Local Programs

Eaton’s community involvement programs are designed and delivered locally to make sure they’re meeting the right needs of the individual communities. In each facility around the world, a team of managers and employees decides which programs their facility will support, and they encourage fellow employees to get engaged. This process not only bolsters participation, but it also builds pride, as employees can directly experience the benefits of their volunteer efforts and contributions. As Eaton expands operations globally, we implement this culture of giving back to our communities. In Changzhou, China, for example, employees at Eaton Senyuan Switch Co., Ltd, acquired late in 2007, quickly demonstrated their commitment to community by helping to fund the educations of 100 low-income college and middle school students from the area.

Eaton funds many employee-driven initiatives each year. Here are a few:

Valinhos, Brazil – Drop of Oil Program Brings Sustainability to Life for Elementary Students
Since late September 2007, the Truck Group’s facility in Valinhos, Brazil, has been introducing local students to the importance of environmental health and safety (EHS) through its Drop of Oil program. The program aims to involve the local community in EHS issues by raising awareness and understanding the link between society and the environment. The students from area elementary schools go through interactive learning stations, being educated on environmental health issues and the importance of managing industrial residues. “Environmental education helps change the behavior and attitude of people, and plays a fundamental role in urging individual action and finding concrete solutions for environmental problems,” said Jose Angelo Coelho, EHS manager.

“Many environmental problems are caused by our everyday routines, where we have the power to act in ways that improve environmental health.” By the end of 2007, 278 Brazilian students had visited the Eaton facility.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Earth Day Event Empowers Eaton Employees to Live Sustainability
The Electrical Group’s Earth Day event was held on April 22, 2008 to empower employees with ways to make a positive impact on the environment. The lobby of the Electrical Group’s headquarters in Pittsburgh was transformed into an educational “gallery” with multiple stations showcasing Eaton’s sustainable products, customer solutions, and displays of the green-certified headquarters expansion. Employees also learned how they can reduce their own “environmental footprint.” Hybrid vehicles, a mock office space, and a model home comprised just a few of the educational displays. The first 300 in attendance received compact fluorescent light bulbs after signing a pledge to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The event also provided an educational backdrop for the Electrical Group’s “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” activities on April 24. Students, grades 1-12 toured the exhibits and were able to make their own promise to make a positive impact on the environment.

Marshall, Michigan – Competing to Improve Fuel Efficiency
For the 28th consecutive year, students from around the world used Eaton’s test track in Marshall, Michigan, to attempt to set a fuel economy record during the SAE International Supermileage competition. The event, run by Eaton employee volunteers from the Automotive and Truck Groups, requires high school and college students to construct single-person vehicles that must complete six laps on Eaton’s 1.6 mile test track. The record is more than 3,000 miles per gallon. The competition supports Eaton’s desire to improve vehicle efficiency and minimize environment impact while encouraging tomorrow’s engineers to think greener.

More Examples of Eaton’s Community Involvement from the 2007 Annual Report.