WITH only four UK branches and a global staff of 65,000 the presence of a leading aircraft business in a Devon market town is unusual.

But Eaton Aerospace, in Pathfields Business Park in South Molton, has made quite an impact on local life since it took over from FR-HiTemp five years ago.

More than 400 employees walk through the doors of the plant daily, making it South Molton's biggest employer.

And the chances are anyone who has ever flown has been served by their products.

"Eaton manufactures fuel systems for military and civil aircraft," said Dean Ward, cell manager at the plant.

In other words, it designs and makes all the little fiddly parts which are essential to keep an aircraft going.

Although mainly dealing with fuel systems, including valves, pumps and sensors, it also deals with fluid power, electrics and sensor components and systems.

An aircraft could not function without these parts. And with Eaton working with clients such as Boeing and Airbus, it plays a big part in our airline economy.

The South Molton site is also one of the most advanced, producing components for the Airbus A380, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Westland EH101.

"About 80 per cent of the employees come from five to 10 miles out of South Molton which means they are still concerned with the local area," said Mr Ward, who is also charity committee chairman at Eaton. His committee recently donated an annual award of £10,000 each to Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) and Children's Holiday Foundation North Devon.

Most of the charities are picked by employees who have personal links to the cause. Last year the company sponsored a "Hero Rat" in Exmoor Zoo, which are used to sniff out landmines, at an employee's request.

South Molton Army Cadets, the North Devon Hospice, the Samaritans, and Uganda-bound school pupils from South Molton Community College have also benefited from fundraising.

And every Easter, one of the employees hosts a golf day, with all proceeds going to CHSW.

Mr Ward said: "Helping with charities is part of integrating ourselves into the area. A large company with global funds can do a lot in a local community."

Donations of this kind are also part of the criteria for the external annual audit at Eaton. Call 01769 573371 if you have a charitable cause to recommend.