Q1. Which businesses are affected by these changes?

A1. The businesses that are affected in the UK are MEM 250, MEM CP&C and BILL Switchgear.

Q2. What does the company expect to achieve through this restructuring?

A2. All of these businesses are well established in their own right and have a good reputation and range of products. However, by combining each of their individual areas of expertise and product offering, we have established an electrical control and power distribution business that, through a vastly increased portfolio, can manage much larger contracts by offering a complete project solution from a single source.

Q3. How will these changes affect day to day operations?

A3. On a day to day basis, customers will benefit in a number of ways. Because customers are now ordering from a single source, it means that trading terms will be greatly simplified. For example, because we now offer everything from switchgear and industrial circuit protection to power distribution systems and lighting controls all under one roof, it means that there will be a single invoice for all product orders making it much easier to do business with Eaton MEM.

In addition, Eaton MEM has implemented EBS (Eaton Business System) that provides strengths of processes and systems to the local market.

Q4. Will I have the same personal sales contact that I have always had?

A4. In the vast majority of cases, the answer is yes. We believe that preserving local relationships is the key to restructuring. Maintaining and strengthening this resource has been the focus of our ongoing customer care programme so that the specialist knowledge and market segment expertise is not lost.

Q5. Will the products change in anyway?

A5. No, the actual product range will not change and the manufacturing processes will remain exactly the same. Quality is at the heart of Eaton MEM and Eaton’s long established continual improvement programmes will ensure that we continue to deliver the finest quality products available in the market today.

Q6. Will the packaging change?

A6. Yes. From June/July, the consumer interface ‘Memstyle range’ will be the first products to begin to appear in new livery. The box will be white with a blue graphic banding maintaining the MEM logo and text. An Eaton brand logo will appear along side it. Labelling will also change to conform to the new livery.

Q7. Will the product range change and will the components used in the manufacture of the products come from the same source?

A7. Eaton has plant worldwide. As an Eaton company we have access to these superior portfolio additions and we can use Eaton components to outsource within the company.

Q8. Who is Eaton Electrical?

A8. Eaton’s Electrical business 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’s Electrical business provides customer-driven solutions under brand names such as Cutler-Hammer®, Durant®, Heinemann®, Holec® and MEM®, 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 2003 sales of $8.1 billion. Eaton is a global leader in fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management systems and powertrain controls for fuel economy; and intelligent drivetrain systems for fuel economy and safety in trucks. Eaton has 51,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

Q9. Are prices going to change as a result of this activity?

A9. There are no plans to increase prices as a result of these changes. We will continue to offer high quality product solutions at competitive prices.

Q10. How will the accounts/invoice process be affected?

A10. The accounts and invoicing process will be greatly improved making it much easier for you to do business with Eaton MEM at a number of levels. We are currently developing a single invoice system which we expect to be able to implement towards the end of this year and we are also working towards a centralised warehouse meaning that we can deliver unrivalled customer service and a growing global support network.

Q11. What should I tell my customers when they ask about these changes?

A11. Tell them that they are your customers and they will also benefit enormously from this new bigger basket of products, partnership alliances and improved project solutions.

Q12. What are you doing to inform my customers?

A12. Eaton MEM has launched a major “Leading Light in the Industry” marketing and branding campaign to communicate the many benefits that will be brought about as a result of these changes and this will be running throughout May, June and July.

As well as personal visits to customers from the Eaton MEM sales team to explain all about the changes, the campaign will include a series of trade press advertisements plus a number of editorial features. We are also running a massive promotion through the trade offering customers the chance to win an all expenses paid trip to Norway to see the Northern Lights as well as the chance to win the drive of a lifetime in a Ferrari 355!.