Eaton, a global Fortune 500 company specialising in power management solutions, will set up a research and development and global application centre in Sholinganallur in 100,000 square feet by investing Rs 200 crore.

The memorandum of understanding was exchanged between Eaton and Guidance Tamil Nadu in Chicago in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, who is on a fortnight-long visit to the United States along with Industries Minister TRB Rajaa.

The Eaton side included Matt Hockman, Global President of Crouse-Hinds, B-Line, Oil and Gas; Simon Mathieson, vice-president of EMEAI, Crouse-Hinds, B-Line, Oil and Gas, Eaton, Marine Drive; Country Head of India; Philipose Jacob; Country Director for Crouse-Hinds, B-Line, Oil and Gas India; Herman Bennis, HR Director for Crouse-Hinds, B-Line, Oil and Gas India. Tamil nadu Chief Minister later tweeted that it will generate 500 jobs.

Eaton's decision to set up an R&D and global application engineering centre in Chennai will focus on developing cutting-edge technologies and engineering solutions that cater to the company's global markets, further strengthening Tamil Nadu's position as a preferred destination for R&D investments, according to Industry department sources.

Philipose Jacob, Country Director, India- Eaton Crouse-Hinds, B-Line, Oil and Gas, said that the new facility in Sholinganallur, Chennai, will cover 100,000 square feet and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.