BOLINGBROOK, IL-(October 23, 2003)-Familiar on building
sites, world-famous for the way they take the really tough
jobs in stride, Bobcat® compact tool carriers will be
available soon as detailed replicas produced by Ertl Collectibles®,
a brand of RC2 (NASDAQ:RCRC).
"Until now, Bobcat die cast collectibles have been
available only through Bobcat dealers," said Bill Walters,
Managing Director for Ertl Collectibles. "We're delighted
to bring them to a much wider retail audience."
"Bobcat is the market leader in compact equipment for
the construction market," he continued, "and the
die-cast replicas are beautifully detailed, fully articulated
scale versions of the machines you see every day. They're
the real thing in miniature."
Among the new products slated for release in Spring 2004
are a Bobcat Skid Steer Loader, Telescopic Handler, Mini-Excavator,
and Track Loader in 1:25 scale, and a Mini-Excavator
and Skid Steer in 1:50 scale. Additional new product,
in multiple scales, is planned for release in the Fall of
2004.
North Dakota-based Bobcat Company is a business
unit of Ingersoll-Rand, a major diversified industrial company.
For the name of the nearest Bobcat dealer, visit www.bobcatdealer.com.
Additional Bobcat product information can be seen at www.bobcat.com.
Ingersoll-Rand is a leading innovation and solutions provider
for the major global markets of Security and Safety, Climate
Control, Industrial Solutions 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; PowerWorks
microturbines; Ingersoll-Rand industrial and construction
equipment, Dresser-Rand turbomachinery; and Kryptonite portable
security products. 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.
RC2 (www.rc2corp.com) is a leading producer and
marketer of high quality, innovative collectibles and toys
targeted at adult collectors and children, as measured by
sales and brand recognition. The Company's diverse product
offerings include: agricultural, construction and outdoor
sports vehicle replicas; automotive, high performance and
racing vehicle replicas; traditional children's toys; sports
trading cards and racing apparel and souvenirs; and collectible
figures. These products are sold under the Company's market-focused
brand names, including Racing Champions®, Ertl®,
Ertl Collectibles®, Learning Curve, American Muscle™,
AMT®, W. Britain®, Press Pass®, Eden™,
Feltkids® and JoyRide Studios™. The Company supports
its brands and enhances the authenticity of its products
by linking them with highly recognized licensed properties
from John Deere, Harley-Davidson, HIT Entertainment, Lamaze,
Case, Polaris, Honda, Caterpillar, Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler,
NASCAR, NHRA, Texaco, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers,
DIC Entertainment, Nintendo, Sega, Electronic Arts and Microsoft.
The Company's products are marketed through multiple channels
of distribution, including chain retailers, specialty and
hobby wholesalers and retailers, OEM dealers, corporate
accounts for promotional purposes and direct to consumers.
The Company sells through more than 20,000 retail outlets
located in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
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