TYLER, TX (INGERSOLL RAND NEWS SERVICE) -- Ingersoll Rand recently announced plans to provide capital funding of more than $20 million for the Residential Systems (RS) plant in Vidalia, GA. The southern Georgia operation employs approximately 500 and manufactures residential heating and air conditioning units under the brand names Trane and American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning. In operation in Vidalia for more than 18 years, the 418,500-square foot facility will be updated and redesigned to accommodate future product plans.

"The approval for this investment is a visible endorsement of the value Ingersoll Rand places on our business and our contributions," said RS President Dave Pannier. "The willingness to make this substantial investment during these difficult economic times is a very tangible vote of confidence."

Marek May, RS Vidalia plant manager, added: "This capital investment on the part of Ingersoll Rand recognizes the excellent work by the employees in the Vidalia plant and reinforces the company's willingness to invest in the business. We certainly appreciate the vote of confidence that Ingersoll Rand is making in us and are proud that our plant was selected for the funding. We are eager to start planning the facility updates."

Implementation of the facility redesign is expected to begin in late 2009 with production on the new lines targeted for the third quarter of 2010. A detailed plan is being finalized by the Vidalia team so that full production can be maintained while new equipment is installed and the redesign is finalized.