KANSAS CITY, MO (INGERSOLL RAND NEWS SERVICE) -- Ingersoll Rand's success may begin with outstanding products, but it continues long after the sale by providing customers with expert installation and equipment service. To provide this service, Ingersoll Rand needs plenty of top quality technicians. In order to support the development of tomorrow's technicians, Ingersoll Rand is working with SkillsUSA, a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations.

At this year's SkillsUSA Championships in Kansas City, MO, Ingersoll Rand sponsored a 4,500-square-foot display of company products, including an operating Bobcat compact track loader, two operating Thermo King refrigeration units, a Thermo King TriPac auxiliary power unit, a Security Technologies display, an operating Ingersoll Rand air compressor and a Hussmann parallel compressor rack. In addition, Hussmann provided equipment and contest judges for the fourth straight year.

Shown in the Ingersoll Rand exhibit area at the SkillsUSA Championships are employees (from left) Ken Keeling, Casey Craig, Mark Pfeifer, Bill Matson, Bob Gaulden, Bob Ryder, Victor Dennis, Shane Olson, Jerry Meyer and Frank Metcalfe.

"The full-size, remote-controlled Bobcat compact track loader was a big hit with the crowd," said Mark Pfeifer, Bobcat training supervisor. "I enjoyed watching spectators suddenly realize that there was no driver in the cab."

Also popular was the free, ice-cold water distributed by the Ingersoll Rand team. The custom-labeled bottles put the Ingersoll Rand name in the hands of thousands during the 3-day event. "One young kid asked for one to take home as a souvenir," said Frank Metcalfe, a Hussmann field instructor. "Another said, 'I didn't know that Ingersoll Rand makes water, too.' "

The SkillsUSA Championships is the showcase for the best career and technical students in the United States. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. More than 5,000 students compete in 87 occupational and leadership skill areas. This is a multi-million dollar event that occupies a space equivalent to 16 football fields. Hundreds of businesses and technical colleges participate in this annual event to promote careers in technical occupations.

Shown in the Ingersoll Rand exhibit area at the SkillsUSA Championships are employees (from left) Ken Keeling, Casey Craig, Mark Pfeifer, Bill Matson, Bob Gaulden, Bob Ryder, Victor Dennis, Shane Olson, Jerry Meyer and Frank Metcalfe.