An axle in 1911
Eaton says it all began in 1911, when Joseph Eaton invested in a new idea: a gear-driven truck axle. It started in transportation, not electrical gear.
Source: Eaton: Our heritage
Cutler-Hammer
Cutler-Hammer, the Milwaukee maker of motor controls and the CH panel line, became part of Eaton. Eaton gives 1978, when the deal was agreed; a Milwaukee history gives 1979.
Sources: Eaton: Our heritage, Cutler-Hammer The New York Times: Eaton offer for Cutler (June 27, 1978) Encyclopedia of Milwaukee: Cutler-Hammer Eaton: Loadcenters and circuit breakers catalog, Type BR and Type CH history notes (Vol. 12, Tab 5)
Westinghouse
On Jan. 31, 1994, Eaton completed its purchase of Westinghouse’s Distribution and Control Business Unit, which made Westinghouse’s breakers and loadcenters. In 1995 Eaton combined the product lines and moved loadcenter production to Lincoln, Illinois. That is how the Westinghouse home line became Eaton’s BR.
Sources: Eaton Form 8-K, February 1994: acquisition of Westinghouse’s Distribution and Control Business Unit (SEC EDGAR) Eaton: Loadcenters and circuit breakers catalog, Type BR and Type CH history notes (Vol. 12, Tab 5)
Cooper and Crouse-Hinds
On Nov. 30, 2012, Eaton completed its purchase of Cooper Industries, which brought along brands including Crouse-Hinds.
Sources: Business Wire: Eaton completes acquisition of Cooper Industries (Nov. 30, 2012) Onondaga Historical Association (CNY History): Crouse-Hinds
This is a history, not an endorsement. IES isn’t affiliated with Eaton, and its name and product names are trademarks of their owners. We use plain text, not logos.