which IBM will take a 50% joint ownership stake. No other financial details were disclosed, but initial investment on both sides was described as small. The new company aims to market, install, and maintain automation systems and products that manage and control building services. Plans are also underway to expand Robertshaw’s existing BMS building management system, an integrated system designed to control energy, heating and ventilation, monitored from IBM PS/2s or ATs. The system can also connect to fire protection and security systems via Robertshaw’s Facilities Integrator System. IBM’s activities in this field are otherwise confined to Japan and France: it formed S&I with Sumitomo Electric Indus tries Ltd in June 1987 (CI No 693), and IB2 Techno logies SA with Bougues SA, in the following October (CI No 790). It had a similar intelligent buildings venture in the US, but sold its interest in it.
