The Bill Switchgear and MEM ranges of electrical switchgear, controlgear and circuit-protection products have been integrated into a single range under Eaton’s MEM brand. This means that existing Bill Switchgear customers have access to an expanded range that includes all the products with which they are familiar. These are available through a much larger number of stockists nationwide.

Over the last year work has been going on to prepare the way so that existing Bill Switchgear customers are reassured that they will continue to enjoy the quality and service they associate with the Bill brand. Sales teams have been trained and distributors have been helped to convert their accounts. Trade press advertising and point of sale material has been produced to convey the message that the Bill and MEM brands are being brought together under the Eaton banner.

"Bill Switchgear has a loyal and long-established customer base, but the reality of the situation is that for some years the vast majority of Bill products have been duplicated in the MEM range" says Alan Birks, Marketing Director for Eaton’s Commercial and Residential products in Europe. "For example the Bill Talisman MPS modular panelboard system was technically identical to the Memshield 2 MPS system; Bill Classic Form 4 modular switchboards were identical to Memform Form 4 cubicle switchboards and Bill Talisman Plus MCB distribution boards and devices were identical to the Memshield 2 system."

Conversion charts, available in the form of price lists, will enable customers to convert the existing Bill Switchgear product numbers to MEM product numbers.

One Customer Support number - 08700 545 333 - will handle MEM and Bill enquiries.

The integration programme has also brought together the former MEM 250 and MEM Circuit Protection and Control brands so that Eaton can offer a single source for all electrical installation equipment requirements for residential, commercial and industrial premises, from switches and socket-outlets to switchboards and packaged substations. The sales team will also handle Eaton’s brand of control products and power distribution equipment.

The integrated business offers the most extensive range of low voltage distribution and control equipment from any UK company. It includes both fuse-based and circuit-breaker protection systems, transient voltage surge suppression equipment, power factor correction systems and busbar trunking systems. Full engineering services are available including installation design, project management, commissioning and maintenance.

The Bill/MEM integration is itself part of a much larger programme to integrate the former Delta Electrical group companies - Bill, Holec and MEM - with Eaton’s electrical operations (which include the former Ottermill and Westinghouse switchgear businesses) to form a powerful new global electrical equipment manufacturer offering products to international standards, for use anywhere in the world.

Eaton’s website: www.eatonelectrical.co.uk

February 3, 2003

Eaton completes acquisition and welcomes Delta employees

Recently, Eaton completed its acquisition of Delta plc’s electrical division, which will be integrated with Eaton’s electric group. Today, Eaton begins officially welcoming Delta electrical employees to the organization. “This is an important day for us. We look forward to working with the Delta employees and leveraging our combined strengths; we’re truly going global with the power of ‘One Eaton’,” says Randolph W. Carson, Executive Vice President, Eaton Corporation.

The acquisition demonstrates Eaton’s commitment to global growth and the electrical industry. Delta’s electrical division – with presence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, and strong IEC brand names such as MEM, Holec, BiLL, Home Automation, Elek, and TABULA – complements Eaton’s portfolio of products, geographic reach, and customer relationships in its electric group. The acquisition provides more opportunities to tap significant new markets and support multinational customers with a broader range of solutions, a strong local presence and technical expertise.

As part of our Welcome Day efforts, Eaton leaders are meeting with many Delta employees to provide an introduction to the company. An integration team, comprised of Eaton and Delta leaders, is using a proven, step-by-step integration approach to ensure a smooth transition. “Integration is a complex effort involving people, processes, products and systems, and – as a result – will take time,“ says Carson. “We’re asking all employees to stay relentlessly focused on our customers to make the transition as smooth as possible for them.”

Throughout the integration, Eaton is committed to providing open and timely information. Employees can submit questions and comments using the following e-mail address: deltaquestions@eaton.com. More information about the integration will follow in the coming weeks and months.

“This is the first of many steps in our global growth plan. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to strengthen our business and to have Delta employees join our team,” says Carson.