Raleigh, N.C. — Eaton Corp. (NYSE: ETN), which employs some 700 people in the Raleigh area and 4,000 across the state, is reducing its work force.

In Eaton’s electrical division in Raleigh, 33 positions are being cut, said company spokesperson Kelly Jasko.

The company, which is based in Cleveland, Ohio, cited the global economic slowdown as the reason for the layoffs.

Eaton is scheduled to announce quarterly earnings on Jan. 26. Jasko said more details about the layoffs would be disclosed at that time.

Last fall, Eaton took over a vacant Flextronics facility in Youngsville and planned to transfer some 100 workers from its North Raleigh operations to Franklin County.

“My understanding is that all the facilities in the Raleigh area will continue to operate,” Jasko said.

Eaton, which has some 80,000 employees spread across more than 150 countries, manufacturers aerospace, truck and military equipment, including electrical systems and power train systems. Eaton laid off more than 3,000 workers in 2008.

Jasko said that laid-off workers will be paid through the end of January and will be eligible for severance benefits.