SUMTER, SC ... Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced today it has donated $25,000 to benefit the Sumter Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The funds will be used to support the Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative, a program focused on increasing manufacturing jobs to attract a more diverse economic base.

"We appreciate Eaton's contribution and the ultimate outcomes this donation will provide," said Jay Cox, chairman Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative. "We are so grateful for their participation and support."

The Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative, sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, is geared toward raising the skill level of young people in the community and increasing the pool of hiring resources within the manufacturing field.

"Eaton is a company that recognizes the importance of giving back to the community," said Dan Yount, plant manager, Eaton's Sumter facility. "The Smarter Growth Initiative is an important project that will raise the skills of our young people and increase the pool of resources for hiring talent in the field of high-technology and manufacturing."

Eaton's Electrical Assemblies Division in Sumter is part of the company's Electrical business which provides custom designed configured-to-order Panelboard and Switchboards which consist primarily of circuit breakers, and other components, assembled into sheet metal enclosures. These products provide the capability to safely and efficiently distribute electricity to a large number of smaller electrical loads such as lights, motors, receptacles, other Panelboard and Transformers.

This equipment is used on electrical distribution systems in retail stores, data centers, hospitals, universities and a variety of other commercial and industrial facilities where managing the distribution of electrical power is required. Approximately 665 employees work at the facility.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2005 sales of $11.1 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 60,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries.

Corporate Communications
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