Eaton Corporation Helps Restore Operations at Pittsburgh's Gateway Center Office Complex Following City of Pittsburgh's Massive Water Main Break

PITTSBURGH--Sept. 12, 2005--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation mobilized its personnel and products in response to a locally unprecedented water main break in downtown Pittsburgh. More than 16 million gallons of water inundated buildings in the city's Gateway Center office complex, causing three buildings to be evacuated and inoperable for several days while crews worked to restore occupancy.

The water main break caused water to rise as high as 17 feet in some underground areas of the large downtown office complex, with all power distribution and motor control equipment submerged.

Eaton quickly organized its efforts to replace or refurbish electrical equipment such as motor starters, circuit protectors, control power transformers and other devices. In one day, Eaton shipped 20 large motor control units, weighing over 1,500 pounds, which supplied motor protection to nearly 800HP worth of motors. Normal daily shipments usually do not exceed 250 pounds.

"Eaton was one of many contractors and suppliers who made it possible for us to restore occupancy to our office complex as quickly and safely as we did," said Debra Donley, general manager of Hertz Gateway Center. "We are very grateful for Eaton's responsiveness and commitment to helping us recover from the City's water main break."

"Eaton's response to a situation of this magnitude required a true team effort, problem-solving skills, and availability of quality electrical products," said Frank Campbell, vice-president/general manager of Eaton Corporation's commercial and industrial facilities division. "We commend the team for its quick actions and are proud to help restore services to a signature office complex in Eaton's backyard."

Eaton's products will provide efficiency, safety, and maximum uptime for the Gateway Center Office Complex. The company displayed quick ship service combined with a small business personal touch that is generally not available in an industry of large manufacturers. Eaton's power distribution satellite manufacturing program - featuring 17 locations throughout the United States - offers quick technical and commercial support to help customers overcome emergency situations.

In the electrical industry, Eaton is a global leader in electrical control, power distribution, and industrial automation products and services. Through advanced product development, world class manufacturing methods and global engineering services and support, Eaton provides customer-driven solutions under brand names such as Cutler-Hammer(R), Powerware, Durant(R), Heinemann(R), Holec(R), and MEM(R), which globally serve the changing needs of the industrial, utility, light commercial, residential, and OEM markets. For more information, visit www.eatonelectrical.com.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2004 sales of $9.8 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 56,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

Editors Note: To obtain photography of the damage to Gateway Center's electrical systems or photos of Eaton's products, please contact Brendan Mullin at (212) 614-4704.