Aeroquip Group/Eaton Corp.

Eaton's Aeroquip Group, headquartered in Maumee, Ohio, is a worldwide leading manufacturer of a wide variety of fluid-conveying and fluid-connecting products.

Aeroquip Corporation was founded in 1940 in Jackson, Michigan, by Peter F. Hurst, a young German aeronautical engineer who held the patent rights to manufacture two new products designed for the aviation industry--detachable, reusable hose fittings and self-sealing couplings.

During World War II, Aeroquip products became military standards on all U.S. aircraft, establishing the company's reputation as a quality supplier and leading the way to penetration of the emerging fluid power industry.

Aeroquip products include all pressure ranges of hose, fittings, adapters, couplings and other fluid connectors, as well as precision plastic molded and extruded products for the automotive and industrial markets.

The company became the Aeroquip Group of Eaton in 1999 and currently operates 36 facilities in 11 countries and employs nearly 8,000 people.