Intermec, Cascade Collaborate to Create RFID Lift Truck

Lift trucks envisioned by Cascade and Intermec incorporate powerful dashboard computers positioned for maximum safety and efficiency, easy-to-reach RFID controls assimilated into the lift's control mechanisms, wireless real-time location tracking and navigational LEDs for optimal routing, and easy-to-adjust RFID readers designed into the frame of lift truck attachments for flexible and accurate use with a wide range of goods and supplies.

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There's more to a lift truck than first meets the eye. In the emerging world of RFID-enabled inventory tracking, the lift truck can become a powerful supply-chain information tool. Intermec Inc. (Everett, Wash.), an RFID pioneer and leading supplier of Gen 2 RFID technology and equipment, and Cascade Corp. (Everett, Wash.), the world's largest manufacturer of lift truck attachments, are teaming to develop a lift truck system that incorporates RFID technology into a lift truck's very infrastructure, replacing today's cumbersome and inefficient bolt-on approach to data collection.

"Imagine a mobile RFID system that provides real-time, hands-free information about what the product is and automatically making better decisions about how to handle that product," said Cascade Corp. Product Manager Brad Vandehey. "When you throw out your preconceived ideas of what lift trucks do today and think about how RFID capabilities could be built into the very structure of a complete lift truck equipment system, you begin to realize the efficiencies this type of mobile data-collection system can deliver."

Lift trucks envisioned by Cascade and Intermec incorporate powerful dashboard computers positioned for maximum safety and efficiency, easy-to-reach RFID controls assimilated into the lift's control mechanisms, wireless real-time location tracking and navigational LEDs for optimal routing, and easy-to-adjust RFID readers designed into the frame of lift truck attachments for flexible and accurate use with a wide range of goods and supplies. The system, designed specifically for the rugged environment of daily warehouse use, also engineers in a sophisticated cable management system, state-of-the-art wireless scanning capabilities and a built-in camera for cargo documentation.

Cascade and Intermec unveiled a prototype future lift truck today at Intermec's 2006 Global Partner Conference in Dallas.

With operations around the world, both Cascade Corp. and Intermec are ideally suited to understand the day-to-day requirements of supply chain inventory movement across enterprises. Sharing a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the companies realized early on that the combination of Cascade's lift truck-attachment expertise with Intermec's engineering prowess and RFID experience could provide customers with mobile RFID systems that surpass anything available today in their ability to increase supply-chain tracking and real-time inventory visibility.

About Intermec
Intermec Inc. (NYSE:IN) develops, manufactures and integrates technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets. Core technologies include RFID, mobile computing and data collection systems, bar-code printers and label media. The company's products and services are used by customers in many industries worldwide to improve the productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations. For more information about Intermec, visit www.intermec.com or call 800-347-2636. Contact Intermec Investor Relations Director Kevin McCarty at [email protected], 425-265-2472.

About Cascade
Cascade Corporation (NYSE:CAE) is the global leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of materials-handling equipment and related technologies. Cascade's advanced damage reduction technology, short lead times, flexible manufacturing, and quality products strengthen its position as the premier supplier to the material-handling industry. For more information, visit www.cascorp.com.