IN FOCUS

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced it has sold $75 million of 5.45 percent senior debentures due October 2034, pursuant to an underwriting agreement with Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated.

Sulzer registered a high growth in order intake during the first nine months of the year by a nominal 12.2% to CHF 1,662.4 million. Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects the increase was 11% over the prior year.

In a recent market survey by Frost & Sullivan (London) on European power plant maintenance repair and overhaul strategies, Sulzer Elbar, a subsidiary of Sulzer Turbomachinery Services, achieved the highest rating in the category customer satisfaction.

ITT Industries, Inc. announced third quarter 2004 net income of $109.8 million, even with the period last year, and up 21 percent when excluding the net benefit of special items recorded in the third quarter 2003.

IDEX Corporation reported record sales and net income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004. Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter were 44 cents, up 33 percent from the third quarter of 2003. Earnings per diluted share for the first nine months of 2004 were $1.23, up 32 percent versus the first nine months of 2003.

Solar energy continues to grow in significance with an unmistakable trend towards obtaining electricity and hot water from the sun (photovoltaic and solar thermal energy conversion).

Little Giant^® Pump Company has introduced new versions of its popular Pit Plus^TM sewage systems. IAPMO approved Pit Plus^TM sewage removal systems are pre-assembled with Little Giant® high performance 9S and 10S series sewage pumps. The systems are equipped with a 16-bolt steel cover, a 2″ schedule 80 PVC discharge pipe and check valve.

SKF reports for the third quarter of 2004 a 14.1% increase in sales, measured in local currencies, compared to the same period in 2003. The operating margin for the quarter was 10.6% (8.4). The price/mix increased by 2.3%. Cash flow continued to be strong.

Parker Hannifin Corporation today reported record quarterly net income and earnings for the period ended September 30, 2004, while also marking a record $1.95 billion in fiscal first-quarter sales.

Flowserve Corp. announced that Richard J. Guiltinan, vice president and chief accounting officer, has notified Flowserve of his plans to leave the company.