Eaton Partners with NSF and NFPA to Establish New $21 Million Engineering Research Center for Fluid Power Technology

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.--June 5, 2006--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation joins National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) members, seven universities and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a new Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power. In addition to $3 million in industry funding and $3 million from universities, the NSF recently announced a 5-year $15 million grant to support the center which will pioneer energy-saving fluid power technology, based at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.

"Eaton is proud to be part of the Engineering Research Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power," stated Sohan Uppal, Eaton vice president of technology - Fluid Power Group. "This collaboration of more than 50 industry members, seven U.S. universities, and the National Science Foundation is unprecedented in the fluid power industry in the United States."

Fluid power is used extensively in manufacturing and agricultural and construction equipment. ERC researchers will study ways to do this work with less energy consumption. Research will also focus on innovative applications of fluid power such as the development of a hydraulic-hybrid passenger car. Other research at the center may lead to new medical and rehabilitation devices and robots to be used in rescue missions.

"This center will advance fundamental knowledge, providing a platform for technology that will spawn new industries," said Lynn Preston, leader of the Engineering Research Centers Program at NSF. "We are impressed with the ambitious goals of the center for research and education and the strong partnership with the industry."

"Eaton is excited by the possibilities that the new research center will open up for us and for the Fluid Power industry," said Bill VanArsdale, Eaton vice president and president - Hydraulics Operations. "Our industry is evolving and the products and technologies developed here will play a key role in helping to continue our leadership in traditional markets and branch out into new, previously untapped markets."

NSF-funded Engineering Research Centers conduct pioneering research in emerging technologies and train the next generation of engineers to be leaders in innovation. Each center, while based at one university, is a collaborative partnership drawing together individuals and resources from other universities, industry partners, and pre-college teachers and students.

In addition to the University of Minnesota, universities involved in the new center include the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Georgia Institute of Technology, Purdue University and Vanderbilt University, as well as other outreach universities and institutions such as the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2005 sales of $11.1 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 60,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.