The New IR Retail Solutions…A New Approach To Food Retailing

BRIDGETON, MO - (May 5, 2002) - The recently launched, IR Retail Solutions, a unit of Ingersoll-Rand, takes a new approach to food retailing, delivering integrated solutions tailored to the unique needs of customers. IR Retail Solutions partners with grocery and convenience store customers to develop a strategic mix of products, services and solutions designed to lower operating costs, enhance asset management, improve store merchandising capabilities, maintain food safety and quality and combat rising energy expenses. The company's integrated solutions include premier products, design and engineering, equipment installation and service, audits and monitoring.

"We work closely with our customers, as an accountable member of their team, to implement company-wide solutions," explained Thomas Ryan, IR Retail Solutions President. "By leveraging resources and expertise across IR, we're able to drive productivity and lower costs for our customers."

With a fully developed network of service locations throughout the US and Canada, available 24 hours a day, IR Retail Solutions is able to respond quickly to individual customer needs wherever they are located. IR Retail Solutions offers reliable, high-quality services including design and engineering, mechanical and energy auditing, remote monitoring and equipment installation, service and maintenance.

StoreWorks™ , IR Retail Solutions energy & mechanical audit services, assists food stores in reducing their energy expenses. A team of highly trained technicians evaluates all energy consuming equipment, including HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, stoves, saws, slicers, and doors, among other items. The IR Retail Solutions team makes recommendations to help stores optimize equipment operation and take advantage of energy savings opportunities.

"We take a look at everything energy related. Our energy-saving recommendations may be as simple as adjusting equipment settings or as complex as changing operating procedures to reduce energy consumption during peak hours," said Scott Carr, IR Retail Solutions, Director of Energy Services.

StoreSentry™, IR Retail Solutions remote monitoring and data management service, helps ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the corrective actions taken and recommendations provided in the StoreWorks™ energy audit. StoreSentryTM remote monitoring maintains the efficient operation of equipment and provides immediate response to urgent situations. The service monitors equipment throughout the store, collecting operational information on refrigeration systems, display cases, HVAC systems, lighting, energy management systems and other equipment. If equipment isn't operating properly a technician is dispatch to correct the problem, keeping the customer informed in the process.

"Our monitoring services ensure the efficient operation of equipment," said David Nurse, Vice President - IR Retail Solutions Contact Center Operations. "For the store owner that means improved food quality, protection against food loss, compliance with FDA food codes and energy savings."

StoreSentry™ data management reports can be used to help improve profitability. The reports allow stores to compare energy use by specific equipment, look at energy cost variations over time and analyze other factors to improve operations.

The IR Retail Solutions extensive product mix includes equipment from industry-leading brands including:
Refrigeration
· Hussmann (refrigerated display cases & refrigeration systems)
· Thermo King (transport refrigeration systems)
Security and Safety
· Dor-O-Matic - (automatic doors)
· Interflex (employee scheduling and access control software)
· Recognition Systems (hand geometry readers)
· Glynn-Johnson (door control hardware)
· Ives (building hardware)
· LCN (door closers)
· Schlage (commercial locks)
· Locknetics (security products)
· Falcon (commercial locks)
· Monarch (exit hardware)
· Steelcraft (metal doors)
· Von Duprin (exit devices, access control systems)
Energy Systems
· PowerWorks (microturbines)
· Ingersoll-Rand (gen sets)

"By offering integrated solutions, we're able to create more value for our customer," said Ryan.

IR is a leading innovation and solutions provider for the major global markets of Security and Safety, Climate Control, Industrial Productivity and Infrastructure. The company's diverse product portfolio encompasses such leading industrial and commercial brands as Schlage locks and security solutions; Thermo King transport temperature control equipment; Hussmann commercial and retail refrigeration equipment; Bobcat compact equipment; Club Car golf cars and utility vehicles; Torrington bearings and components; PowerWorks microturbines; and Ingersoll-Rand industrial and construction equipment. In addition, IR offers products and services under many more premium brands for customers in industrial and commercial markets. Further information on IR can be found on the company's web site at www.irco.com.