Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm paid a visit to Eaton Thursday to get a rundown on how the company was putting its grant money to work

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At the company's Charleston Township, Mich., offices, Granholm toured the company's Hybrid Village, an innovation incubator facility set apart from the rest of Eaton's campus that was created in 2002. Eaton provided information about its other electrical and industrial power management offerings the company provides cities and states as part of the nation's economic stimulus program. She also took an Eaton hybrid powered Ford F-550 utility bucket truck for a test drive.

A couple weeks ago, Eaton announced it will help produce plug-in hybrid electric power systems for 378 vehicles, as part of $45.4 million government grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"Michigan is the leader among states in the development of hybrid commercial vehicles that will lessen our dependence on foreign oil as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Granholm said. "We will continue to be a leader in helping to commercialize the next generation of vehicle technology."

"We appreciate her interest in our business and we're working hard to be a positive force toward Michigan's economic resurgence," said Joseph Palchak, president, Eaton's Vehicle Group.

Last week, Eaton hosted U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., who previewed the company's commercial vehicle hybrid power technology at its Michigan Innovation Center in Southfield. Rep. Levin also voiced his support of new legislation to extend the heavy-duty hybrid tax credit for five years and double the credit amounts.

More info: www.eaton.com