CHARLOTTE, N.C., … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced today that its Clutch Division manufacturing facilities in Charlotte, N.C. and Auburn, Ind., have been awarded the 2007 Master of Quality Award from Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA), formerly known as Freightliner LLC. This is DTNA’s highest honor for a supplier and is reserved for companies that meet peak standards of quality in providing parts and components for Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star truck brands. Eaton’s Charlotte facility was the site of a celebration today to commemorate the award.

According to DTNA, Eaton is among the top two percent of all suppliers to achieve this award. Eaton’s U.S. clutch facilities have won this award seven times in the past 10 years – in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Recipients demonstrate ongoing commitment to quality improvement and are evaluated and scored semi-annually in six areas including engineering, purchasing, materials management, service, aftermarket and warranty.

“DTNA continually raises the bar for supplier quality,” said James E. Sweetnam, chief executive officer – Truck Group. “This makes the win for the Clutch Division even more special because we’ve been able to continually meet and exceed the increasing expectations of this important customer.”

Leading a delegation of DTNA leadership to Eaton’s Charlotte facility were Chris Patterson, president and chief executive officer of DTNA, and Roger Nielsen, DTNA chief operating officer. “In light of the many challenges that we face in our industry today, this is no easy accomplishment,” said Nielsen. “The Masters of Quality winners are the role models for our entire supplier base.”

Eaton’s Charlotte manufacturing facility is one of two plants in the United States currently manufacturing medium-duty and heavy-duty clutches for the North American commercial vehicle industry. Led by Plant Manager Nereida Ramos, the facility employs 78 people.

With 2007 sales of $2.1 billion, Eaton’s Truck Group is a global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of powertrain systems and components for commercial vehicles. Around the world, Eaton offers drivetrain components, systems and safety products, including manual and automated transmissions, hybrid power systems, clutches and collision warning systems with adaptive cruise control.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2007 sales of $13 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 81,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

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