Units of the Stanadyne Corporation and the Timken Company have agreed to jointly develop and market OE and replacement automotive engine valve train components for a sector estimated to be worth £700m a year globally.

The alliance of the two USA-based companies links Stanadyne's Precision Engine Products Corp (PEPC) and Timken's Automotive Powertrain Group.

Under the terms of the agreement, Timken will make roller fingers for integration with Stanadyne hydraulic lash adjusters – the key components of valve train systems.

“The collaboration is creating a unique global source for robust train system technology,” says a Timken spokesman.