ICE Corporate Background

ICE was started in 1977 as a sharpening and repair operation for the carbide tipped saws and tools used by Ponton Wood Products (PWP), LLC. a manufacturer of industrial lumber products. Because of the expense of outside vendors, the start-up cost for ICE, as a service to PWP, LLC,was easily justified.

Soon, a 50/50 stock corporation was formed with an expert in the carbide tool industry.

After two years of foundation-building in the development of a machine product line and market penetration, 100% control of the company was acquired by R.S. Ponton, the current president and CEO.

Because the industrial lumber market was flourishing, management's time was needed by PWP, LLC in the expansion and marketing of that company; therefore, ICE was allowed to coast on its own momentum.

ICE continued to coast for several years, but it actually coasted "uphill". In late 1984, it was obvious that it had evolved into a "goldmine".

The machinery, related products, and services were refined and a formal advertising and promotional program was established.

ICE now benefits from an excellent world-wide reputation and is a significant leader in the industry.

SALES TECHNIQUE

Sales are effected in the following ways:

   •  Direct sales resulting from response to advertisements and news releases in trade magazines and customer referrals.

   •  Sales by distributors located throughout the USA and Canada. Foreign distributors located in: Argentina, Chile, England, France, Guatemala, Ireland, Mexico, Pakistan, Taiwan, and by......

    •  Factory representatives: (non-salary, commission based salesmen) located in the following states: Mississippi, New Jersey, Tennessee, Washington, and also by......

    •  A licensed manufacturing and sales facility located in the Netherlands which provides sales and service for ICE products for much of western Europe.

CUSTOMERS

ICE has an established customer base in the saw and tool sharpening, repair and manufacturing industries.

A significant part of its sales (approximately 45%) are to the industrial sector of the North American  market. These customers include sawmill, lumber, pallet, machinery, and hearing-aid manufacturers.

Foreign sales represent approximately 20% of total sales including those in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, England, France, Guatemala, Ireland, Mexico, Puerto Rico, The Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Slovenia, South Africa. Marketing efforts are progressing in Canada, England, France, Germany and The Netherlands.

FUTURE

Expectations are for a continued growth in customer base, product line and sales, consistent with the recent trend of continued emphasis on the export market