International & Altec Donating Trucks to Tsunami Relief Effort

WARRENVILLE, Ill. – While the news has quieted about the devastating tsunami that struck the countries along the Indian Ocean, the large-scale rebuilding efforts continue. As part of that reconstruction effort, International Truck and Engine Corp. and Altec Industries today announced they are sending 10 commercial trucks to Thailand.

The equipment International and Altec are supplying comprises various sizes of aerial lifts that can serve a wide range of tsunami-rebuilding functions. These include power-and-communication-line restoration as well as debris clean-up activities. Re-establishing the electrical grid will help provide critical services to the tsunami-ravaged area like water purification and distribution. The equipment also will help restore essential emergency communication capabilities.

"Our strong, long-standing relationship with International has allowed us to partner in this important rebuilding effort program," said Lee Styslinger III, president and chief executive officer of Altec, based in Birmingham, Ala. "Both of our organizations share common philosophies that have served as the basis for partnering on a variety of business initiatives. And we each have a long history of helping those in need."

International and Altec are sending the trucks to Thailand with the assistance of the Thailand International Development Corporation.

"When companies unite for noble efforts like this, we can achieve so much more," said Daniel C. Ustian, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Navistar International Corp. "Our operating company, International Truck and Engine Corp., is supplying the trucks and our friends at Altec are providing the equipment. With these 10 specially outfitted trucks, many people in Thailand will be able to get the power they need faster than before."

The Dec. 26, 2004, earthquake that triggered the devastating tsunami registered more than 9.0 on the Richter scale. The resulting tsunami left more than 300,000 people dead or missing and billions of dollars in damage. Thailand was one of the hardest-hit areas.

Altec Industries is a leading manufacturer of aerial devices, digger derricks and specialty equipment for the electric utility, telecommunications and tree care industries. International Truck and Engine Corp. is the operating company of Navistar International Corp. The company produces International® brand commercial trucks, mid-range diesel engines and IC® brand school buses and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets.