IR Retail Solutions Offers Largest Network of Service Facilities In Industry

BRIDGETON, MO - (May 28, 2002) - Partnering with the Hussmann system of service operations, IR Retail Solutions, a newly-formed unit of Ingersoll-Rand, has assembled the largest North American network of company-owned service facilities addressing the food store industry. With 81 locations throughout the United States and over 2200 factory-trained and certified technicians available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, IR Retail Solutions offers a broad array of equipment installation, service and maintenance programs.

IR Retail Solutions works with customers on an on-call basis to handle specific service needs on critical refrigeration, HVAC, lighting, doors, and security and safety products. Customers can also take advantage of IR Retail Solutions' preventative maintenance programs to increase equipment uptime, driving productivity and maximizing merchandising opportunity.

At the hub of the service network is the IR Retail Solutions Contact Center. Upon being notified of a service need at a customer site, the Contact Center evaluates the situation and, using wireless communication, dispatches a skilled service technician from the nearest office to the store location. The wireless dispatch system provides information about the site and data about the equipment to assist the technician in handling the service call.

In conjunction with the service and maintenance programs, IR Retail Solutions also offers StoreSentry™ monitoring services. StoreSentry™ monitors refrigeration equipment, display cases HVAC systems, lighting, energy management systems and other equipment. Alarm conditions are electronically registered by the monitoring system and transmitted to the Contact Center for immediate corrective action. Fast response to alarm conditions reduces food loss and minimizes equipment downtime.

"We don't just offer service and maintenance programs, we offer integrated management solutions, from providing equipment…to installing it…to keeping it in great working condition" said David Nurse, Vice President, IR Retail Solutions Contact Center Operations. "That is, we help our customers to focus on their business while we maximize and provide up-time for their systems. Thus, we help them increase revenues and lower operating costs."

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.