CHARLOTTE, N.C. …Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced a “Powering Communities Grant” of $15,000 to the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross. Funds will be used to support disaster response and volunteer training initiatives.

Building on Eaton’s tradition of corporate citizenship, the company’s “Powering Communities Grants” help improve the quality of life in communities where Eaton employees live and work.

“Eaton employees are highly engaged in the mission of the American Red Cross,” said Nereida Ramos, plant manager, Eaton’s Charlotte facility.  “Last year we participated in the annual blood drive as well as training in first aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device operation. Being prepared can ultimately save lives and we’re proud to be associated with the American Red Cross.”

The Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Greater Carolinas Chapter, one of a network of more than 900 Red Cross chapters nationwide, is the largest in the Carolinas serving nearly 800,000 people with three service centers in the metropolitan area including Charlotte, Lake Norman and Statesville.

“Donations to the Greater Carolinas Red Cross stay right here in our immediate area,” said Pamela Jefsen, chief executive officer, Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross.  “Thanks to the generosity of companies like Eaton, we can better prepare for emergencies and reach out to our neighbors and assist them when disaster strikes.”

Eaton’s facility in Charlotte, part of the company’s Truck Group, employs approximately 67 people who assemble clutches for medium and heavy duty trucks.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2008 sales of $15.4 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and 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 approximately 75,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries.