Dear Eaton Channel Partner,
As we begin the second month of 2022, I’d like to take this opportunity to provide our valued partners with an update on Eaton’s current operational status and what you can expect from us in the coming months.
Supply chain disruptions, logistics, and labor challenges continue to provide challenges for manufacturers across the electrical industry. We expect these challenges to continue for a large part of 2022, which is why we have made significant investments to increase capacity, improve throughput, and grow our supply chain elasticity. Eaton continues to qualify new suppliers, utilize “spot buys” for critical material, and employ premium freight and expedited shipping lanes to maximize available product for our partners and customers. These investments and actions are helping, but due to the continuation of challenging conditions, lead times will continue to be extended across many Eaton product groups.
Our current efforts are focused on delivering product as efficiently as we can under the current circumstances. Because of this, please be aware that we do not have the flexibility to support expedite requests. While Eaton will continue to provide as-accurate-as-possible updates on lead times, unexpected changes are anticipated. We remain committed to providing our customers and channel partners with the most up-to-date and accurate information available while managing expectations that lead times may continue to be extended or changed as the market evolves.
Several of Eaton’s plants, including panelboard and switchboard sites, are conducting scheduling resets to provide more accurate lead time information. Please note that customer service responses may be delayed as these updates occur over the next several weeks.
We recommend adjusting any project planning timelines you may have to reflect these extended lead times, and please remain in close contact with Electra Products Agency for updates on any changes that may be put in place.
Moving forward, Eaton will be providing additional operational and supply chain updates via Distributor Newsline. This publication is sent every-other-month to our channel partners via email. If you are not currently receiving Distributor Newsline, visit Eaton.com/DNL to opt in.
As always, thank you for your partnership and understanding during these unprecedented times.
