After a 10-year hiatus, Ingersoll-Rand is back in the milling machine business. The announcement was made during the company's press conference during the opening day of ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005.
Ingersoll-Rand acquired ABG back in 1990. ABG was well-respected in the road-building industry in Europe, but the milling machine segment never really took off for Ingersoll-Rand.
"We found out there was no basis to continue because the design was not mature enough," said Peter Schlesinger, president of Ingersoll-Rand's Road Development Group.
Ingersoll-Rand is ready to roll this time around, and will introduce two models--one in the U.S. and one in Europe--later this year. The European version is expected to hit the show floor in about four weeks.
"We feel it's a requirement to go back in the milling business," said Schlesinger. "It's been in development the last three years and we are ready to release it."
In the compaction arena, Ingersoll-Rand is committed to its Smart Drum Technology, which will include high-tech density equipment on the rollers themselves.
"We want the construction piece of equipment to be the communicator," said Schlesinger.
Ingersoll-Rand also is showcasing new highway class pavers, commercial pavers and hot tack machines at this year's show.
