UMECO plc, Europe's leading provider of value-added distribution services to the aerospace and defence industries, announced that Pattonair Limited, its supply chain outsourcing business, has been awarded a five-year contract by Eaton Corporation's Aerospace business.

Worth approximately £2.5m (4.0m) over the life of the contract, the agreement covers the supply of components, direct line feed and kitting services into four Eaton Aerospace sites in France, Germany and the UK.

Clive Snowdon, Chief Executive of Umeco plc, said:

"This contract represents a significant milestone for Pattonair. Eaton's Aerospace business is a major supplier of components and systems to the aerospace industry and we are very delighted to become a key part of their supply chain management team."

Eric Ratinaud, European procurement manager for Eaton's Aerospace business, said:

"We are excited about this relationship because it is right in line with Eaton's goals to further employ lean manufacturing methodologies for improved efficiencies."

In the aerospace industry, Eaton is a leading supplier of hydraulic, electro-hydraulic pump and generator products and integrated systems; electric motors; aircraft flap and slat systems; fluid conveyance products and systems; nose wheel steering systems; integrated control systems; cockpit controls; power and load management systems; pressure sensors and fluid debris monitoring products and systems. Eaton`s Aerospace business serves commercial and military aviation, aerospace, military weapons, marine and off-road markets worldwide.