SOUTHFIELD, Mich. … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced it was selected as a General Motors Corp. 2008 Supplier of the Year award for valvetrain. This is the second consecutive year that Eaton has earned this recognition.  Winners of the coveted award were announced at the 17th annual GM Supplier of the Year business meeting and recognition ceremony held at the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Mich.

“We are honored to be recognized once again by GM as one of its top suppliers,” said Joseph Palchak, president - Automotive Group, Eaton Corp.  “This recognition reinforces Eaton’s commitment to helping our customers remain competitive by supplying products that meet their requirements and also meet the needs of consumers.” 

Eaton was selected for its technologies that help improve fuel efficiency and its quality, service and delivery from its valvetrain facilities in Kearney, Nebraska; Roxboro, North Carolina; Three Rivers, Michigan; Aguascalientes, Mexico and its engineering centers in Marshall, Michigan and Southfield, Michigan for advanced valvetrain and valve material development.

The GM Supplier of the Year award began as a global program in 1992. Winners are selected by a global team of executives from purchasing, engineering, manufacturing and logistics who base their decisions on supplier performance in quality, service, technology and price. 

With sales of $1.9 billion in 2008 and 10,000 employees around the world, Eaton’s Automotive Group supplies the automotive industry with critical components that reduce emissions and fuel consumption, and improve vehicle stability and performance. Principal products include engine valvetrain components, torque control products, fluid conveyance components, superchargers, fuel emission and powertrain controls.

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.  For more information, visit www.eaton.com .