EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced that its Weatherhead product line has been named among the top three finishers in Fastenal Company’s annual “Supplier Scorecard” performance rating system.

“We are very proud to have been chosen as a top three finalist in the hydraulics category,” said Chuck Cordell, Eaton sales manager, program distribution. “This validates our ongoing efforts to improve the recognition of Weatherhead products in Fastenal branch stores nationwide and support Fastenal sales personnel in providing solutions for their customers.”

“The Scorecard is all about continuous improvement and is designed to measure three critical areas of performance,” said Susie Loechler, Fastenal supplier logistics manager.

“The first is sales growth measured by the number of stores selling their product and the sales volume. The second is program involvement measured by contracts that involve marketing programs, freight credits, early pay discounts and other core aspects of doing business with Fastenal. The third is operational excellence measured by compliance with our standard operating procedures of what a ‘perfect’ order looks like when it comes into our distribution center receiving dock.”

Fastenal Supplier Scorecard finalists were recognized at Fastenal’s annual Supplier Banquet held December 7 as part of the company’s Florida Employee Expo in Orlando. Eaton and Weatherhead were represented by Doris Showalter, senior product manager, Jerry Welch product sales manager, George Wolkhamer, manager, program distribution, and Cordell.

Fastenal sells different types of industrial and construction supplies in the following product categories: threaded fasteners and miscellaneous supplies; tools; metal cutting tool blades and abrasives; fluid transfer components and accessories for hydraulic and pneumatic power; material handling; storage and packaging products; janitorial, chemical and paint products; electrical supplies; welding supplies; safety supplies; metals, alloys and materials; and office supplies.

Fastenal operates approximately 2,500 stores located primarily in North America with additional locations in Asia, Europe, and Central America.

Eaton’s Hydraulics business is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of a comprehensive line of reliable, high-efficiency hydraulic systems and components for use in mobile and stationary applications. Mobile and stationary markets include agriculture, alternative energy, construction, forestry, manufacturing, material handling, mining, oil and gas, processing, transportation and utility equipment. Eaton’s Hydraulics Group provides customer-driven solutions under product names such as Aeroquip®, Boston®, Char-Lynn®, Eaton®, Hydrokraft®, Hydrowa®, Hydro-Line®, Integrated Hydraulics®, Synflex®, Vickers®, Walterscheid™, and Weatherhead®. For more information, visit www.eaton.com/hydraulics.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2010 sales of $13.7 billion. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011, 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, hydraulic 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 73,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.