IR Retail Solutions Helps Food Stores Optimize Energy Costs

BRIDGETON, MO - (May 28, 2002) - The cost of energy accounts for 3.5% - 6% of a supermarket's operating expenses. For many food retail businesses, this area offers the single most significant opportunity for cost reduction. The newly-formed IR Retail Solutions, a unit of Ingersoll-Rand, provides customers with energy solutions, a complete array of products and services designed to optimize a customer's cost base and deliver bottom line productivity. IR Retail Solutions can offer solutions for demand side and supply side problems, ranging from premier products such as the PowerWorks microturbine to innovative energy savings programs such as StoreWorks™.

StoreWorks™ begins with an audit of the store or chain of stores. A team of highly trained engineers performs surveys to identify the equipment optimization opportunities and energy cost savings potential. All energy consuming equipment, including stoves, HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, saws, and slicers as well as doors, are evaluated. The mechanical audit includes a physical inspection and review of the current status of the equipment in the store with the intention of optimizing settings in order to make the equipment run more efficiently. During the audit, the IR Retail Solutions team analyzes energy usage patterns at the store which can influence the cost of the energy.

"The data collected by StoreWorks™ is analyzed and modeled utilizing sophisticated, data intensive software, then it is compared to current energy consumption data provided by the customer. This helps us establish a baseline for ongoing energy savings comparisons," said Scott Carr, Director of Energy Services, IR Retail Solutions.

After analyzing the data, IR Retail Solutions makes site-specific recommendations regarding opportunities for additional energy savings. The recommendations could include equipment adjustments or changes in operating procedures to reduce energy use. Specific equipment recommendations might include utilizing Hussmann's energy-efficient Innovator reach-in doors, Gen-X power switching equipment or SafeNet temperature monitoring system.

The base line established in the StoreWorks™ audit, along with anticipated savings, provide payback and ROI estimates for the customer. Paybacks of 6-12 months are typical and will vary based on the extent of changes made in the audit and local energy costs.

To help food stores implement the recommended changes, IR Retail Solutions offers project management, deployment of energy savings opportunities and installation. IR Retail Solutions also offers monitoring services, called StoreSentry™, to alert customers to alarm conditions and ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the cost saving measures that have been implemented. The monitoring system can help stores maintain food quality by ensuring compliance with FDA codes (HACCP). With ongoing monitoring, adjustments can be made as necessary and problems corrected in a timely manner.

"StoreWorks™ is just part of what IR Retail Solutions offers customers. We're the only company that can provide complete integrated solutions from premier products and design services…to audits and monitoring…to installation and service," said Carr. "Through this integration of services & products, IR Retail Solutions offers more value to our customers."

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 such 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.