CLYDEUNION owner SPX has announced plans to spin off its flow division as a separate listed entity.

The split is expected to be completed within a year, with shares in the new business, currently called the Future Flow Company, to be 100 per cent owned by existing SPX shareholders.

Glasgow-based Clyde­Union, which has its main facility at Cathcart, was highlighted as one of the key brands of the new flow company, which will supply pumps, valves, mixers and other equipment to the energy, food and drink and industrial markets.

SPX will retain its infrastructure technology, engineered power equipment and heating, ventilation and air conditioning divisions.

Chris Kearney, current SPX chief executive, will head the flow business. He said: "We believe the spin-off will provide both companies greater flexibility to focus on and pursue their respective growth strategies, enabling them to create significant value for shareholders, customers and employees."

"The Future Flow Company will focus on expanding its product offering through innovation, commercial and strategic initiatives as well as increasing its customer service capabilities in the aftermarket."

SPX, which has its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, bought SPX for about £750 million from Jim McColl's Clyde Blowers in 2011, also said its third-­quarter revenue had increased 1.1 per cent to $1.16 billion (£720m). Net income before tax rose from $63.9m to $64.5m. Mr Kearney said there had been strong bookings in the quarter in the thermal and power transformer segments, but fewer than expected large orders in the flow division.