Tue Jan 7, 2003 -

CLEVELAND, OHIO . . . Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) today announced the appointment of Thomas S. Gross to the newly created position of vice president, Eaton Business System, effective January 6, 2003. Gross will refine and further deploy the Eaton Business System throughout the company to support Eaton’s integrated operating company business model. He will report to Alexander M. Cutler, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer, and will be located in Cleveland.

“The Eaton Business System is critical to our success and I am extremely pleased that Tom has joined Eaton in this champion role,” said Cutler. “His strong and diverse background is well suited to help us ensure that the Eaton Business System continues to evolve into a powerful, holistic system for running our business.”

Gross joins Eaton from Danaher Corporation where he was group executive for the Motion Control business from 2000 to 2002. From 1999 to 2000 he was president of Danaher’s Fluke business. Prior to joining Danaher, Gross was president and chief executive officer of Xycom from 1997 to 1999. Before that he worked for Rockwell Automation for 20 years, holding a series of key operating roles, including vice president and general manager, Rockwell Software, and vice president and general manager, Motion Control.

Gross has a B.A. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Wisconsin.

Eaton is a global $7.3 billion diversified industrial manufacturer that is a leader in fluid power systems; electrical power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management and fuel economy; and intelligent truck systems for fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 48,000 employees and sells products in more than 50 countries.